Korean Dictionary
How to say "Patient" in Korean
“Patient” in Korean is 환자 (pronounced "hwanja").
환자
hwanja
Usage & Context
환자 is the Korean word for a patient or sick person under medical care. Korean hospitals use 환자 번호 (patient number) systems to manage appointments and calls. The respectful treatment of 환자 is emphasized in Korean medical education and hospital culture.
Example Sentence
환자분, 이름을 확인해도 될까요?
Patient, may I confirm your name?
How to use 환자 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Patient” is 환자, romanized as hwanja.
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 환자.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 환 (hwan), sounds like 'hwan' in 'swan' but with a clear 'h' sound at the beginning. The second syllable, 자 (ja), sounds like 'ja' in 'jar'. Combine them as 'HWAN-ja'.
More Example Sentences
A nurse or receptionist addressing a patient respectfully.
환자분, 다음 진료는 다음 주 수요일입니다.
Patient, your next appointment is next Wednesday.
Explaining someone's serious medical condition.
그는 교통사고로 중환자실에 입원했어요.
He was hospitalized in the intensive care unit due to a car accident.
Describing a doctor's actions during a medical examination.
의사는 환자의 상태를 면밀히 관찰했어요.
The doctor closely observed the patient's condition.
Cultural Context
In Korean medical settings, it's common to address patients respectfully using '환자분' (hwanja-bun), adding the honorific '분' (bun) for 'person'. Family involvement in a patient's care and decision-making is often significant in Korea, with family members frequently staying with patients in the hospital, especially for extended periods or serious conditions. This reflects the strong emphasis on family ties in Korean culture.
Editorial note
We review entries like 환자 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
환자 번호
Patient number
환자복
Patient gown
외래 환자
Outpatient
Related Expressions
의사
uisa
Doctor
간호사
ganhosa
Nurse
병원
byeongwon
Hospital
진료
jillyo
Medical examination/treatment
More Health & Medical Words
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