만두
mandu[ma̠ndu]
In Korean, "dumplings" is translated as 만두 (mandu).
The word 만두 is a generic term used for various types of dumplings, whether they are steamed, boiled or fried. If you wish to specify that the dumplings are handmade, you can use the term 손만두.
Which one should you use?
While 만두 is the general term, other words specify the cooking method: 찐만두 refers specifically to steamed dumplings and 군만두 refers specifically to pan-fried or deep-fried dumplings.
How do you pronounce it?
mandu
When do people say it?
It is customary to dip dumplings in a soy-based sauce called 간장.
Did you know?
- While 만두 refers to the food, the word is also used in a playful way to describe someone with chubby cheeks.
- In Korea, 만두 are traditionally associated with the lunar New Year, where they are eaten to symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
- Korean 만두 often contain glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, which give the filling a distinct chewy texture unknown in many Western dumplings.
Examples in context
- 네, 고기 만두 주세요.Yes, please give me some meat dumplings.
- 그래서 만둣국 먹고 싶어요.That's why I want to eat dumpling soup.
- 만두가 정말 맛있어요.manduga jeongmal masisseoyo.The dumplings are really delicious.
- 냉동 만두를 샀어요.naengdong mandureul sasseoyo.I bought frozen dumplings.
- 만두를 좋아하세요?mandureul joahaseyo?Do you like dumplings?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 점심으로 만두 어때요?Jihun ssi, jeomsimeuro mandu eottaeyo?Jihun, how about dumplings for lunch?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요! 만두 먹고 싶었어요.Joayo! Mandu meokgo sipeosseoyo.Sounds good! I wanted to eat dumplings.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 근처 만두 가게로 가요.Geureom geuncheo mandu gage-ro gayo.Then let's go to the dumpling shop nearby.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 제가 살게요.Jieun ssi, jega salgeyo.Jieun, it's my treat.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 만두, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
