밑반찬
mitbanchan
The English phrase "side dishes" is translated into Korean as 밑반찬 (mitbanchan).
The term 밑반찬 refers to the various small dishes, such as kimchi, seasoned vegetables or dried fish, that are served as part of a traditional Korean meal. While the word 반찬 is the general term for any side dish served with rice, 밑반찬 specifically refers to the category of side dishes that are often prepared in advance to last for a few days.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between 밑반찬 and 반찬. The word 반찬 is the more general term for any side dish served with rice, whereas 밑반찬 refers to the specific category of side dishes often prepared in advance to last several days.
How do you pronounce it?
mitbanchan
Did you know?
- There is a specific cultural practice called 반찬 투정 which describes the act of complaining about the side dishes provided by a parent or spouse.
- Some high-end traditional Korean meals are categorized by the number of 반찬 served, such as a 12-cheop meal which features twelve different side dishes reserved for royalty.
- In modern Korea, 반찬 stores exist specifically to sell pre-made 밑반찬 for people who lack the time to prepare these complex, fermented or seasoned dishes at home.
Examples in context
- 오늘 저녁에는 어떤 반찬이 있나요?What side dishes are there for dinner tonight?
- 세탁소 근처에 싸고 맛있는 반찬집이 있어요.There's an inexpensive and delicious side dish restaurant near the dry cleaner's.
- 밑반찬이 정말 맛있어요.mitbanchan-i jeongmal masisseoyo.The side dishes are really delicious.
- 밑반찬을 더 주실 수 있나요?mitbanchan-eul deo jusil su innayo?Can I have more side dishes?
- 냉장고에 밑반찬이 많아요.naengjanggo-e mitbanchan-i manhayo.There are many side dishes in the refrigerator.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are eating lunch at a Korean restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin여기 밑반찬 진짜 맛있어요.yeo-gi mit-ban-chan jin-jja ma-si-seo-yo.The side dishes here are really delicious.
- 민준 Min-jun맞아요. 특히 김치가 정말 맛있네요.ma-ja-yo. teuk-hi gim-chi-ga jeong-mal ma-sin-ne-yo.You're right. Especially the kimchi is great.
- 수빈 Su-bin밑반찬 더 필요하세요?mit-ban-chan deo pyo-ryo-ha-se-yo?Do you need more side dishes?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 조금만 더 주세요.ne, jo-geum-man deo ju-se-yo.Yes, please give me a little more.
