케이크
keikeu[kʰe̞ikxɯ]
The English word cake is translated into Korean as 케이크 (keikeu). Wiktionary also lists 과자 (gwaja).
Meaning: type of sweet dessert (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 케이크 | keikeu | [kʰe̞ikxɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 과자 | gwaja | [kwa̠d͡ʑa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
케이크 is used to refer to sweet desserts, specifically following the Western style of sponge or cream cakes. It is the standard term you will find used for birthday cakes and celebratory desserts in cafes and bakeries throughout Korea.
Which one should you use?
While both 케이크 and 과자 refer to sweets, they are not interchangeable. 케이크 specifically refers to Western-style sponge or cream cakes, whereas 과자 is a much broader term used for various snacks, cookies or crackers.
How do you pronounce it?
keikeu
When do people say it?
In Korea, 케이크 is the primary term used when ordering or discussing birthday cakes and other celebratory desserts found in bakeries and cafes.
Did you know?
- The word 과자 (gwaja) contains the character for 'fruit' (果), hinting at a historical connection where sweets were often made with dried or preserved fruits.
- In many Korean-style cafes, you might see 'rice cakes' called 'tteok', which are a completely different category of dessert from the flour-based 케이크.
- Many Korean bakeries sell 케이크 that are less sweet than Western versions and often feature fresh fruit like strawberries as a primary ingredient.
Examples in context
- 나는 톰에게 케이크를 구워줬다.I baked Tom a cake.This sentence shows how to express baking a cake for someone using 케이크.Tatoeba #8544002 by okja, translation #5858778 by CK
- 나는 케이크 세 조각을 먹었다.I ate three pieces of cake.This sentence illustrates how to count pieces of 케이크.Tatoeba #11106679 by intertime, translation #841835 by CM
- 케이트는 케이크 만드는 법을 알아.Kate knows how to make a cake.This sentence is useful for discussing the knowledge of how to make a 케이크.Tatoeba #8367816 by Eunhee, translation #62714 by CN
- 친구 생일에 케이크 사주러 갈 거야.I'm going to buy a cake for my friend's birthday.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are at a cafe deciding what to order.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈아, 어떤 케이크가 제일 맛있어 보여?Subin-a, eotteon keikeuga jeil masissseo boyeo?Subin, which cake looks the most delicious?
- 수빈 Su-bin음, 초콜릿 케이크가 정말 맛있을 것 같아.Eum, chokollit keikeuga jeongmal masisseul geot gata.Hmm, I think the chocolate cake will be really delicious.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 우리 초콜릿 케이크 하나 주문하자.Geureom uri chokollit keikeu hana jumunhaja.Then let's order one chocolate cake.
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아, 민준아. 내가 주문할게.Joa, Minjun-a. Naega jumunhalge.Okay, Minjun. I will order it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cake” translations and entries 케이크, 과자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 과자, 케이크, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
