Translation guide
A guide to expressing the concept of Korean cuisine in Japanese, from general terms to specific dishes and dining situations.
Referring to Korean food as a whole, or the category of Korean dishes.
The standard, neutral term for Korean cuisine. Used in menus, conversations, and formal contexts.
Would you like to go eat Korean food tonight?
Among Korean dishes, bibimbap is my favorite.
A shorter, slightly more casual term, often used in restaurant names or informal contexts. Literally 'Korean food/eating'.
That Korean food restaurant is really popular.
Literally 'Korean food/eats'. A more general, slightly colloquial way to refer to food from Korea. Can be used when speaking broadly about what people eat in Korea.
Korean food has an image of being spicy.
Talking about a particular Korean dish or type of food.
Many Korean dish names are well-known in Japan and used as loanwords (e.g., ビビンバ, キムチ, サムギョプサル). Simply use the katakana name.
I want to eat kimchi jjigae.
Let's have bulgogi for lunch today.
Means 'Korean-style ~'. Useful for describing dishes that are Korean-inspired or when you don't know the exact name.
This Korean-style fried chicken is delicious.
Suggesting or discussing going to a Korean restaurant.
Commenting on the typical flavors or features of Korean food.
A common phrase meaning 'spicy but delicious', often used to describe Korean food.
Korean food is spicy but delicious, isn't it?
Means 'the ~ is effective/prominent', used to highlight a key ingredient like garlic or chili.
This soup has a strong garlic flavor and is delicious.
Many Korean dishes are well-known in Japan and are referred to by their Korean names written in katakana. If you're unsure, you can describe it as 韓国風 (Korean-style).
While 韓国の食べ物 is understandable, it can sound a bit vague or childish. For most situations, 韓国料理 is preferred.
I love Korean food.
Let's get Korean food for dinner.
Korean restaurants are increasing in this area.