아기빵
agippang
The English phrase "baby bread" translates to Korean as 아기빵 (agippang).
This phrase refers to a small, soft bread or bun that is often shaped like a baby or specifically designed for children.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a combination of 아기, meaning baby and 빵, meaning bread.
How do you pronounce it?
agippang
Did you know?
- The word 빵 used in 아기빵 is a loanword from the Portuguese word 'pão'. It entered the Korean language via Portuguese traders in the 16th century.
- In Korean, the term 빵 (bread) is also used as a slang term for 'zero' or a 'blank space' on a school exam. This means 아기빵 could humorously sound like a 'baby zero' in a classroom setting.
- While 아기 means 'baby', adding it to food names in Korea often signals a 'miniature' or 'cute' version of a snack. This creates a linguistic pattern where 'baby' serves as a prefix for anything tiny and adorable.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are at a bakery.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 이 아기빵 보세요.Jihun ssi, i agippang boseyo.Jihun, look at this baby bread.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우와, 모양이 정말 깜찍하네요.uwa, moyangi jeongmal kkamjikhane-yo.Wow, the shape is really adorable.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 조카 선물로 살까요?uri joka seonmullo salkkayo?Shall we buy it as a gift for my niece?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 아이가 정말 좋아할 거예요.ne, aiga jeongmal joahal geoyeyo.Yes, the child will really love it.
