초밥
chobap[t͡ɕʰo̞ba̠p̚]
The English phrase sushi is translated into Korean as 초밥 (chobap). Wiktionary also lists 스시 (seusi).
Meaning: Japanese dish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 초밥 | chobap | [t͡ɕʰo̞ba̠p̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 스시 | seusi | [sʰɯɕʰi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both 초밥 and 스시 can be used to refer to the Japanese dish. 스시 is a direct phonetic loanword from the Japanese 'sushi' and is frequently used in modern contexts or when referring specifically to Japanese-style cuisine.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 초밥 is a compound of 초 (vinegar) and 밥 (cooked rice).
How do you pronounce it?
chobap
Did you know?
- Due to historical tensions between Korea and Japan, using the native word 초밥 was once preferred over the loanword 스시 to avoid using Japanese terminology.
- In Korea, 초밥 is often served with a side of clear soup and pickled radish, but unlike in Japan, it is very common to find fusion toppings like grilled eel with a thick sweet soy glaze.
- While 스시 refers to the Japanese style, Koreans have their own traditional fermented rice dishes that predate the modern 초밥 style, though they are less common today.
Examples in context
- 스시 한 접시 주세요.Please give me one plate of sushi.
- 저는 초밥을 정말 좋아해요.jeoneun chobabeul jeongmal joahaeyo.I really like sushi.
- 오늘 점심으로 초밥 먹을까요?oneul jeomsimeuro chobap meogeulkkayo?Shall we eat sushi for lunch today?
- 이 초밥은 정말 신선해요.i chobabeun jeongmal sinseonhaeyo.This sushi is very fresh.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 저녁으로 초밥 어때요?Subin ssi, jeonyeogeuro chobap eottaeyo?Subin, how about sushi for dinner?
- 수빈 Su-bin좋아요! 초밥은 언제나 환영이에요.Joayo! Chobabeun eonjena hwangyeong-ieyo.Sounds good! Sushi is always welcome.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 근처에 있는 식당으로 가요.Geureom geuncheoe inneun sikdang-euro gayo.Then let's go to the restaurant nearby.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨가 추천하는 곳인가요?Jihoon ssi ga chucheonhaneun gosingayo?Is it a place that you recommend, Jihoon?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sushi” translations and entries 초밥, 스시, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
