사탕
satang[sʰa̠tʰa̠ŋ]
The English word candy is translated into Korean as 사탕 (satang). Wiktionary also lists 캔디 (kaendi) and 엿 (yeot).
Meaning: piece of candy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 사탕 | satang | [sʰa̠tʰa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 캔디 | kaendi | [kʰɛndi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kʰe̞ndi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 엿 | yeot | [jʌ̹t̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to a piece of candy or confectionery in general.
Which one should you use?
사탕 refers to hard candies or general confectionery. In contrast, 엿 refers specifically to traditional Korean taffy or malt candy. 캔디 is a transliteration of the English word 'candy' and is often used in brand names or more modern contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
캔디 is a loanword often used in modern contexts or brand names.
Is it said differently in some regions?
엿 is sometimes used to refer to certain types of candies in certain regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of eating candy, the most natural way is to use the verb 먹다 (to eat), forming the phrase 사탕을 먹다.
How do you pronounce it?
satang
Did you know?
- In Korean slang, the word 엿 is used in a phrase that functions as a vulgar gesture or insult, far removed from its meaning as a sweet treat.
- The traditional taffy 엿 is often used as a symbolic offering during traditional Korean exams to help students 'stick' to the passing list.
- The word 엿 has evolved from a simple food item into a root for many idioms involving stickiness and persistence in Korean culture.
Examples in context
- 네가 제일 좋아하는 사탕 종류는 뭐야?What kind of candy is your favorite?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's favorite type of 사탕.Tatoeba #11107554 by intertime, translation #7046356 by CK
- 보통 영화를 볼 때 팝콘이랑 코카콜라를 먹는데 이번엔 사탕을 먹으려해.Normally I eat popcorn and drink Coke when I watch a movie, but this time I'll eat candy.This sentence shows how to use 사탕 when describing a snack choice.Tatoeba #3718363 by Eunhee, translation #4590004 by LeeSooHa
- 사탕을 먹고 싶어요.I want to eat candy.
- 사탕을 사 줄래요?Will you buy me candy?
- 사탕을 좋아해요.I like candy.
- 입안이 텁텁해서 사탕 하나 먹어야겠어.iban-i teopteop-haeseo satang hana meogeoyagesseo.My mouth feels dry, so I should eat a piece of candy.
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Subin are walking in a park after lunch.
- 도현 Do-hyeon사탕 하나 줄까?satang hana julkka?Do you want a piece of candy?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 고마워. 달콤한 사탕이 먹고 싶었어.eung, gomawo. dalcomhan satangi meokgo sipeosseo.Yes, thanks. I wanted to eat something sweet like candy.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 사탕 진짜 맛있다.i satang jinjja masitda.This candy is really delicious.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 나도 이거 정말 좋아해.maja, nado ige jeongmal joahae.Right, I really like this too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “candy” translations and entries 사탕, 캔디, 엿, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
