무
mu[mu(ː)]
The English phrase daikon is translated into Korean as 무 (mu). Wiktionary also lists 조선무 (joseonmu).
Meaning: large white radish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 무 | mu | [mu(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [mu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 조선무 | joseonmu | [t͡ɕo̞sʰʌ̹nmu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a large white radish.
Which one should you use?
While 무 is the general term used for radish, 조선무 specifically refers to the traditional Korean radish variety.
How do you pronounce it?
mu
Did you know?
- The word 무 is a homonym for several different Sino-Korean concepts, including 'nothingness' (無), 'martial arts' (武), 'dance' (舞) and 'shamanism' (巫).
- In Korea, 무 is not just a vegetable but is fundamentally tied to the national dish 김치. While many people associate 'kimchi' only with cabbage, the radish version called 깍두기 is one of the most popular varieties.
- In some Korean dialects, you may still hear a 's' sound in the middle of the word, reflecting the Middle Korean form 무ᅀᅮ.
Examples in context
- 저희 식단에 무가 필요해요.We need daikon in our diet.
- 무가 아주 커요.muga aju keoyo.The radish is very large.
- 시장에서 무를 샀어요.sijang-eseo mureul sasseoyo.I bought a radish at the market.
- 무로 국을 만들까요?muro gu-geul mandeulkkayo?Shall we make soup with radish?
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are discussing what to cook for dinner in the kitchen.
- 지은 Ji-eun냉장고에 무 있어요?naengjanggo-e mu isseoyo?Is there a radish in the refrigerator?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 무가 하나 있어요.ne, muga hana isseoyo.Yes, there is one radish.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 무국을 만들어요.geureom mugugeul mandeureoyo.Then let's make radish soup.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 제가 준비할게요.joayo, jega junbihalgeyo.Sounds good, I will prepare it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daikon” translations and entries 무, 조선무, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 무, 조선무, CC BY-SA 4.0.
