용과
yonggwa[joŋɡwa̠]
The English phrase "dragon fruit" is translated into Korean as 용과 (yonggwa). Wiktionary also lists 피타야 (pitaya).
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 용과 | yonggwa | [joŋɡwa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 피타야 | pitaya |
Both 용과 and 피타야 are used to refer to the dragon fruit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 용과 is a compound consisting of 용, meaning dragon and 과, meaning fruit.
How do you pronounce it?
yonggwa
Did you know?
- While 용과 describes the fruit's appearance, the alternative name 피타야 is a direct loanword from the Spanish 'pitahaya'.
- Korean supermarkets often label the fruit as 용과 but may use 피타야 in high-end cafes or tropical-themed dessert shops.
- In Korea, dragon fruit is often associated with 'superfoods' and health trends, leading to its frequent appearance in 'detox' juice blends.
Examples in context
- 저희 회사는 다양한 외국 과일을 수입하는데, 그 중에 피타야도 있습니다.Our company imports various foreign fruits, including pitaya.
- 오늘 용과 좀 사러 가자!Let's go buy some dragon fruit today!
- 용과가 정말 달아요.yonggwaga jeongmal darayo.The dragon fruit is really sweet.
- 마트에서 용과를 샀어요.mateseo yonggwaleul sasseoyo.I bought dragon fruit at the mart.
- 용과를 먹고 싶어요.yonggwaleul meokgo sipeoyo.I want to eat dragon fruit.
Example conversation
A woman and a man are talking about fruit at a grocery store.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 이 용과 맛있어 보여요.Seoyeon ssi, i yonggwa masisseo boyeoyo.Seoyeon, this dragon fruit looks delicious.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요, 현우 씨. 우리 두 개 사요.Majayo, Hyeonu ssi. Uri du gae sayo.You're right, Hyeonu. Let's buy two.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo용과가 아주 신선하네요.Yonggwaga aju sinseonhaneyo.The dragon fruit is very fresh.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 맛있겠어요.Ne, jeongmal masitgesseoyo.Yes, it looks really tasty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dragon fruit” translations and entries 용과, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
