Korean word

고추장

Pronunciation

Romanizationkochujang

Meaning

  • nounKorean chili paste

Example

저는 고추장을 좋아해.cheo neun ko chu jang eul cho a hae

I like Korean chili paste.

Illustration for 고추장 (Korean chili paste)

More examples

밥에 고추장을 비벼 먹었어요.pa be ko chu jang eul pi byeo meo geo sseo yo

I mixed Korean chili paste into my rice and ate it.

Core concept

A thick fermented chili paste that adds heat, sweetness, and rich flavor to Korean food.

Common phrases

  • 고추장 한 숟가락ko chu jang han sut kka rak

    a spoonful of Korean chili paste

  • 고추장 넣다ko chu jang neo ta

    add Korean chili paste

  • 고추장 맛ko chu jang mat

    the taste of Korean chili paste

Similar words

된장toenjang: A salty fermented soybean paste used to season soups, stews, and sauces.
간장kanjang: A salty liquid made from fermented soybeans that seasons food or serves as a dip.
쌈장ssamjang: A rich dipping paste eaten with leafy vegetables wrapped around a bite of food.
고춧가루kochutkkaru: Finely ground dried chili used to make food spicier and give it a red color.

Definition in Korean

고추장은 밥이나 찌개, 볶음 등에 소량으로 넣어 맛을 내는 발효된 고추 소스이다ko chu jang eun pa bi na jji gae po kkeum teung e so ryang eu ro neo eo ma seul nae neun pal hyo doen ko chu so seu i da

Word origin

The name combines the Korean words for chili pepper and fermented sauce, describing both its main ingredient and its traditional preparation.

Usage tips

  • Because 고추장 (gochujang, "Korean chili paste") is strong and flavorful, even a small spoonful can change a dish.

Related words

  • 고추장찌개kochujangjjigaeKorean chili paste stewnoun
  • 고추장양념kochujangyangnyeomKorean chili paste seasoningnoun

Word lists with this word