콩나물
kongnamul[kʰo̞ŋna̠muɭ]
The English phrase "bean sprout" is translated into Korean as 콩나물 (kongnamul).
콩나물 refers to a sprout of the mung bean. It is a very common ingredient in 콩나물국 (bean sprout soup) and as a side dish known as 콩나물무침 (bean sprout side dish).
Meaning: a sprout of the mung bean (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 콩나물 specifically refers to soybean sprouts, the term 숙주나물 is used for mung bean sprouts.
How do you pronounce it?
kongnamul
Did you know?
- There is a common Korean idiom involving 콩나물 used to describe a crowded subway or bus, comparing the packed passengers to bean sprouts crammed into a jar.
- In Korean culture, 콩나물국 is often considered a 'hangover cure' soup because it is believed to help the body recover after drinking alcohol.
- The term 나물 in 콩나물 does not just mean 'sprout', but refers to any seasoned or blanched edible plant, which is a fundamental category in Korean cuisine.
Examples in context
- 저녁 식사에는 항상 콩나물이 들어갑니다.Bean sprouts are always included in our dinner.
- 콩나물을 많이 넣으세요.kongnamureul mani neouseyo.Please put in a lot of bean sprouts.
- 오늘 반찬은 콩나물 무침이에요.oneul banjaneun kongnamul muchimieyo.Today's side dish is seasoned bean sprouts.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are eating lunch at a restaurant.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 콩나물 좋아해요?Hyunwoo ssi, kongnamul joahaeyo?Hyunwoo, do you like bean sprouts?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 콩나물은 아주 맛있어요.Ne, kongnamureun aju masisseoyo.Yes, bean sprouts are very delicious.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 콩나물국을 더 시킬까요?Geureom kongnamulgugeul deo sikilkkayo?Then shall we order more bean sprout soup?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 민지 씨.Joayo, Minji ssi.Sounds good, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 콩나물, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
