건강식
geongang-sik
The Korean phrase for healthy food is 건강식 (geongang-sik).
건강식 refers to food that is considered good for a person's health. You may also see the phrase 건강한 음식을 먹다 used to mean 'to eat healthy food'.
What does it mean word for word?
건강식 is a compound of 건강 (geongang), meaning 'health' and 식 (sik), meaning 'food' or 'meal'.
Which one should you use?
While 건강식 refers to the general concept of healthy food, 건강한 음식 is a more descriptive way to say 'healthy food' by using an adjective. Additionally, 건강 식품 is a formal term specifically used to describe 'food products' that are healthy and 건강식품 is often used to refer to health supplements or functional foods sold for specific health benefits. Finally, 영양이 있는 식품 means 'nutritious food'.
How do you pronounce it?
geongang-sik
Did you know?
- It is a common custom to eat 삼계탕, a ginseng chicken soup, on the hottest days of summer to maintain health through 'fighting heat with heat'.
- You might hear the phrase 약식동원 (yak-sik-dong-won), which means 'medicine and food share the same origin', a philosophical concept often used to justify eating 건강식.
- While 건강식 is generally positive, some people use the term 건강한 맛 ('healthy taste') as a polite euphemism for food that tastes bland or bitter.
Examples in context
- 건강식을 먹어야 해요.geongangsigeul meogeoya haeyo.I must eat healthy food.
- 이 식당은 건강식이 많아요.i sikdang-eun geongangsigi manayo.This restaurant has a lot of healthy food.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Seo-yeon are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 점심에 뭐 먹을까요?Seoyeon ssi, jeomsime mwo meogeulkkayo?Seo-yeon, what shall we eat for lunch?
- 서연 Seo-yeon오늘은 건강식을 먹고 싶어요.oneureun geongangsigeul meokgo sipeoyo.I want to eat healthy food today.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 샐러드 가게에 갈까요?geureom saelleodeu gagee galkkayo?Then shall we go to a salad shop?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 좋아요. 같이 가요.ne, joayo. gatchi gayo.Yes, that sounds good. Let's go together.
