Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cold / Flu" in Korean
“Cold / Flu” in Korean is 감기 (pronounced "gamgi").
감기
gamgi
Usage & Context
감기 is the most common illness in Korea especially during autumn and winter months. Koreans have many folk remedies for 감기 including hot pumpkin porridge, ginger tea, and rest. The Korean healthcare system makes it very easy to see a doctor for 감기 since clinics are abundant and inexpensive.
Example Sentence
감기에 걸렸나 봐요. 목도 아프고 콧물도 나요.
It seems I caught a cold. My throat hurts and I have a runny nose.
How to use 감기 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cold / Flu” is 감기, romanized as gamgi.
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 감기.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '감기' as "Gam-gi." 'Gam' sounds like "gum" in "bubblegum." 'Gi' sounds like "gee" in "geese."
More Example Sentences
Giving seasonal health advice.
환절기에는 감기 조심해야 해요.
You need to be careful not to catch a cold during seasonal changes.
Explaining a symptom to a colleague.
감기 때문에 목소리가 잘 안 나와요.
My voice isn't coming out well because of a cold.
Offering comfort and advice to a sick friend.
따뜻한 차 마시고 푹 쉬면 감기가 나을 거예요.
If you drink warm tea and rest well, your cold will get better.
Cultural Context
Catching a cold (감기) is incredibly common in Korea, especially during the colder months. Koreans often visit local clinics (의원 or 병원) for even mild cold symptoms, as healthcare is affordable and accessible. Many also rely on traditional remedies like ginger tea (생강차), jujube tea (대추차), or hot pumpkin porridge (호박죽) for comfort and recovery.
Editorial note
We review entries like 감기 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
감기에 걸리다
to catch a cold
감기 조심하세요
Please be careful not to catch a cold.
감기약
cold medicine
Related Expressions
독감
dokgam
flu
몸살
momsal
body aches (often from a cold/flu)
콧물
konmul
runny nose
기침
gichim
cough
More Health & Medical Words
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