새우
sae'u[sʰɛu]
The Korean word for shrimp is 새우 (sae'u).
The word 새우 refers to the flesh of the crustacean.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Which one should you use?
You can use 왕새우 specifically to refer to a king prawn.
How do you pronounce it?
sae'u
Did you know?
- The Korean phrase 새우잠 literally means 'shrimp sleep' and describes the act of curling up in a tight space to sleep.
- Korean cuisine uses 새우젓, a fermented shrimp preserve, as a foundational seasoning for many soups and stews rather than just as a standalone dish.
- In certain southern and eastern dialects of Korea, the word for shrimp is actually 새비, which preserves an ancient consonant that disappeared from the standard modern pronunciation.
Examples in context
- 저는 요리에 새우를 넣었어요.I put shrimp in the dish.
- 사실, 한국에 가면 반드시 새우 요리를 한 번쯤은 먹어야 해요.Actually, when you visit Korea, you must try shrimp dishes at least once.
- 새우가 아주 신선해요.saeuga aju sinseonhaeyo.The shrimp is very fresh.
- 저는 새우를 정말 좋아해요.jeoneun saeureul jeongmal joahaeyo.I really like shrimp.
- 식탁 위에 새우 요리가 있어요.siktak wie saeu yoriga isseoyo.There is a shrimp dish on the table.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are choosing a menu at a seafood restaurant.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 새우 요리 먹을까요?Minji-ssi, saeu yori meogeulkkayo?Minji, shall we eat a shrimp dish?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 좋아요. 저는 새우를 잘 먹어요.Ne, joayo. Jeoneun saeureul jal meogeoyo.Yes, that sounds good. I eat shrimp well.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 새우 칼국수를 주문할게요.Geureom saeu kalguksureul jumunhalgeyo.Then I will order the shrimp kalguksu.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 정말 좋은 생각이에요.Jihoon-ssi, jeongmal joeun saenggagieyo.Jihoon, that is a really good idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 새우, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 새우, CC BY-SA 4.0.
