홀리바질
hollibajil
The English phrase "holy basil" is translated into Korean as 홀리바질 (hollibajil).
홀리바질 is the noun used to refer to the holy basil plant.
Meaning: plant (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is hollibajil.
Did you know?
- While 홀리바질 is the phonetic translation, many Koreans will call it 툴시 instead. This comes from the Indian name 'Tulsi', which is used in Korea to highlight its spiritual or Ayurvedic associations.
- In Korea, you are more likely to encounter 홀리바질 in a yoga studio or an organic cafe than in a standard local market. This is because the plant is marketed as a wellness supplement linked to 'Ayurveda' rather than just a cooking ingredient.
- If you ask for 홀리바질 in a traditional Korean herbal medicine shop, the pharmacist may not know what you mean.
Examples in context
- 홀리바질을 화분에 심었어요.hollibajireul hwabune simeosseoyo.I planted holy basil in a pot.
- 이 홀리바질은 향기가 아주 좋아요.i hollibajireun hyanggiga aju joayo.This holy basil smells very good.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyeon are talking about Minji's new hobby in her room.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 이 홀리바질 좀 보세요.Dohyeon ssi, i hollibajil jom boseyo.Dohyeon, look at this holy basil.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 예쁘네요. 키우기 어렵지 않아요?jeongmal yeppeuneyo. kiugi eoryeopji anayo?It is really pretty. Is it hard to grow?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 홀리바질은 햇빛만 있으면 돼요.aniyo, hollibajireun haetbitman isseumyeon dwaeyo.No, holy basil just needs sunlight.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨는 식물 키우는 걸 잘하시네요.Minji ssineun sikmul kiuneun geol jalhasineyo.Minji, you are good at growing plants.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holy basil” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
