Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “seafood” in Korean. Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea and want to explore its vibrant culinary scene or simply want to expand your language skills, understanding how to express the concept of seafood in Korean is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say seafood. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Seafood
When expressing the term “seafood” in formal Korean settings, you can use the following phrase:
수산물 (susanmul)
Here, “수산” (susan) refers to “fisheries,” and “물” (mul) means “things” or “products.” So, when combined, “수산물” translates to “seafood” in English.
Another formal way to refer to seafood in Korean is by mentioning the specific type of seafood. Here are a few examples:
1. Fish (고등어 – godeungeo)
One popular seafood item is fish. In formal Korean, you can use the word “고등어” to refer to fish. This term encompasses various types of fish, both freshwater and saltwater.
2. Shrimp (새우 – saeu)
Shrimp is a beloved seafood ingredient in Korean cuisine. To talk about shrimp formally, you can simply use the word “새우.”
3. Crab (게 – ge)
Crab is another seafood delicacy enjoyed by many. In formal Korean, the word for crab is “게.”
Informal Ways to Say Seafood
Now, let’s explore some informal ways to say seafood in Korean. These expressions are commonly used in casual conversations or among friends.
1. Haemul (해물)
The term “해물” is often used colloquially to refer to “seafood” in general in Korean. This informal expression is widely understood and used across various regions.
2. Mulhoe (물회)
“물회” is a popular Korean dish made with raw fish or seafood. In informal settings, referring to this dish can also convey the idea of seafood. You can use “물회” when discussing or recommending seafood dishes.
3. Saengseon (생선)
Informally, the word “생선” can imply “fish” or “seafood” in everyday conversations. This term may be used more often when talking about fish specifically, but it can still encompass seafood in general depending on the context.
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are understood throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that there might be regional variations or preferences when it comes to discussing seafood. Here are a few regional variations you might encounter:
1. Gangwon Province
In Gangwon Province, located in the northeast of South Korea, people tend to use the word “드리물” (deurimul) to refer to seafood in general. This term is unique to the Gangwon region.
2. Jeju Island
Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination and a province in South Korea, has its own dialect and terminology. Instead of “해물” (haemul), people from Jeju Island commonly use the word “푸드” (pood) to mean seafood.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’ve now learned various ways to say seafood in Korean, ranging from formal phrases to informal expressions. Remember, “수산물” (susanmul) is the formal term for seafood, while “해물” (haemul) and “물회” (mulhoe) are more colloquial ways to express the concept. Additionally, understanding regional variations can help you navigate conversations with people from different parts of Korea.
Practice using these phrases in your conversations, and don’t be afraid to explore more regional vocabulary and dialects when discussing seafood in Korean. Happy language learning and enjoy your next seafood feast!
