Words spoken by healthcare providers can have a profound psychological impact on patients, especially those with mental health concerns.Few studies have explored how patients perceive comforting or hurtful language in adults. This study aimed to identify patients’ perceptions of commonly used expressions and to compare differences according to depression status, gender, and age.A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1,195 adult respondents in Korea. Participants were asked to rate 15 phrases frequently used in clinical or everyday communication on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = very hurtful, 4 = very comforting). Demographic and mental health data were collected, including self-reported depression status and prior psychiatric treatment experience.Overall, participants rated most expressions as comforting rather than hurtful, with mean scores ranging from 3.1 to 3.3. The most comforting phrase was “I’m ready to listen whenever you want to talk” (mean = 3.2), while “Don’t feel guilty, it’s not your fault” also scored highly (mean = 3.18). Approximately 85–90% of participants classified these phrases as comforting. Differences according to depression status, gender, and age will be further presented, highlighting how personal background may shape sensitivity to certain expressions.Korean primary care patients generally perceive empathetic and supportive language positively.Understanding which expressions provide comfort versus distress can help family physicians communicate more effectively and promote emotional healing in clinical encounters.