만두
mandu[ma̠ndu]
The English word 'dumpling' is translated into Korean as 만두 (mandu). Wiktionary also lists 교자 (gyoja) and 펠메니 (pelmeni).
Meaning: food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 만두 | mandu | [ma̠ndu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 교자 | gyoja | |
| 펠메니 | pelmeni | [pʰe̞ɭme̞ni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Which one should you use?
만두 is the general, umbrella term for all types of dumplings in Korean. In contrast, 교자 refers specifically to a style of dumpling that is typically thin-skinned and often pan-fried or steamed, similar to Japanese gyoza. Finally, 펠메니 is a loanword used specifically to refer to the Russian dish pelmeni.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'to eat dumplings' in a sentence, a natural way to express this is 만두를 먹다.
How do you pronounce it?
mandu
Did you know?
- In Korea, 만두 are traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year to symbolize wealth and prosperity because their shape resembles a gold ingot.
- Korean 만두 often contain glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, a characteristic ingredient that distinguishes them from many Chinese or Japanese versions.
- While 만두 is the general term, you will often see 왕만두 on menus, which literally means 'king dumpling' and refers to an oversized, round steamed bun.
Examples in context
- 저는 만두를 좋아해요.I like dumplings.
- 한 그릇의 만둣국 주세요.Please give me a bowl of dumpling soup.
- 오늘 저녁에 만두 먹을래?Do you want to eat dumplings for dinner today?
- Hannah, 저녁으로 함께 만둣국 먹을까요?Hannah, shall we eat dumpling soup together for dinner?
- 만두가 정말 맛있어요.manduga jeongmal masisseoyo.The dumplings are really delicious.
- 냉동 만두를 샀어요.naengdong mandureul sasseoyo.I bought frozen dumplings.
- 만두를 얼마큼 먹을 거예요?mandureul eolmakum meogeul geoyeyo?How many dumplings will you eat?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 저녁으로 만두 어때요?Hyeonu ssi, jeonyeogeuro mandu eottaeyo?Hyeonu, how about dumplings for dinner?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 만두는 언제나 환영이에요.Joayo. manduneun eonjena hwanyeongieyo.Sounds good. Dumplings are always welcome.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 만두를 주문할게요.Geureom mandureul jumunhalgeyo.Then I will order the dumplings.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨가 고른 메뉴라면 다 좋아요.Minji ssiga goreun menyuramyeon da joayo.Anything you choose is fine, Minji.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dumpling” translations and entries 만두, 펠메니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
