Korean Dictionary
How to say "Trauma" in Korean
“Trauma” in Korean is 트라우마 (pronounced "teurauma").
트라우마
teurauma
Usage & Context
Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that has lasting psychological effects. Korean society's collective experiences including war and rapid modernization have shaped national conversations about 트라우마.
Example Sentence
트라우마는 전문적인 치료를 통해 극복할 수 있다.
Trauma can be overcome through professional treatment.
How to use 트라우마 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Trauma” is 트라우마, romanized as teurauma.
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 트라우마.
Pronunciation Guide
This is a direct transliteration of "trauma." 트 (teu) sounds like 'tuh' in 'tough'. 라 (ra) sounds like 'rah' in 'rally'. 우 (u) sounds like 'oo' in 'moon'. 마 (ma) sounds like 'mah' in 'mama'. The syllables are pronounced distinctly and evenly, with no strong stress.
More Example Sentences
Describing the lasting impact of a distressing event.
그 사고는 저에게 큰 트라우마로 남았어요.
That accident left a big trauma for me.
Explaining the long-term effects of early trauma.
어릴 적 경험이 트라우마가 되어 성인이 되어서도 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.
Childhood experiences can become trauma and affect one even as an adult.
Discussing the necessity of seeking assistance for trauma recovery.
트라우마를 극복하기 위해 전문가의 도움이 필요해요.
Professional help is needed to overcome trauma.
Cultural Context
"트라우마" is a direct loanword from English and is widely understood and used in Korea, especially in discussions around mental health, psychology, and personal struggles. While historically, mental health issues might have been stigmatized, there's a growing openness, particularly among younger generations and through media like K-dramas and documentaries, to acknowledge and discuss trauma. The term is used in both clinical and everyday contexts to describe deeply distressing experiences, reflecting a societal shift towards greater psychological awareness.
Editorial note
We review entries like 트라우마 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
트라우마가 있다
to have trauma
트라우마를 극복하다
to overcome trauma
트라우마 치료
trauma treatment
Related Expressions
정신적 충격
jeongsinsjeok chunggyeok
psychological shock
상처
sangcheo
wound, scar (can be physical or emotional)
고통
gotong
pain, suffering
정신 건강
jeongsin geongang
mental health
More Mental Health & Wellness Words
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