Korean Dictionary
How to say "Diarrhea" in Korean
“Diarrhea” in Korean is 설사 (pronounced "seolsa").
설사
seolsa
Usage & Context
설사 is a common gastrointestinal complaint in Korea often linked to eating spicy food or food hygiene issues. Korean pharmacies stock a variety of anti-diarrheal medications that can be purchased without a prescription. Oral rehydration solutions are recommended for managing 설사 to prevent dehydration.
Example Sentence
상한 음식을 먹고 설사가 생겼어요.
I got diarrhea from eating spoiled food.
How to use 설사 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Diarrhea” is 설사, romanized as seolsa.
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 설사.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '설사' as "Seol-sa." 'Seol' sounds like "sole" in "sole of a shoe." 'Sa' sounds like "sah" in "sahara."
More Example Sentences
Explaining a common reaction to spicy food.
매운 음식을 먹었더니 설사를 해요.
I ate spicy food and now I have diarrhea.
Describing a common travel ailment.
여행 중에 물갈이 때문에 설사를 했어요.
I had diarrhea due to traveler's diarrhea during my trip.
Giving a health warning.
설사가 심하면 탈수 증상이 올 수 있어요.
If diarrhea is severe, dehydration symptoms can occur.
Cultural Context
설사 (seolsa) is a very common term for diarrhea in Korea. It's often linked to dietary factors, especially consuming very spicy food (매운 음식) or food hygiene issues. Korean pharmacies readily stock various over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications. For severe cases, doctors will emphasize oral rehydration to prevent dehydration, a common concern with persistent 설사.
Editorial note
We review entries like 설사 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
설사를 하다
to have diarrhea
설사약
anti-diarrheal medicine
물설사
watery diarrhea
Related Expressions
변비
byeonbi
constipation (antonym)
복통
boktong
abdominal pain
탈수
talsu
dehydration
장염
jangyeom
enteritis / gastroenteritis
More Health & Medical Words
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