Korean Dictionary
How to say "Painkiller" in Korean
“Painkiller” in Korean is 진통제 (pronounced "jintongje").
진통제
jintongje
Usage & Context
진통제 is commonly purchased over the counter at Korean pharmacies for everyday pain management. Common Korean 진통제 brands include 타이레놀 (Tylenol) and 부루펜 (ibuprofen-based). Koreans are generally cautious about taking too many 진통제 and often seek a pharmacist's advice on proper dosage.
Example Sentence
치통이 심해서 진통제를 먹었어요.
The toothache was so bad that I took a painkiller.
How to use 진통제 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Painkiller” is 진통제, romanized as jintongje.
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 진통제.
Pronunciation Guide
For '진' (jin), it sounds like the English name 'Jean'. For '통' (tong), it's like 'tongue' without the 'ue' sound, ending with a clear 'ng'. For '제' (je), it's pronounced like 'jay'.
More Example Sentences
Expressing discomfort and seeking relief.
두통이 너무 심해서 진통제를 찾고 있어요.
My headache is so bad, I'm looking for a painkiller.
A pharmacist giving instructions for medication.
이 진통제는 식후에 드셔야 합니다.
You should take this painkiller after meals.
Explaining a personal habit for pain management.
생리통 때문에 진통제를 항상 가지고 다녀요.
I always carry painkillers because of menstrual cramps.
Cultural Context
진통제 (jintongje) is a common over-the-counter medication in Korea. While popular brands like Tylenol (타이레놀) and ibuprofen-based ones (부루펜) are readily available, Koreans generally approach medication with caution. It's common to consult with a pharmacist even for OTC drugs, especially regarding dosage and potential side effects. Many also prefer traditional remedies or acupuncture for pain relief before resorting to painkillers.
Editorial note
We review entries like 진통제 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
진통제를 먹다
to take a painkiller
진통 효과
pain-relieving effect
소염 진통제
anti-inflammatory painkiller
Related Expressions
소염제
soyeomje
anti-inflammatory drug
해열제
haeyeolje
fever reducer
약
yak
medicine
두통약
dutongyak
headache medicine
More Health & Medical Words
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