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.
今夜は韓国料理を食べに行きませんか？
Would you like to go eat Korean food tonight?
韓国料理の中で、ビビンバが一番好きです。
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'.
あの韓食のお店、すごく人気だね。
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.
韓国の食べ物は辛いイメージがあります。
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.
キムチチゲが食べたい。
I want to eat kimchi jjigae.
今日のランチはプルコギにしよう。
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.
この韓国風の唐揚げ、美味しいね。
This Korean-style fried chicken is delicious.
Suggesting or discussing going to a Korean restaurant.
A friendly, common way to say 'Korean restaurant'. 屋さん adds a casual, approachable feel.
駅前に新しい韓国料理屋さんができたよ。
A new Korean restaurant opened in front of the station.
A more formal term for a Korean restaurant, often used in writing or formal speech.
この地域には韓国料理店が増えています。
Korean restaurants are increasing in this area.
Commenting on the typical flavors or features of Korean food.
A common phrase meaning 'spicy but delicious', often used to describe Korean food.
韓国料理って辛いけど美味しいよね。
Korean food is spicy but delicious, isn't it?
Means 'the ~ is effective/prominent', used to highlight a key ingredient like garlic or chili.
このスープはニンニクが効いていて美味しい。
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.
韓国料理が大好きです。
I love Korean food.
夕食は韓国料理にしよう。
Let's get Korean food for dinner.