전복
jeonbok[t͡ɕʌ̹nbo̞k̚]
The English phrase abalone is 전복 (jeonbok) in Korean.
전복 refers to the edible univalve mollusc. You can use it to form names of specific dishes, such as 전복죽 for abalone porridge or 전복구이 for grilled abalone.
Meaning: edible univalve mollusc (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
jeonbok
Did you know?
- Korean abalone is often harvested by 'Haenyeo', the legendary female divers of Jeju Island who dive without oxygen tanks.
- Because the word 전복 is a homonym, it can also mean 'to overturn' or 'to capsize' in a completely different context, such as a ship.
- In traditional Korean medicine, 전복 is known as the 'emperor of shellfish' and was historically presented as a tribute to the royal court.
Examples in context
- 오늘 저녁에 전복 먹으러 갈까?Shall we go eat abalone for dinner tonight?
- 전복이 정말 싱싱해요.jeonbogi jeongmal singsinghaeyo.The abalone is really fresh.
- 전복 죽을 먹고 싶어요.jeonbok juk-eul meokgo sipeoyo.I want to eat abalone porridge.
- 이 식당은 전복 요리가 맛있어요.i sikdang-eun jeonbok yori-ga masisseoyo.This restaurant's abalone dishes are delicious.
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are looking at a seafood menu at a restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin여기 전복 요리가 유명하대요.yeogi jeonbok yori-ga yumyeong-hadaeyo.I heard the abalone dishes here are famous.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말요? 그럼 전복 구이 시킬까요?jeongmalyo? geureom jeonbok gui sikilkayo?Really? Then shall we order the grilled abalone?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 좋아요. 같이 나눠 먹어요.ne, joayo. gachi nanwo meogeoyo.Yes, sounds good. Let's share it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저도 전복 정말 좋아해요.jeodo jeonbok jeongmal joahaeyo.I really love abalone too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abalone” translations and entries 전복, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 전복, CC BY-SA 4.0.
