Korean Dictionary
How to say "Headache" in Korean
“Headache” in Korean is 두통 (pronounced "dutong").
두통
dutong
Usage & Context
두통 is one of the most common ailments reported at Korean hospitals and clinics. Koreans often attribute headaches to stress from overwork or study pressure. Over-the-counter pain medications like 타이레놀 (Tylenol) are widely used for immediate relief.
Example Sentence
두통이 심해서 약을 먹었어요.
My headache was so bad that I took medicine.
How to use 두통 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Headache” is 두통, romanized as dutong.
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 두통.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'du-tong' — 'du' like 'doo', 'tong' rhymes with 'tong' (musical). Two clean syllables.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
머리 아파요
meori apayo
'my head hurts' — what Koreans actually say in casual conversation
More Example Sentences
work stress complaint
스트레스 때문에 두통이 생겼어요.
I got a headache from stress.
medical history discussion
편두통이 자주 와요.
I get migraines often.
asking a pharmacist
두통약 있어요?
Do you have headache medicine?
Cultural Context
두통 is the medical noun, but in daily speech Koreans say '머리 아파요' (my head hurts). At pharmacies, 두통약 (headache medicine) like '타이레놀' is the go-to. Common culprits blamed for 두통 are stress (스트레스), lack of sleep (수면 부족), and skipping meals. Korean TV ads for 두통약 are ubiquitous.
Editorial note
We review entries like 두통 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
두통이 있어요.
I have a headache.
두통약 주세요.
Please give me headache medicine.
머리가 깨질 것 같아요.
My head feels like it's splitting.
Related Expressions
편두통
pyeondutong
migraine
두통약
dutongyak
headache medicine
머리 아프다
meori apeuda
head hurts
진통제
jintongje
painkiller
More Health & Medical Words
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