밥
bap[pa̠p̚]
The Korean word for cooked rice is 밥 (bap).
밥 refers specifically to rice that has been cooked by steaming or boiling. It does not refer to the raw grain.
Meaning: rice cooked by either steaming or boiling (non-idiomatic translations) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 밥 is used for cooked rice, the word 쌀 is used to refer to raw rice grains.
How do you pronounce it?
bap
When do people say it?
In a metaphorical sense, 밥 can be used to mean a meal or food in general. Because of this, asking someone 밥 먹었어? (Did you eat rice/a meal?) is a common way to greet people or show that you care about them. Additionally, the phrase 밥 사랑 literally means 'love for rice'.
Did you know?
- The phrase 밥맛 can refer to the taste of the rice, but in slang, it is also used to describe someone's annoying personality.
- The term 밥 can be used in slang to describe someone who is an easy target or a 'pushover' in a competitive situation.
- In some contexts, the word 밥 can be used to refer to a person's 'pay' or 'salary', stemming from the idea that food is the essence of livelihood.
Examples in context
- 아침에는 꼭 밥을 먹어야 건강에 좋다고 해요.They say that eating cooked rice in the morning is good for your health.
- 어제 엄마가 맛있는 쌀밥을 해 줬어. 먹을래?Mom made delicious cooked rice yesterday. Would you like to have some?
- 밥을 먹어요.babeul meogeoyo.I eat rice.
- 따뜻한 밥이 필요해요.ttatteuthan babi piryohaeyo.I need warm rice.
- 밥이 정말 맛있어요.babi jeongmal masisseoyo.The rice is really delicious.
Example conversation
Jieun and Hyunwoo are in the kitchen.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 밥 먹어요.Hyeonu ssi, bap meogeoyo.Hyunwoo, let's eat rice.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 밥 맛있겠어요.ne, bap masitgetseoyo.Yes, the rice looks delicious.
- 지은 Ji-eun밥 더 드릴까요?bap deo deurilkkayo?Would you like more rice?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니요, 밥 충분해요.aniyo, bap chungbunhaeyo.No, I have enough rice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 밥, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
