메기
megi[ˈme̞(ː)ɡi]
The Korean word for "catfish" is 메기 (megi).
메기 refers to the type of fish known as a catfish.
Meaning: type of fish (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
megi
Did you know?
- The word 메기 is used in the phrase 메기 효과, or 'catfish effect', to describe how a strong competitor stimulates others to improve their performance.
- The word 메기 is a purely indigenous Korean word, unlike many modern Korean words that were adapted from Chinese characters.
- In Korean culinary contexts, 메기 is often specifically associated with a traditional spicy stew called 메기매운탕, which is quite different from the mild fish soups typically found in English-speaking diets.
Examples in context
- 강에 메기가 살아요.gang-e me-gi-ga sal-a-yo.Catfish live in the river.
- 이 메기는 정말 커요.i me-gi-neun jeong-mal keo-yo.This catfish is really big.
- 메기 매운탕을 먹고 싶어요.me-gi mae-un-tang-eul meok-go sip-eo-yo.I want to eat spicy catfish stew.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are at a traditional fish market.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이 메기 좀 보세요.Minji ssi, i megi jom boseyo.Minji, look at this catfish.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 진짜 크고 신기하게 생겼어요.Wa, jinjja keugo singihage saenggyeosseoyo.Wow, it's really big and looks interesting.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오늘 저녁에 메기 요리를 할까요?Oneul jeonyeoge megi yorireul halkkayo?Shall we cook a catfish dish for dinner tonight?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요. 같이 사 가요.Joayo. Gachi sa gayo.Sounds good. Let's buy it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “catfish” translations and entries 메기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
