Korean Dictionary
How to say "Stomachache" in Korean
“Stomachache” in Korean is 복통 (pronounced "boktong").
복통
boktong
Usage & Context
복통 refers to abdominal pain and is frequently caused by irregular eating habits common among busy Korean workers and students. Korean traditional remedies for 복통 often include drinking warm barley tea or ginger tea. Persistent 복통 is taken seriously as it can signal digestive disorders.
Example Sentence
갑자기 복통이 생겨서 병원에 갔어요.
I suddenly got a stomachache so I went to the hospital.
How to use 복통 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Stomachache” is 복통, romanized as boktong.
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 복통.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'bok-tong' — 'bok' rhymes with 'bock' with unreleased k, 'tong' rhymes with 'tong' (musical).
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
배 아파요
bae apayo
'my belly hurts' — the everyday way Koreans describe stomach pain
More Example Sentences
medical emergency
복통이 심해서 응급실에 갔어요.
The stomachache was so bad I went to the ER.
food poisoning
음식을 잘못 먹었는지 복통이 있어요.
I think I ate something bad and have a stomachache.
sick day
복통 때문에 밥을 못 먹어요.
I can't eat because of the stomachache.
Cultural Context
복통 is the medical/formal term, while '배 아프다' (belly hurts) or '배탈' (upset stomach) are more common in daily speech. Korean traditional remedies include drinking '매실차' (plum tea) or '보리차' (barley tea). Persistent 복통 is treated seriously, and Koreans frequently visit '내과' (internal medicine) for chronic issues.
Editorial note
We review entries like 복통 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
복통이 있어요.
I have a stomachache.
배가 너무 아파요.
My stomach hurts a lot.
배탈이 났어요.
I have an upset stomach.
Related Expressions
배탈
baetal
upset stomach
복통약
boktongyak
stomach medicine
소화불량
sohwa bulryang
indigestion
배 아프다
bae apeuda
belly hurts
More Health & Medical Words
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