Korean Dictionary
How to say "Self-care" in Korean
“Self-care” in Korean is 자기 돌봄 (pronounced "jagi dolbom").
자기 돌봄
jagi dolbom
Usage & Context
Self-care encompasses activities one engages in to maintain physical and mental well-being. The 자기 돌봄 movement has grown in Korea, encouraging people to prioritize their own needs.
Example Sentence
자기 돌봄은 이기적인 것이 아니라 필수적인 것이다.
Self-care is not selfish but essential.
How to use 자기 돌봄 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Self-care” is 자기 돌봄, romanized as jagi dolbom.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 자기 돌봄.
Pronunciation Guide
For 자기 (jagi), 'Ja' sounds like 'jah' in 'jar', and 'gi' sounds like 'gee' in 'geese'. For 돌봄 (dolbom), 'Dol' sounds like 'doll', and 'bom' sounds like 'bomb' without the final 'b' sound, or like 'bum' in 'bumble' but with an 'o' sound. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Giving advice to a friend about maintaining well-being.
바쁜 일상 속에서도 자기 돌봄 시간을 꼭 가지세요.
Even in a busy daily life, make sure to take self-care time.
Explaining the importance of self-care in a discussion.
자기 돌봄은 정신 건강에 매우 중요합니다.
Self-care is very important for mental health.
Sharing personal self-care activities with someone.
저는 주말에 독서와 산책으로 자기 돌봄을 실천해요.
I practice self-care by reading and walking on weekends.
Cultural Context
While the concept of "self-care" (자기 돌봄) is a relatively recent import and buzzword in Korea, especially among younger generations, the underlying idea of taking care of oneself is gaining traction. In a society known for its demanding work culture and academic pressure, prioritizing personal well-being over constant productivity can be a challenge. The term is often seen in online communities, wellness blogs, and discussions around mental health, reflecting a growing awareness and effort to combat burnout and stress. It's a concept that resonates with those seeking balance in modern Korean life.
Editorial note
We review entries like 자기 돌봄 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
자기 돌봄 시간
self-care time
자기 돌봄이 필요해
I need self-care.
자기 돌봄을 실천하다
to practice self-care
Related Expressions
휴식
hyusik
rest, relaxation
웰빙
welbing
well-being (loanword)
자기 관리
jagi gwalli
self-management (broader, can include self-care but also self-improvement)
정신 건강
jeongsin geongang
mental health
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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