간장 (Gan-jang) - "Soy Sauce"
The Korean word for "soy sauce" is 간장 (gan-jang). This is a key condiment in Korean cooking, made from fermented soybeans and used to season a wide range of dishes, such as 국 (guk) (soups), 조림 (jo-rim) (braised dishes), and 나물 (na-mul) (seasoned vegetables).
- 간 (gan) – liver (metaphorically referring to flavoring or seasoning)
- 장 (jang) – paste or sauce (often fermented)
Together, 간장 means "soy sauce."
Pronunciation:
- 간장 is pronounced as "gan-jang," with a soft 'g' sound and a clear 'j' in the middle.
More Expressions in Korean:
간장을 조금 넣으세요.
(Gan-jang-eul jo-geum neo-eu-se-yo)- Add a little bit of soy sauce.
간장이 어디에 있어요?
(Gan-jang-i eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?)- Where is the soy sauce?
이 간장은 너무 짜요.
(I gan-jang-eun neo-mu jja-yo)- This soy sauce is too salty.
간장으로 맛을 내요.
(Gan-jang-eu-ro mas-eul nae-yo)- Season it with soy sauce.
간장을 어디에서 살 수 있어요?
(Gan-jang-eul eo-di-e-seo sal su i-sseo-yo?)- Where can I buy soy sauce?
These phrases will help you talk about 간장 when cooking, seasoning dishes, or shopping for ingredients in Korean cuisine!