Korean Dictionary
How to say "Sick Leave" in Korean
“Sick Leave” in Korean is 병가 (pronounced "byeongga").
병가
byeongga
Usage & Context
Sick leave is an absence from school due to illness. Students must provide a doctor's note or parent's note to justify sick leave. This system ensures that absences are properly documented and tracked.
Example Sentence
감기 때문에 병가를 냈어요.
I took sick leave because of a cold.
How to use 병가 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Sick Leave” is 병가, romanized as byeongga.
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 병가.
Pronunciation Guide
For 병가 (byeongga), 'byeong' sounds like 'byung' (as in 'byung-man'), and 'ga' is like 'gah' (as in 'gah-gah'). The 'eo' in 'byeong' is similar to the 'aw' in 'saw'. Overall: 'Byung-gah'.
More Example Sentences
Explaining a prolonged absence due to illness.
독감에 걸려서 며칠 병가를 냈어요.
I caught the flu, so I took a few days of sick leave.
Administrative task for requesting sick leave.
병가 신청서를 작성해야 해요.
I need to fill out a sick leave application form.
Informing the teacher about the cause of absence.
선생님께 병가 사유를 말씀드렸어요.
I told the teacher the reason for my sick leave.
Cultural Context
병가 (byeongga) refers to sick leave, applicable to both students and employees. For students, it typically requires a doctor's note (진단서) or a parent's official notification to be considered a justified absence. It's important to differentiate it from a general absence (결석), as sick leave is officially recognized due to health reasons and usually doesn't negatively impact a student's record if properly documented.
Editorial note
We review entries like 병가 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
병가를 내다
To take sick leave
병가 신청
Sick leave application
병가 중이다
To be on sick leave
Related Expressions
휴가
hyuga
Vacation/Leave (general)
연차
yeoncha
Annual leave (for employees)
조퇴
jotwae
Early leave
결석
gyeolsseok
Absence
More School Life Words
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