오징어
ojing'eo[o̞d͡ʑiŋʌ̹]
The Korean word for squid is 오징어 (ojing'eo).
오징어 is a noun used to refer to the sea animal known as a squid.
Meaning: sea animal (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ojing'eo
Did you know?
- In Korean slang, 오징어 is used to describe someone who is unattractive, implying they look like a squid compared to a beauty.
- The Korean word 오징어 is actually a linguistic evolution from the Sino-Korean term 烏賊魚, which literally translates to 'crow robber fish'.
- In Korean pop culture, particularly in recent years, the word has gained global recognition due to the massive popularity of the Netflix series 'Squid Game'.
Examples in context
- 저는 오징어를 좋아합니다.I like squid.
- 오징어 볶음Stir-fried squid
- 오징어가 정말 커요.ojingeoga jeongmal keoyo.The squid is really big.
- 시장에서 오징어를 샀어요.sijangeseo ojingeoreul sasseoyo.I bought some squid at the market.
- 오징어 요리는 맛있어요.ojingeo yorineun masisseoyo.Squid dishes are delicious.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are looking at the seafood at a market.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 저 오징어 좀 보세요.Hyunwoo ssi, jeo ojingeo jom boseyo.Hyunwoo, look at that squid.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 싱싱해 보이네요.Jeongmal singsinghae boineyo.It looks really fresh.
- 민지 Min-ji오징어 하나 살까요?ojingeo hana salkkayo?Shall we buy one squid?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요, 제가 살게요.Joayo, jega salgeyo.Great, I will buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squid” translations and entries 오징어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오징어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
