Korean word

된장

Pronunciation

Romanizationtoenjang

Meaning

  • nounsoybean paste

Example

저는 된장을 좋아해요.cheo neun toen jang eul cho a hae yo

I like soybean paste.

Illustration for 된장 (soybean paste)

More examples

어제 집에서 된장찌개를 끓였어요.eo je chi be seo toen jang jji gae reul kkeu ryeo sseo yo

I cooked soybean paste stew at home yesterday.

Core concept

Salt-fermented soybeans become a dense paste used to add deep savory flavor to Korean food.

Common phrases

  • 된장찌개toen jang jji gae

    soybean paste stew

  • 된장국toen jang guk

    soybean paste soup

Similar words

간장kanjang: A fermented soybean seasoning in liquid form that can flavor food or serve as a dip.
고추장kochujang: A sweet and spicy fermented chili paste used in small amounts to flavor Korean dishes.
쌈장ssamjang: A savory dipping paste for vegetables or meat wrapped in leaves before eating.
청국장cheonggukjjang: A rich soybean food made by quick fermentation and known for its strong fermented smell.

Definition in Korean

메주를 주원료로 소금에 절여 숙성시켜 만든 한국의 전통 대두 발효 식품이자 조미료me ju reul chu wol lyo ro so geu me cheo ryeo suk sseong si kyeo man deun han gu gui cheon tong tae du pal hyo sik pu mi ja cho mi ryo

Word origin

된장 (doenjang, "soybean paste") is made by aging meju, a block of fermented soybeans, with salt to create a traditional Korean seasoning.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may expect a smooth spread, but this paste is mainly stirred into soups, stews, and sauces as a seasoning.

Related words

  • 된장국toenjangguksoybean paste soupnoun
  • 된장찌개toenjangjjigaesoybean paste stewnoun
  • 된장소스toenjangsoseusoybean paste saucenoun

Word lists with this word