라면
ramyeon[ɾa̠mjʌ̹n]
The English phrase ramen is translated into Korean as 라면 (ramyeon). Wiktionary also lists 라멘 (ramen) and 꼬부랑국수 (kkoburangguksu).
Meaning: soup noodles of wheat, with various ingredients (Chinese-Japanese style) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 라면 | ramyeon | [ɾa̠mjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 라멘 | ramen | [ɾa̠me̞n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 꼬부랑국수 | kkoburangguksu | [k͈o̞buɾa̠ŋɡuks͈u] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
The term refers to wheat-based soup noodles with various ingredients, typically in the Chinese-Japanese style.
Which one should you use?
While 라면 (ramyeon) is the standard term used for instant ramen noodles, the form 라멘 (ramen) is specifically used to refer to Japanese-style ramen rather than the Korean instant variety.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the term 꼬부랑국수 (kkoburangguksu) is used to refer to ramen.
How do you pronounce it?
ramyeon
Did you know?
- The 'ramyeon' culture in Korea is so distinct that the phrase 라면 먹고 갈래? ('Do you want to eat ramyeon before you go?') is often used as a suggestive invitation to stay over.
- The North Korean term 꼬부랑국수 literally means 'curly noodles'.
- The Korean word 라면 (ramyeon) actually shares a linguistic ancestor with the Chinese word 'lamiàn', which describes the technique of pulling or stretching dough to make noodles.
Examples in context
- 오늘 점심에 라면을 먹을 거예요.I'm going to eat ramen for lunch today.
- 저녁에 친구랑 라멘 먹을래?Do you want to eat ramen with me tonight?
- 어제 밤에 라면을 먹었어요.eoje bame rameneul meogeosseoyo.I ate ramen last night.
- 편의점에서 라면을 샀어요.pyeon-iwijeom-eseo rameneul sass-eoyo.I bought ramen at the convenience store.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for a late-night snack.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨, 배고픈데 라면 먹을까요?Jihoon ssi, baegopeunde ramen meogeulkkayo?Jihoon, I'm hungry, shall we eat ramen?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요. 제가 라면을 끓일게요.Joayo. Jega rameneul kkeulilgeyo.Sounds good. I will cook the ramen.
- 서연 Seo-yeon계란도 넣어서 먹어요.Gyerando neoeoseo meogeoyo.Let's eat it with an egg added, too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨 생각대로 할게요.Seoyeon ssi saeng-gak-daero halgeyo.I will do as you suggest, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ramen” translations and entries 라면, 라멘, 꼬부랑국수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 라멘, 라면, CC BY-SA 4.0.
