고추
gochu[ko̞t͡ɕʰu]
In Korean, the English word 'pepper' can be translated as either 고추 (gochu) or 후추 depending on the type of pepper.
Meaning: spice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 고추 | gochu | [ko̞t͡ɕʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 후추 | huchu | [ɸʷut͡ɕʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 고추 is the most common word for pepper in Korean, specifically referring to chili peppers or red peppers.
Which one should you use?
Use 고추 (gochu) for chili peppers or hot peppers. Use 후추 (huchu) specifically for the ground spice, such as black or white pepper, used as a seasoning.
How do you pronounce it?
gochu
Did you know?
- The word 고추 is often used as a euphemism for a young boy's penis in Korean households.
- In Korean folk tradition, some people placed a dried 고추 (chili pepper) on their children's clothing to ward off evil spirits.
- The word 고추 (gochu) originally meant 'black pepper' before the chili pepper was introduced to Korea in the 17th century.
Examples in context
- 한식 요리에는 고추가 꼭 필요해요.In Korean cuisine, pepper is absolutely necessary.
- 파스타에 후추를 좀 더 추가해 볼까요?Shall we add some more black pepper to the pasta?
- 오늘 저녁에 피자에 고추 뿌려볼까?How about sprinkling some peppers on the pizza tonight?
- 커피에 후추 넣는 것은 좀 이상하다고 생각해.I think putting black pepper in coffee is a bit strange.
- 고추가 너무 매워요.gochuga neomu maewoyo.The pepper is too spicy.
- 빨간 고추를 샀어요.ppalgan gochureul sasseoyo.I bought red peppers.
- 고추를 넣어서 요리해요.gochureul neoseo yorihaeyo.I cook by adding peppers.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are cooking dinner together.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 고추 어디 있어요?Min-jun ssi, gochu eo-di is-seo-yo?Min-jun, where is the pepper?
- 민준 Min-jun식탁 위에 있어요.sik-tak wi-e is-seo-yo.It is on the table.
- 지은 Ji-eun고추 많이 넣을까요?gochu man-i neo-eul-kka-yo?Should I put in a lot of pepper?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 아주 맵게 해주세요.ne, a-ju maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo.Yes, please make it very spicy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pepper” translations and entries 고추, 후추, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 고추, 후추, CC BY-SA 4.0.
