Korean word

기름

Pronunciation

Romanizationkireum

Meaning

  • nounoil

Example

요리에 기름을 조금 넣어.yo ri e ki reu meul cho geum neo eo

Add a little oil to the dish.

Illustration for 기름 (oil)

More examples

음식에 기름이 많으면 느끼해요.eum si ge ki reu mi ma neu myeon neu kki hae yo

If food has too much oil, it tastes greasy.

Core concept

A slippery cooking substance that coats food and carries heat or flavor, whether it comes from plants or animals.

Common phrases

  • 기름에 튀기다ki reu me twi gi da

    fry in oil

  • 기름이 많다ki reu mi man ta

    have a lot of oil

Similar words

식용유sigyongnyu: Oil made for cooking food, such as frying, stir-frying, or coating a pan.
오일oil: A general product name for oil shown on labels or used in everyday descriptions.
참기름chamgireum: Fragrant oil made from sesame seeds and used in small amounts to add flavor.
기름기kireumgi: The greasy feeling or oily residue left on a food or surface.

Definition in Korean

요리에 쓰는 식물성이나 동물성의 액체 또는 지방을 가리키는 말.yo ri e sseu neun sing mul seong i na tong mul seong ui aek che tto neun chi bang eul ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

This is a native Korean word whose long-standing meaning covers both plant oils and animal fats used in cooking.

Usage tips

  • English usually separates oil and fat more sharply, but this Korean noun can cover both, so context helps identify the ingredient.

Other meanings

  • fatnoun

Related words

  • 기름냄새kireumnaemsaeoil smellnoun
  • 기름통kireumtongoil cannoun

Word lists with this word