Korean Through Food
Real expressions Koreans use in the kitchen, at the table, and in restaurants.
8 expressions
to boil
Polite request form
찌개를 끓여 주세요
jjigaereul kkeuryeo juseyo
"Please boil the stew"
💡 Essential for stew recipes
to slice/chop
Action verb
김치를 썰어요
kimchireul sseoreoyo
"I am slicing the kimchi"
💡 Common for food prep
to stir-fry/sauté
Standard verb for frying
고기를 먼저 볶으세요
gogireul meonjeo bokkeuseyo
"Please sauté the meat first"
💡 Used for many Korean bases
to be delicious
Root form
김치찌개가 맛있어요
kimchijjigaega masisseoyo
"The kimchi stew is delicious"
💡 Most important phrase at the table
to put in
Standard verb for adding ingredients
두부를 넣어주세요
dubureul neoeojuseyo
"Please put the tofu in"
💡 Very common instruction
medium heat
Combines 'middle' and 'fire'
중불로 하세요
jungbullo haseyo
"Please set to medium heat"
💡 Instructional term
to taste for seasoning
Checks saltiness/flavor
간을 보세요
ganeul boseyo
"Please taste to check the seasoning"
💡 Chef's advice
to be spicy/hot
Describes pleasant spice level
찌개가 매콤해요
jjigaega maekomhaeyo
"The stew is pleasantly spicy"
💡 Describing flavor