데킬라
dekilla
The English word "tequila" is translated into Korean as 데킬라 (dekilla). Wiktionary also lists 테킬라 (tekilla).
Meaning: liquor (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 데킬라 | dekilla |
| 테킬라 | tekilla |
This term refers to the liquor known as tequila.
Which one should you use?
The form 데킬라 (dekilla) is the default, while 테킬라 (tekilla) is an alternative spelling.
How do you pronounce it?
dekilla
Did you know?
- To describe 데킬라 as 'strong' or 'stiff', Koreans use the word 독하다 (dokhada), which is the same adjective used to describe a person with a stubborn or tenacious personality.
- While 데킬라 is a loanword, the term 양주 used to categorize it literally means 'foreign liquor' and historically separated Western spirits from traditional Korean alcohol.
- While the liquor is called 데킬라, if you are looking for the specific plant it comes from, you would use the word 아가베 (agabe).
Examples in context
- 티킬라 한 잔 주세요.One shot of tequila, please.
- 데킬라를 한 잔 마시고 싶어요.dekilla-reul han jan masigo sipeoyo.I want to drink a glass of tequila.
- 이 데킬라는 정말 독해요.i dekilla-neun jeongmal dokhaeyo.This tequila is really strong.
- 데킬라와 잘 어울리는 음식이 뭐예요?dekilla-wa jal eoul-lineun eum-sigi mwoyeyo?What food goes well with tequila?
Example conversation
At a bar, a man and a woman are looking at the menu.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 데킬라 좋아해요?Jieun ssi, dekilla joahaeyo?Jieun, do you like tequila?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 가끔 즐겨 마셔요.Ne, gakkeum jeulgyeo masyeoyo.Yes, I enjoy drinking it sometimes.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 오늘 데킬라 한 잔 할까요?Geureom oneul dekilla han jan halkkayo?Then, shall we have a shot of tequila today?
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요, 도현 씨.Joayo, Dohyeon ssi.Sounds good, Dohyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tequila” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
