Korean Dictionary
How to say "Depression" in Korean
“Depression” in Korean is 우울증 (pronounced "uuljjeung").
우울증
uuljjeung
Usage & Context
우울증 is a significant public health concern in Korea where the country has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD nations. The fast-paced competitive culture contributes to high rates of 우울증 particularly among teenagers and young adults. Korean psychiatrists (정신건강의학과) and online counseling services help treat 우울증.
Example Sentence
스트레스가 심해서 우울증 진단을 받았어요.
I was under severe stress and was diagnosed with depression.
How to use 우울증 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Depression” is 우울증, romanized as uuljjeung.
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 우울증.
Pronunciation Guide
우울증 (uuljjeung) is pronounced 'oo-ool-jjung'. '우' (u) sounds like 'oo' in 'moon'. '울' (ul) sounds like 'ool' in 'pool'. '증' (jjeung) has a tense 'jj' sound, like a double 'j', followed by 'ung', similar to 'jjung-le'.
More Example Sentences
Expressing concern for a friend's mental state.
친구가 요즘 우울증으로 힘들어하고 있어요.
My friend is having a hard time with depression lately.
Discussing a specific type of depression common among new mothers.
산후 우울증은 많은 엄마들이 겪는 문제예요.
Postpartum depression is a problem many mothers experience.
Offering advice to someone who might be experiencing depression.
우울증 증상이 있다면 전문가의 도움을 받는 것이 좋아요.
If you have symptoms of depression, it's good to get help from a professional.
Cultural Context
Depression (우울증) is a significant public health concern in Korea, often linked to the country's high suicide rates. The fast-paced, competitive culture, especially in academics and work, contributes to its prevalence, particularly among younger generations. While a stigma around mental illness persists, there's a growing movement towards seeking professional help from psychiatrists (정신건강의학과) and counselors, with K-dramas and public figures increasingly addressing the topic.
Editorial note
We review entries like 우울증 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
우울증에 걸리다
To get/suffer from depression
우울증 치료
Depression treatment
우울증 극복
Overcoming depression
Related Expressions
불안증
buranjjeung
Anxiety disorder
무기력증
mugiryeokjjeung
Lethargy, apathy (often a symptom)
정신과 의사
jeongsingwa uisa
Psychiatrist
상담
sangdam
Counseling
More Health & Medical Words
Related Articles
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Depression and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
