Opening Up in Korean: How to Talk About Therapy
Hello! This is Maeil Hangeul, here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Today, we’re diving into a very important and increasingly common topic: how to talk about mental health and therapy in Korean. This can be a sensitive subject, but knowing the right words can help you have deeper, more meaningful conversations with your Korean friends and family.
Recently in Korea, there’s a wonderful, growing wave of openness about mental wellness. You’ll see it discussed in popular K-dramas, by brave K-pop idols, and among young people who are prioritizing their mental well-being. So, let’s learn the essential phrases to join this important conversation!
Core Expressions You Need to Know
Here are a few key phrases to help you talk about therapy and mental health with confidence.
1. 심리 상담 (Simni Sangdam)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Simni sangdam
- English Meaning: Psychological Counseling / Therapy
- Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and respectful term for therapy or counseling. 심리 (simni) means ‘psychology’ or ‘mind’, and 상담 (sangdam) means ‘consultation’. You often use this phrase with the verb 받다 (batda), which means “to receive.” So, “to go to therapy” is 심리 상담을 받다 (simni sangdam-eul batda). It’s a neutral and clear way to describe the act of seeking professional help.
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
In 심리 (simni), the final consonant ‘ㅂ’ (b) from 심 (sim) is followed by ‘ㄹ’ (r/l) in 리 (ri). In this situation, the ‘ㅂ’ sound changes to an ‘ㅁ’ (m) sound, and the ‘ㄹ’ sound changes to an ‘ㄴ’ (n) sound. This is called nasalization. So, instead of “sib-ri,” it’s pronounced smoothly as [심니/simni]. This makes the pronunciation flow much better!
2. 마음이 힘들다 (Maeumi himdeulda)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Maeumi himdeulda
- English Meaning: To have a hard time (mentally/emotionally); “My heart/mind is heavy.”
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Detailed Explanation: This is a beautiful and natural way to express emotional distress. 마음 (maeum) is a rich word that can mean ‘heart’, ‘mind’, or ‘spirit’. 힘들다 (himdeulda) means ‘to be difficult’ or ‘tiring’. Instead of using a clinical term, this phrase gently conveys that you’re struggling emotionally. It’s perfect for opening up to a friend.
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
When the particle 이 (i) follows a noun ending in a consonant like 마음 (maeum), the final consonant sound links to the next syllable. So, you don’t say “ma-eum / i” with a pause. Instead, the ‘ㅁ’ (m) sound moves over, creating the smooth pronunciation [마으미/maeumi]. This linking rule (called 연음/yeoneum) is essential for sounding natural.
3. 털어놓다 (Teoreonota)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Teoreonota
- English Meaning: To open up / to confide in / to get something off one’s chest.
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Detailed Explanation: This verb perfectly captures the feeling of sharing a secret or a heavy burden. 털다 (teolda) means ‘to shake off’ and 놓다 (nota) means ‘to put down’. So literally, it’s like you’re “shaking off” your worries and putting them out in the open. You can use it like, “친구에게 모든 것을 털어놨어요.” (Chinguege modeun geos-eul teoreonwasseoyo) – “I opened up about everything to my friend.”
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💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The pronunciation of 털어놓다 is [터러노타/teoreonota]. Notice how 놓다 (nota) becomes [노타/nota]? The ‘ㅎ’ (h) sound in Korean is very weak, especially when it’s caught between voiced sounds. Here, the vowel ‘어’ (eo) comes before it, so the ‘ㅎ’ sound simply disappears! This rule is called ‘h-deletion‘ (ㅎ 탈락/h tal-lak). It makes the word much easier and faster to say.
Example Dialogue
Let’s see how these expressions work in a real conversation. Here, Minjun is checking in on his friend, Sora.
민준 (Minjun): 소라야, 무슨 일 있어? 요즘 좀 힘들어 보여.
(Sora-ya, museun il isseo? Yojeum jom himdeureo boyeo.)
Sora, is something wrong? You seem a bit down lately.
소라 (Sora): 응, 사실 요즘 마음이 좀 힘들어서… 그래서 심리 상담을 받아 볼까 생각 중이야.
(Eung, sasil yojeum maeum-i jom himdeureoseo… Geuraeseo simni sangdam-eul bada bolkka saenggak jung-iya.)
Yeah, to be honest, I’ve been having a hard time emotionally… So I’m thinking about trying therapy.
민준 (Minjun): 정말? 그거 좋은 생각이야. ‘이상한 변호사 우영우’에서도 주인공이 상담받는 장면 나오잖아. 혼자 끙끙 앓는 것보다 누군가에게 털어놓는 게 훨씬 낫지.
(Jeongmal? Geugeo joeun saenggak-iya. ‘Isanghan Byeonhosa Uyeongu’-eseodo ju-in-gong-i sangdam-banneun jangmyeon naojana. Honja kkeungkkeung anneun geotboda nugun-gaege teoreononneun ge hwolssin natji.)
Really? That’s a great idea. You know, even in the drama ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, the main character gets counseling. It’s so much better to open up to someone than to suffer alone.
소라 (Sora): 맞아. 네가 그렇게 말해주니까 용기가 생긴다. 고마워, 민준아.
(Maja. Nega geureoke malhaejunikka yonggi-ga saengginda. Gomawo, Minjun-a.)
You’re right. Hearing you say that gives me courage. Thanks, Minjun.
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
In Korea, the conversation around mental health has changed dramatically.
- The Idol Influence: K-pop idols like Suga of BTS, Taeyeon, and Kang Daniel have bravely shared their own struggles with anxiety and depression. Their honesty has helped millions of young fans feel less alone and has significantly reduced the stigma associated with seeking help.
- K-Dramas as Conversation Starters: Dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, My Mister, and My Liberation Notes portray therapy and emotional struggles with nuance and compassion. These shows have normalized the idea that taking care of your 마음 (maeum) is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
- “Healing” Culture: The concept of ‘힐링’ (hilling – from the English word “healing”) is a major trend in Korea. This can mean anything from taking a quiet trip to the countryside to talking with a professional. Using the phrases you learned today fits perfectly into this modern cultural context.
Let’s Practice!
You’ve done an amazing job today! Let’s quickly review and put your new knowledge to the test.
- Fill in the blank:
If your friend seems emotionally distressed, you can show your concern by saying:
“요즘 ________이/가 힘들어 보여요.” (Yojeum ________i/ga himdeureo boyeoyo.) -
Sentence Making:
Imagine you’re advising a friend who is keeping their worries to themselves. How would you use the verb 털어놓다 to encourage them to talk?
Great work! Remember, learning these phrases isn’t just about vocabulary—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level.
Why not try using one of today’s expressions in the comments below? Share your thoughts or practice making a sentence. We’re all here to support each other
