Korean Dictionary
How to say "Fatigue" in Korean
“Fatigue” in Korean is 피로 (pronounced "piro").
피로
piro
Usage & Context
피로 is a pervasive health complaint in Korea driven by long working hours and intense academic pressures. The Korean concept of 만성피로 (chronic fatigue) is widely discussed in medical and wellness contexts. Vitamin B complex injections and energy drinks marketed as fatigue relief are extremely popular in Korea.
Example Sentence
요즘 만성피로로 인해 아무것도 하기 싫어요.
Lately due to chronic fatigue I do not feel like doing anything.
How to use 피로 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Fatigue” is 피로, romanized as piro.
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 피로.
Pronunciation Guide
피 (pi) sounds like 'pee' in 'peek'. 로 (ro) is like 'roh' in 'road', but with a soft 'r' sound, closer to 'l'. The stress is typically on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing work-related exhaustion and its long-term effects.
과도한 업무로 인해 만성 피로에 시달리고 있어요.
I'm suffering from chronic fatigue due to excessive work.
Seeking remedies for persistent tiredness.
피로 회복에 좋은 영양제를 찾고 있어요.
I'm looking for supplements good for fatigue recovery.
Experiencing post-travel exhaustion.
여행 후에는 항상 피로가 몰려와요.
After a trip, fatigue always sets in.
Cultural Context
'피로' is a very common complaint in South Korea, often linked to the demanding '빨리빨리' (ppalli-ppalli, 'hurry-hurry') culture, long work hours, and intense academic competition. The concept of '만성피로' (chronic fatigue) is widely recognized. Many Koreans rely on energy drinks, vitamin supplements (especially B complex), and even IV drips at clinics to combat persistent fatigue, reflecting a societal struggle with exhaustion.
Editorial note
We review entries like 피로 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
피로가 쌓이다.
Fatigue accumulates.
피로를 풀다.
To relieve fatigue.
만성 피로.
Chronic fatigue.
Related Expressions
피곤하다
pigonhada
To be tired (adjective, more common for general tiredness)
지치다
jichida
To be exhausted, worn out
활력
hwallyeok
Vitality, energy (antonym concept)
피로 회복제
piro hoebokje
Fatigue recovery supplement/drink
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