Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bipolar Disorder" in Korean
“Bipolar Disorder” in Korean is 양극성 장애 (pronounced "yanggeukseong jangae").
양극성 장애
yanggeukseong jangae
Usage & Context
Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. In Korea, 양극성 장애 is treated with medication and psychotherapy, and awareness is growing.
Example Sentence
양극성 장애는 기분이 극단적으로 오르내리는 상태다.
Bipolar disorder is a state where mood swings extremely up and down.
How to use 양극성 장애 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bipolar Disorder” is 양극성 장애, romanized as yanggeukseong jangae.
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 양극성 장애.
What learners usually mean by “Bipolar Disorder in Korean”
This query needs a careful translation, not medical guidance. People may be reading a diagnosis, translating a form, or trying to describe a condition respectfully.
Real usage
양극성 장애 is the standard Korean term for bipolar disorder. 조울증 is also widely understood but can feel more colloquial or dated in some contexts.
Avoid this mistake
Do not use this term casually as an insult or personality label. It refers to a mental health diagnosis and should be handled respectfully.
Better pattern
Use 양극성 장애 in medical, formal, or respectful writing. Use 조울증 only when you know the audience understands it and the tone is appropriate.
neutral medical description
양극성 장애로 치료를 받고 있어요.
I am receiving treatment for bipolar disorder.
safety note
정확한 진단은 의사와 상담해야 해요.
You should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Pronunciation Guide
양극성 (yanggeukseong) sounds like 'yahng' (rhymes with 'song'), 'geuk' (rhymes with 'book' but with a 'g'), then 'seong' (rhymes with 'song'). 장애 (jangae) sounds like 'jahng', then 'ae' like the 'eh' in 'bed'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Emphasizing the importance of treatment adherence.
양극성 장애는 꾸준한 약물 치료가 중요해요.
Consistent medication is important for bipolar disorder.
Stating a medical diagnosis and treatment status.
그는 양극성 장애 진단을 받고 치료 중입니다.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is undergoing treatment.
Explaining a key characteristic of the disorder.
양극성 장애 환자들은 기분 변화가 심할 수 있습니다.
Patients with bipolar disorder can experience severe mood swings.
Cultural Context
In Korea, mental health conditions like bipolar disorder (양극성 장애) have historically been met with significant stigma, leading many to hide their struggles. While public understanding is slowly improving, particularly with increased media coverage and advocacy, it remains a sensitive topic. The term '조울증' (jouljeung), meaning 'mania-depression illness,' was the older, more common term, but '양극성 장애' is now the preferred clinical term, reflecting a more nuanced understanding.
Editorial note
We review entries like 양극성 장애 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
양극성 장애 진단
Bipolar disorder diagnosis
양극성 장애 치료
Bipolar disorder treatment
기분 변화
Mood swings (a common symptom)
Related Expressions
조울증
jouljeung
Manic-depressive illness (older term for bipolar disorder)
우울증
uuljeung
Depression
정신과
jeongsingwa
Psychiatry / Mental health department
기분 장애
gibun jangae
Mood disorder (broader category)
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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