계피
gyepi[ˈkje̞(ː)pʰi]
Cinnamon in Korean is 계피 (gyepi). Wiktionary also lists 시나몬 (sinamon).
Meaning: spice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 계피 | gyepi | [ˈkje̞(ː)pʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈke̞(ː)pʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 시나몬 | sinamon | [ɕʰina̠mo̞n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 계피 is the traditional way to refer to the spice, particularly in culinary, medicinal or botanical contexts. You would use 계피 when discussing the ingredient in traditional Korean medicine or when buying raw cinnamon sticks at a market. The term 시나몬 is a loanword used in modern, Western-style settings, such as on cafe menus for a 시나몬 latte or in the context of Western-style baking.
Which one should you use?
The native Korean word 계피 is typically used for the spice in a culinary, medicinal or botanical context. In contrast, the loanword 시나몬 is frequently used in modern contexts, such as on cafe menus or in Western-style baking.
How do you pronounce it?
gyepi
Did you know?
- The character 桂 in 계피 refers to the 'katsura' or 'cassia' tree, which in East Asian mythology is said to grow on the moon.
- Due to the way the Sino-Korean characters are composed, the word 계피 can be confused in certain contexts with the phrase for 'chicken skin', as the character 계 can also mean 'chicken'.
- A popular Korean winter street snack is 수정과, a punch made with 계피 and dried persimmons that is served chilled despite being a winter treat.
Examples in context
- 식품에 시나몬을 넣으면 맛이 좋아집니다.When you add cinnamon to food, it tastes better.
- 계피 나무는 그 어떤 나무보다 향기롭습니다.The cinnamon tree is more fragrant than any other tree.
- 계피 향이 정말 좋아요.gyepi hyangi jeongmal joayo.The scent of cinnamon is really good.
- 계피 가루를 조금 넣어 주세요.gyepi garureul jogeum neoeo juseyo.Please add a little bit of cinnamon powder.
- 이 차에는 계피가 들어 있어요.i cha-eneun gyepi-ga deureo isseoyo.There is cinnamon in this tea.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 이 음료에 계피가 들어갔어요?Jieun ssi, i eumryoe gyepiga deureogasseoyo?Jieun, is there cinnamon in this drink?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 계피 시럽을 조금 넣었어요.ne, gyepi sireobeul jogeum neoeosseoyo.Yes, I added a little cinnamon syrup.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo향이 아주 달콤하고 좋네요.hyangi 아주 dalkomhago jonneyo.The scent is very sweet and nice.
- 지은 Ji-eun다행이에요. 입맛에 맞으셔서요.dahaengieyo. immasse majeusyeoseoyo.I'm glad. I'm happy it suits your taste.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cinnamon” translations and entries 계피, 시나몬, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 계피, 시나몬, CC BY-SA 4.0.
