쌀국수
ssalguksu[s͈a̠ɭɡuks͈u]
The English phrase pho is translated into Korean as 쌀국수 (ssalguksu). Wiktionary also lists 퍼 (peo).
Meaning: Vietnamese soup (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 쌀국수 | ssalguksu | [s͈a̠ɭɡuks͈u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 퍼 | peo |
In Korea, 쌀국수 is the most common way to refer to Vietnamese pho in restaurants and daily conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 쌀국수 is composed of 쌀 (rice), 국수 (noodles) and the implied context of a soup, literally meaning rice noodles.
How do you pronounce it?
ssalguksu
Did you know?
- In Korea, pho is frequently eaten as a 'haejang' meal, which is a food specifically consumed to cure a hangover.
- Korean restaurants often categorize 쌀국수 as a 'health food' or 'detox meal' because rice noodles are seen as easier on the stomach than wheat-based noodles.
- In Korea, 쌀국수 is often paired with a specific side of sliced raw onions and bean sprouts that the customer adds themselves to customize the heat and texture.
Examples in context
- 쌀국수 정말 맛있어요.ssalguksu jeongmal masisseoyo.The pho is really delicious.
- 오늘 점심으로 쌀국수 어때요?oneul jeomsimeuro ssalguksu eottaeyo?How about pho for lunch today?
- 저는 쌀국수를 좋아해요.jeoneun ssalguksureul joahaeyo.I like pho.
Example conversation
Ji-hoon and Min-ji are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 오늘 저녁에 쌀국수 어때요?Minji ssi, oneul jeonyeoge ssalkuksu eottaeyo?Min-ji, how about pho for dinner tonight?
- 민지 Min-ji좋아요! 저도 쌀국수 먹고 싶었어요.joayo! jeodo ssalkuksu meokgo sipeosseoyo.Great! I wanted to eat pho too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun근처에 유명한 가게가 있어요.geuncheore yumyeonghan gagega isseoyo.There is a famous shop nearby.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 빨리 가요!geureom ppalli gayo!Then let's go quickly!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pho” translations and entries 쌀국수, 퍼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
