Korean Dictionary
How to say "Antibiotic" in Korean
“Antibiotic” in Korean is 항생제 (pronounced "hangsaengje").
항생제
hangsaengje
Usage & Context
항생제 requires a prescription in Korea and must be taken as directed to prevent antibiotic resistance. Korean health authorities have campaigns to reduce 항생제 overuse which has historically been high in Korea. Completing the full course of 항생제 is strongly emphasized by Korean doctors and pharmacists.
Example Sentence
의사가 항생제를 5일 동안 먹으라고 했어요.
The doctor told me to take antibiotics for 5 days.
How to use 항생제 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Antibiotic” is 항생제, romanized as hangsaengje.
Usage tip
When describing symptoms, combine the word with where it hurts, when it started, and how severe it is.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 항생제.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '항생제' as "Hang-saeng-jeh." 'Hang' sounds like the English word "hang." 'Saeng' rhymes with "sang" in "sang a song," but with a slightly softer 's' sound. 'Je' sounds like "jeh" in "jet."
More Example Sentences
Explaining pharmacy rules to a friend.
항생제는 꼭 처방전이 있어야 살 수 있어요.
You definitely need a prescription to buy antibiotics.
Describing a personal side effect of medication.
항생제를 먹으면 속이 좀 안 좋아요.
My stomach feels a bit upset when I take antibiotics.
Recalling a doctor's important advice.
의사 선생님이 항생제 복용을 중단하지 말라고 하셨어요.
The doctor told me not to stop taking antibiotics.
Cultural Context
In Korea, antibiotics (항생제) are strictly prescription-only, and there's a strong emphasis on completing the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance, which has been a significant public health concern. Doctors and pharmacists will often explicitly instruct patients not to stop taking them even if symptoms improve. You'll frequently see public campaigns by health authorities promoting responsible antibiotic use.
Editorial note
We review entries like 항생제 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
항생제 처방받다
to get an antibiotic prescription
항생제 내성
antibiotic resistance
항생제를 다 먹다
to finish all the antibiotics
Related Expressions
약
yak
medicine
처방전
cheobangjeon
prescription
내성
naeseong
resistance (e.g., antibiotic resistance)
복용하다
bokyonghada
to take (medicine)
More Health & Medical Words
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