Korean Dictionary
How to say "Autism" in Korean
“Autism” in Korean is 자폐증 (pronounced "japaejeung").
자폐증
japaejeung
Usage & Context
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication and behavior. Awareness and early intervention for 자폐증 have improved in Korea, with dedicated schools and therapy programs available.
Example Sentence
자폐증은 사람마다 증상의 정도가 다르다.
Autism varies in severity from person to person.
How to use 자폐증 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Autism” is 자폐증, romanized as japaejeung.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 자폐증.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '자' (ja) like 'ja' in 'jar'. '폐' (pae) sounds like 'pay' but with a softer 'p' and a slightly more open 'ae' vowel, similar to 'pie' without the 'i' sound. '증' (jeung) is like 'jung' in 'jungle', but the 'eu' vowel is short and guttural, like the 'u' in 'but'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing educational support for children with autism.
자폐증 아동을 위한 특수 교육 프로그램이 많아지고 있어요.
There are increasing numbers of special education programs for children with autism.
Talking about advocacy for autism awareness.
그는 자폐증에 대한 사회적 인식을 높이기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.
He is working to raise social awareness about autism.
Explaining the diversity of autism symptoms.
자폐증 스펙트럼은 매우 넓어서 증상이 다양하게 나타납니다.
The autism spectrum is very broad, so symptoms appear in various ways.
Cultural Context
In Korea, awareness and understanding of 자폐증 (autism) have grown significantly. While historically there might have been less public discourse, there's now a greater emphasis on early diagnosis, intervention, and inclusive education. K-dramas and public campaigns have also contributed to destigmatizing neurodevelopmental conditions, though challenges in societal integration and support still exist.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자폐증 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
자폐증 진단
autism diagnosis
자폐증 치료
autism treatment
자폐증 아동
child with autism
Related Expressions
발달 장애
baldal jangae
developmental disorder
자폐 스펙트럼
japae seupekeuteureom
autism spectrum
정신 건강
jeongsin geongang
mental health
특수 교육
teuksu gyoyuk
special education
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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