밥
bap[pa̠p̚]
In Korean, the word for rice can change depending on whether it is cooked or uncooked. If unsure, use 밥 (bap). Wiktionary also lists 쌀 (ssal) and 진지 (jinji).
Meaning: seeds used as food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 밥 | bap | [pa̠p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 쌀 | ssal | [s͈a̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 진지 | jinji | [ˈt͡ɕi(ː)ɲd͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕiɲd͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
honorific |
The term 밥 is used for cooked rice and also serves as a general term for a meal. To refer specifically to uncooked rice grains, use 쌀.
Which one should you use?
The words 쌀 and 밥 are distinguished by their state: 쌀 refers specifically to uncooked rice grains, whereas 밥 refers to cooked rice that is ready to eat.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 밥 is the standard term for cooked rice or a meal, you should use the honorific form 진지 when referring to the meal of someone you must show respect to, such as a grandparent or an elder.
How do you pronounce it?
bap
When do people say it?
Because rice is a staple, phrases like 'Have you eaten rice?' (밥 먹었어?) are commonly used as a way to say 'How are you?' or 'Hello?'
Did you know?
- Some scholars suggest that the word for uncooked rice, 쌀, might actually be a loanword from an ancient Japanese term for 'early-ripening rice'.
Examples in context
- 밥을 먹다To eat riceThis sentence demonstrates the verb used with 밥.
- 이 식당에서 밥을 먹을까요?Shall we have a meal at this restaurant?
- 어머니께서 제일 맛있는 밥을 만들어 주셨어요.My mother made the most delicious rice for me.
- 오늘은 너무 배고파. 빨리 쌀밥을 먹어야 해.I'm so hungry today. I need to eat rice quickly.
- 밥이 정말 맛있어요.babi jeongmal masisseoyo.The rice is really delicious.
- 밥을 얼마나 먹을 거예요?babeul eolmana meogeul geoyeyo?How much rice are you going to eat?
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Minjun and Jieun are deciding what to order.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨, 밥 먹었어요?Jieun ssi, bap meogeosseoyo?Jieun, did you eat rice (a meal)?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 아직 안 먹었어요.Aniyo, ajik an meogeosseoyo.No, I haven't eaten yet.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 같이 밥 먹으러 갈까요?Geureom gatchi bap meogeureo galkkayo?Then shall we go eat rice (a meal) together?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 좋아요!Ne, joayo!Yes, sounds good!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rice” translations and entries 밥, 쌀, 진지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 밥, 쌀, 진지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
