Korean · Body & Health
감기
gamgi
Cold (illness)
Beginnernoun
Definition
A common illness with coughing and a blocked nose.
Example
감기에 걸렸어요.
I caught a cold.
Etymology
'감기' (gamgi) is a compound of the words '감' (gam), meaning 'to catch,' and '기' (gi), referring to 'air' or 'spirit.' It historically denotes the condition of catching a cold or flu.
How & Where It’s Used
'감기' is generally used informally among friends and family in spoken language, as well as in written texts discussing health. Commonly used across all Korean regions.