NAATI CCL Korean Health & Medical Practice Dialogues — Worked Examples
Korean medical interpreting requires navigating the speech-level system where patients use formal hasipsio-che (합쇼체) or polite haeyo-che (해요체) with doctors, while doctors may use slightly lower registers when giving instructions. Sino-Korean medical terminology like 진단서 (jindan-seo, medical certificate), 혈압 (hyeol-ap, blood pressure), and 처방전 (cheobang-jeon, prescription) dominates clinical vocabulary, with Chinese-character compounds that pack dense meaning into two or three syllables. Honorific verb conjugations — 드시다 (deusida, honorific for eating/taking medicine) vs. 먹다 (meokda, plain) — must be tracked to preserve the patient-doctor social dynamic. Agglutinative verb endings stack tense, politeness, and mood into single words: 검사받으셔야 합니다 (you must receive an examination, honorific) requires unpacking multiple grammatical layers. Indirect speech patterns where patients report symptoms through quoted forms like 아프다고 했어요 (said it hurts) demand careful interpretation to attribute statements correctly.
7 practice dialogues
GP Visit — Persistent Headaches
This dialogue is between a woman and a Doctor at a GP clinic. The woman has been experiencing persistent headaches for several weeks and is seeking medical advice.
Good morning. I can see from your file that you've been experiencing headaches for the past two weeks. Can you describe the pain for me?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요. 기록을 보니 지난 2주 동안 두통이 계속되고 있군요. 통증에 대해 설명해 주시겠어요?
네, 선생님. 통증은 주로 머리 오른쪽에 있어요. 아침에 시작해서 하루 종일 심해져요. 가끔 어지럽기도 해요.
Model interpretation
Yes, doctor. The pain is mostly on the right side of my head. It starts in the morning and gets worse throughout the day. Sometimes I also feel dizzy.
I see. Have you noticed any changes in your vision, or do you feel nauseous when the headaches are severe?
시야가 가끔 약간 흐려지긴 하는데, 메스꺼움은 없어요. 파라세타몰을 먹고 있지만 몇 시간밖에 효과가 없어요.
I'd like to run some tests, including a blood test and possibly a CT scan, just to rule out anything serious. I'll also refer you to a specialist if needed.
좀 걱정이 되네요. 검사 결과가 나오는 데 얼마나 걸리나요? 혹시 심각한 건 아닌지 걱정됩니다.
The blood test results should be available within three days. The CT scan might take about a week. Please try not to worry — most headaches have simple causes like stress or tension.
감사합니다, 선생님. 그동안 파라세타몰을 계속 먹어도 될까요, 아니면 더 강한 약을 추천하시나요?
You can continue with paracetamol for now, but don't exceed four grams per day. I'll also prescribe a mild anti-inflammatory that may help with the pain. Make sure you stay hydrated and get enough rest.
알겠습니다. 나가면서 접수처에서 검사 예약하겠습니다. 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다, 선생님.
One more thing — if your headaches suddenly become much worse, or you experience sudden vision loss or difficulty speaking, please go to the emergency department immediately.
그렇게 하겠습니다. 조언 감사합니다, 선생님. 결과가 나오면 후속 진료 예약에 꼭 오겠습니다.
Emergency Room — Chest Pain
This dialogue is between a man and a Triage Nurse at an emergency department. The man has arrived with chest pain and tightness and the nurse is assessing his condition.
Hello, I'm the triage nurse. Can you tell me what brought you to the emergency department today?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요, 저는 응급 분류 간호사입니다. 오늘 응급실에 오신 이유를 말씀해 주시겠어요?
오늘 아침부터 가슴 통증이 있어요. 가슴이 조이고 무거운 느낌인데, 뭔가 가슴을 누르는 것 같아요. 숨도 잘 안 쉬어져요.
Model interpretation
I've been having chest pain since this morning. It feels tight and heavy, like something is pressing on my chest. I'm also short of breath.
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain? Does it spread to your arm, jaw, or back?
7 정도인 것 같아요. 통증이 왼쪽 팔로 퍼져요. 땀도 좀 나고 머리가 어질어질해요.
Given your symptoms, we need to act quickly. I'm taking you to the treatment area immediately. We'll do an ECG and blood tests right away. Are you allergic to any medications?
아니요, 알레르기는 없어요. 하지만 매일 혈압약을 먹고 있어요. 암로디핀이라는 약인 것 같아요.
Thank you. Is there anyone we should contact — a family member or next of kin?
네, 아내에게 전화해 주세요. 이름은 메이이고 번호는 0412 345 678입니다. 지금 아마 직장에 있을 거예요.
We're going to monitor your heart rhythm and give you some aspirin as a precaution. A doctor will see you within the next few minutes.
감사합니다. 이게 심장마비인가요? 정말 무서워요.
We won't know until we've done the tests. Try to stay calm and rest. The medical team will explain everything once they've assessed you.
알겠습니다. 이렇게 빨리 조치해 주셔서 감사합니다. 도움에 감사드립니다.
Pharmacy — Prescription Medication
This dialogue is between a man and a Pharmacist. The man has come to fill a prescription for cholesterol medication and the pharmacist is explaining the dosage and side effects.
Good afternoon. I see you have a prescription here. Before I fill it, I need to ask a few questions. Is this medication for you?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요. 처방전이 있으시군요. 조제하기 전에 몇 가지 질문드려야 합니다. 이 약은 본인용인가요?
네, 제 거예요. 의사 선생님이 고콜레스테롤 때문에 처방해 주셨어요. 매일 복용해야 한다고 하셨어요.
Model interpretation
Yes, it's for me. My doctor prescribed it for high cholesterol. She said I need to take it every day.
This is atorvastatin, a statin medication. Take one tablet at night, preferably at the same time each day. Are you currently taking any other medications or supplements?
비타민 D 보충제를 먹고 있고, 가끔 오메가3 캡슐도 먹어요. 혈압약도 먹고 있는데 — 메토프롤롤인 것 같아요.
There are no major interactions between those medications. However, avoid eating grapefruit while taking atorvastatin, as it can increase drug levels in your blood. Common side effects include muscle pain and digestive issues.
그렇군요. 자몽을 아예 먹으면 안 되는 건가요? 그리고 근육통이 생기면 어떻게 해야 하나요? 약을 중단해야 하나요?
If you experience significant muscle pain, see your doctor before stopping the medication. Don't stop it on your own.
알겠습니다. 비용이 얼마인가요? 할인 카드가 있어요.
With your concession card, the cost is seven dollars sixty for a month's supply. Would you like me to put it on your medication record?
네, 부탁드려요. 다음번에 편리하겠네요.
Your medication will be ready in about ten minutes. You can wait here or come back later. Do you have any other questions?
아니요, 다 됐어요. 이렇게 명확하게 설명해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Specialist Referral — Cardiologist
This dialogue is between a woman and a Cardiologist, Dr Chen. The woman has been referred by her GP for heart-related symptoms and is undergoing specialist assessment.
Good morning. I'm Dr Chen, the cardiologist. Your GP referred you because of some abnormal results in your recent ECG. How have you been feeling?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요. 저는 심장내과 전문의 첸 의사입니다. 최근 심전도 검사에서 이상 소견이 있어서 주치의가 저에게 의뢰하셨습니다. 최근 어떠세요?
대부분 괜찮은데, 가끔 이유 없이 심장이 빨리 뛰어요. 보통 밤이나 쉬고 있을 때 그래요.
Model interpretation
I've been okay mostly, but I sometimes feel my heart racing for no reason. It usually happens at night or when I'm resting.
How long do these episodes last, and how often do they occur?
5분에서 10분 정도 지속되고, 일주일에 두세 번 정도 있어요. 약 두 달 전에 시작됐어요.
I'd like to perform an echocardiogram today — an ultrasound of your heart. It shows how your heart is functioning. We may also fit a Holter monitor to record your rhythm over twenty-four hours.
심장 초음파 검사는 아픈가요? 홀터 모니터 때문에 입원해야 하나요?
No, the echocardiogram is completely painless — it's just like a regular ultrasound. The Holter monitor is a small device you wear home and return the next day.
다행이네요. 아버지가 심장 질환이 있어서 많이 불안했어요.
Family history is important, and it's good that you're getting this checked. We'll have a much clearer picture after these tests. In the meantime, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
보통 하루에 커피를 두세 잔 마시는데요. 완전히 끊어야 하나요?
Try to reduce it to one cup in the morning at most. Caffeine can trigger the palpitations you've been experiencing. I'll also check your thyroid function, as that can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
감사합니다, 첸 선생님. 모든 검사 결과는 언제 나오나요?
Mental Health — Counselling Session
This dialogue is between a man and a Counsellor at a mental health session. The man has been dealing with stress and anxiety, and this is a follow-up counselling session.
Welcome back. How have you been since our last session? I remember you were going through a difficult time at work.
Model interpretation
다시 오셨군요. 지난 상담 이후로 어떠셨어요? 직장에서 힘든 시기를 보내고 계셨던 걸로 기억합니다.
힘든 몇 주였어요. 상사와 다투었고, 지금은 아무것도 집중이 안 돼요. 잠도 잘 못 자고 있어요.
Model interpretation
It's been a tough couple of weeks. I got into an argument with my manager, and now I feel like I can't concentrate on anything. I'm not sleeping well either.
I'm sorry to hear that. When you say you can't concentrate, can you give me an example of how that's affecting your daily life?
계속 깜빡깜빡해요 — 약속이나 마감일 같은 거요. 어제는 시간 감각을 완전히 잃어서 아이들 학교 하교를 놓쳤어요.
That must have been very stressful. It sounds like the anxiety from work is spilling over into other areas of your life. Have you had any thoughts of harming yourself?
아니요, 그런 건 아니에요. 그냥 압도당하고 지쳐 있는 느낌이에요. 가끔 상황이 나아질까 의문이 들어요.
Those feelings are very common when we're under prolonged stress. I'd like to teach you some breathing techniques that can help manage the anxiety in the moment. Would you be open to that?
네, 지금은 뭐든 해볼게요. 아내가 약이 필요할 수도 있다고 했는데, 선생님 생각은 어떠세요?
That's something your GP can assess. I can write a letter recommending a review if you'd like. In the meantime, let's focus on some practical strategies. How much exercise are you getting?
거의 안 하고 있어요. 예전에는 주 3회 헬스장에 갔는데, 몇 달째 안 가고 있어요.
Getting back to some form of regular exercise, even just a thirty-minute walk each day, can significantly improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Let's set that as a goal for this week.
네, 매일 아침 출근 전에 산책하도록 노력할게요. 감사합니다 — 이야기하는 것만으로도 조금 나아진 기분이에요.
Dental Appointment — Toothache
This dialogue is between a man and a Dentist. The man has come in with a toothache and the dentist is diagnosing the problem and explaining treatment options.
Good morning. I can see from your notes that you're here for a toothache. Can you point to where the pain is?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요. 기록을 보니 치통으로 오셨군요. 아픈 곳을 가리켜 주시겠어요?
오른쪽 아래 이 치아예요. 약 일주일 전부터 아팠는데, 특히 차가운 것을 먹거나 마실 때 더 아파요.
Model interpretation
It's this tooth here on the lower right. It's been hurting for about a week, especially when I eat or drink something cold.
Let me take a look. I'm going to use this mirror and probe to examine the area. You might feel some pressure. When did you last visit a dentist?
아마 3년 전쯤이요. 더 자주 와야 하는 건 아는데, 일이 바빠서요.
There's a large cavity in your lower right molar. The decay has gone deep, causing the sensitivity. We'll need an X-ray to see if the nerve is affected.
그러면 신경치료가 필요할 수도 있다는 건가요? 친구가 해봤는데 매우 아팠다고 했어요.
Let's wait for the X-ray results before deciding treatment. Root canals today are much more comfortable than before. We use local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain.
치료비는 얼마인가요? 민간 건강보험이 없어요.
A filling would be around two hundred dollars, and a root canal with a crown can range from one thousand to two thousand dollars. We do offer payment plans if that helps.
생각보다 비싸네요. 더 저렴한 방법은 없나요?
If the X-ray shows the nerve isn't damaged, a filling should be sufficient and much more affordable. Let's take the X-ray first and then discuss your options.
네, 엑스레이 찍겠습니다. 그냥 통증이 멈췄으면 좋겠어요.
Physiotherapy Assessment — Back Injury
This dialogue is between a man and a Physiotherapist. The man has been referred for lower back pain treatment and is having his initial assessment.
Hi there. I'm your physiotherapist. I understand you've been referred for lower back pain following a workplace injury. Can you tell me what happened?
Model interpretation
안녕하세요, 저는 물리치료사입니다. 직장 부상으로 인한 허리 통증으로 의뢰되셨다고 들었습니다. 어떻게 된 건지 말씀해 주시겠어요?
약 3주 전에 직장에서 무거운 상자를 들다가 허리에 날카로운 통증을 느꼈어요. 그 이후로 계속 안 나았어요.
Model interpretation
I was lifting a heavy box at work about three weeks ago, and I felt a sharp pain in my lower back. It hasn't gone away since.
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate the pain right now? And does it travel down either of your legs?
지금은 5 정도인데, 허리를 구부리거나 오래 앉으면 8까지 올라가요. 가끔 왼쪽 다리에 저림이 있어요.
The tingling could indicate nerve involvement. I'm going to do some physical assessments now — I'll ask you to do some movements and I'll check your reflexes. Please tell me if anything causes sharp pain.
알겠습니다. 산재보상 청구가 승인되었으니 치료비는 보장됩니다.
That's good to know. Based on my initial assessment, I'd recommend twice-weekly sessions for the next six weeks. We'll focus on strengthening your core muscles and improving flexibility.
집에서도 운동을 해야 하나요?
Absolutely. Home exercises are essential for recovery. I'll give you a printed sheet with five simple exercises to do daily. They should only take about fifteen minutes.
고용주가 빨리 복귀하길 원합니다. 언제쯤 복귀할 수 있을까요?
It depends on your role. Light duties might be possible in two to three weeks. I'll prepare a return-to-work plan and communicate with your employer's injury management team.
감사합니다. 이 상황 전체가 정말 스트레스였는데, 계획이 있으니 안심이 됩니다.
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