된장
doenjang
The English phrase "bean paste" is translated into Korean as 된장 (doenjang).
된장 specifically refers to a salty paste made from fermented soybeans, which is used as a seasoning in Korean cooking.
Which one should you use?
While 된장 is a salty, fermented soybean paste, it is distinct from 고추장, which is a spicy, fermented red chili paste.
How do you pronounce it?
doenjang
Did you know?
- Some traditional Korean households believe that 된장 can act as a spiritual protector, and historically, it was sometimes smeared on the walls of a home to ward off evil spirits.
- While 된장 is a staple of Korean food, it is a byproduct of making 간장, which is Korean soy sauce, as the liquid is drained from the fermented beans.
- The name 된장 comes from the word 'doen' (된), which means 'hard' or 'thick', describing the dense texture of the paste compared to thinner liquids.
Examples in context
- 이 국은 된장으로 만들었어요?Did you make this soup with bean paste?
- 네, 맞아요. 김치찌개에 된장이 꼭 필요해요.Yes, that's right. Bean paste is essential in kimchi stew.
- 된장은 한국 음식에서 흔히 사용됩니다.Bean paste is commonly used in Korean cuisine.
- 된장을 넣어서 찌개를 끓여요.doenjang-eul neoeoseo jjigae-reul kkeulyeoyo.I boil the stew by adding bean paste.
- 이 된장은 맛이 아주 깊어요.i doenjang-eun masi aju gipeoyo.This bean paste has a very deep flavor.
- 된장찌개는 한국의 전통 음식이에요.doenjang-jjigae-neun hanguk-ui jeontong eumsig-ieyo.Bean paste stew is a traditional Korean food.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are cooking dinner together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 된장 어디 있어요?Seoyeon ssi, doenjang eodi isseoyo?Seoyeon, where is the bean paste?
- 서연 Seo-yeon냉장고 두 번째 칸에 있어요.naengjanggo du beonjjae kane isseoyo.It is on the second shelf of the fridge.
- 지훈 Ji-hun찾았어요. 된장찌개 끓일게요.chajasseoyo. doenjang-jjigae kkeurilgeyo.I found it. I will make bean paste stew.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 기대돼요!wa, jeongmal gidaedwaeyo!Wow, I'm really looking forward to it!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 된장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
