그릇
geureut[kɯɾɯt̚]
The Korean word for bowl is 그릇 (geureut). Wiktionary also lists 사발 (sabal) and 볼 (bol).
Meaning: container for food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 그릇 | geureut | [kɯɾɯt̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 사발 | sabal | [sʰa̠ba̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 볼 | bol | [po̞ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 그릇 refers to a container for food. It is also used as a counter to indicate a single serving or unit of a dish, such as a bowl of rice.
Which one should you use?
그릇 is the most general and common term for any kind of bowl or food container. 사발 refers specifically to a traditional, often larger, deep earthenware bowl. 볼 is a loanword from the English word 'bowl' and is typically used in modern culinary contexts, such as a salad bowl.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a counter, 그릇 can follow a number to denote a specific serving, for example, to say 'one bowl of rice'.
How do you pronounce it?
geureut
Did you know?
- While 그릇 means 'bowl', it is also used metaphorically to describe a person's capacity, character, or potential. If someone says you have a large 그릇, they are complimenting your ability to achieve great things.
- The word 사발 comes from a Sino-Korean root meaning 'sand bowl'. This refers to the specific texture and material of traditional earthenware used for tea and rice.
- Historically, the size and material of the 그릇 used during a meal could signify the social rank or status of the person eating from it.
Examples in context
- 밥 한 그릇A bowl of riceThis example shows how to use 그릇 as a counter for a serving of rice.
- 그릇에 담아!Put [it] in the bowl!This example shows how to use 그릇 to give an instruction to put something into a container.
- 이 식당에서는 공기밥을 무료로 제공해요.In this restaurant, they provide complimentary rice bowls.
- 이 그릇은 너무 예뻐요.i geureuseun neomu yeppeoyo.This bowl is very pretty.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 큰 그릇 어디 있어요?Minji ssi, keun geureut eodi isseoyo?Minji, where is the big bowl?
- 민지 Min-ji찬장 위에 있어요, 도현 씨.chanjang wie isseoyo, Dohyun ssi.It's on top of the cupboard, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon찾았어요. 고마워요.chajasseoyo. gomawoyo.I found it. Thank you.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 이제 샐러드 담으세요.ne, ije sseolleodeu dameuseyo.Yes, now please put the salad in.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bowl” translations and entries 그릇, 사발, 볼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 그릇, 볼, 사발, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
