떡볶이
tteokbokki[t͈ʌ̹k̚p͈o̞k͈i]
The English phrase "spicy rice cake" is 떡볶이 (tteokbokki) in Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The first syllable 떡 (tteok) means 'rice cake'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is tteokbokki.
Did you know?
- Historically, 떡볶이 was once a royal dish served with beef, rather than the spicy street food it is known as today.
- A popular variation called 로제 떡볶이 (Rosé tteokbokki) uses cream or milk to turn the spicy red sauce into a pale pink color.
- In Korea, 떡볶이 is often paired with 튀김 (fried snacks) and 순대 (blood sausage), a combination so common it is treated as a single meal set.
Examples in context
- 떡볶이 정말 맛있어요.tteokbokki jeongmal masisseoyo.The spicy rice cake is really delicious.
- 점심으로 떡볶이 어때요?jeomsimeuro tteokbokki eottaeyo?How about spicy rice cake for lunch?
- 저는 떡볶이를 아주 좋아해요.jeoneun tteokbokkireul aju joahaeyo.I like spicy rice cake very much.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for a snack.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 오늘 떡볶이 어때요?Dohyeon ssi, oneul tteokbokki eottaeyo?Dohyeon, how about spicy rice cakes today?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요! 저도 마침 먹고 싶었어요.joayo! jeodo machim meokgo sipeosseoyo.Sounds good! I actually wanted to eat some too.
- 지은 Ji-eun근처에 맛있는 집이 있어요.geuncheoe masinneun jibi isseoyo.There is a delicious place nearby.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 지금 바로 가요.geureom jigeum baro gayo.Then let's go right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 떡볶이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
