How do you pronounce 체하다?

체하다 is pronounced “che-ha-da” (revised romanization). You can hear it pronounced with Korean audio on this page.

When do Koreans use 체하다?

Not just 'stomachache'. For example: “급하게 먹었더니 바로 체해서 머리가 지끈거려.” — “I ate too fast and got indigestion right away, so my head is throbbing.”

체하다 (che-ha-da) means: To have severe indigestion/upset stomach, traditionally cured by pricking a finger.

Not just 'stomachache'. It's a heavy blockage in the chest from eating too fast or under stress.

급하게 먹었더니 바로 체해서 머리가 지끈거려.
geuphage meogeotdeoni baro chehaeseo meoriga jikkeungeoryeo.
I ate too fast and got indigestion right away, so my head is throbbing.
💡 Use when eating too quickly causes an immediate heavy stomachache.
어제 먹은 게 문제였는지 자꾸 체한 느낌이 들어.
eoje meogeun ge munjaeyeonneunji jakku chehan neukkimi deureo.
I keep feeling like I have an upset stomach, maybe because of something I ate yesterday.
💡 Describes a lingering feeling of blockage or indigestion.
급하게 먹었더니 속이 꽉 막힌 것처럼 체해서 아무것도 못 먹겠다.
geupdage meogeotdeoni sogi kkwak makhin geotcheoreom chehaeseo amugeotdo mot meokgetda.
I ate too fast and got such a severe case of indigestion that I can't eat anything.
💡 Implies the distinct physical blockage feeling of a Korean-style 'chheham'.