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A2 adjective #7,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 9 دقيقة للقراءة

구수하다

gusuhada الأكثر شيوعاً #7,500

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح 구수하다 في 30 ثانية

الشرح 구수하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to master the deep nuances of '구수하다,' but you should recognize it as a word for 'good smell' or 'good taste' in specific Korean contexts. Think of it as a special word for things like Korean tea (Barley tea) or the smell of rice cooking. You might hear it in a restaurant. Just remember it is a positive word used for food. It is like saying 'Mmm, smells good and earthy!' Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread, but for Korean grains. At this stage, just focus on the fact that it is an adjective (descriptive verb) and usually ends in '-해요' (구수해요) when speaking politely.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish '구수하다' from '맛있다' (delicious). While '맛있다' is general, '구수하다' is specific. You should use it when you drink '보리차' (barley tea) or eat '된장찌개' (soybean paste stew). You can also start using the noun-modifying form '구수한' to say things like '구수한 냄새' (a savory smell). This is also the level where you should learn the difference between '구수하다' and '고소하다' (nutty/oily). If it's sesame oil, use '고소하다'. If it's a deep, earthy soup, use '구수하다'. This shows you are learning more specific Korean vocabulary.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '구수하다' in various tenses and politeness levels. You should also understand its cultural weight. It's not just a taste; it's a feeling of nostalgia and 'home.' You might use it to describe a traditional market or a grandmother's cooking. You can also start to understand its metaphorical use for people. If someone speaks in a very friendly, down-to-earth way with a regional accent, you can describe their speech as '구수하다.' You should be able to explain *why* something is '구수하다' using other B1-level words like '곡물' (grain) or '발효' (fermentation).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you should be able to use '구수하다' to describe complex sensory experiences. You might use it in a writing task about your favorite Korean food or a trip to the countryside. You should understand how it applies to things like '누룽지' (scorched rice) and '청국장' (extra-fermented soybean paste). You can also use it to describe the 'atmosphere' of a place. For example, a traditional tea house might have a '구수한 분위기' (a warm, rustic atmosphere). You should also be aware of how the word is used in food marketing and media to appeal to a sense of 'well-being' and tradition.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '구수하다' across different domains. This includes its use in describing traditional arts, such as the voice of a 'Pansori' singer or the prose of a rustic novel. You should be able to discuss the linguistic nuances between '구수하다' and its synonyms (고소하다, 담백하다, 칼칼하다) in detail. You might encounter this word in classic literature or high-level editorials discussing Korean identity and the 'taste of the home' (고향의 맛). Your usage should be precise, reflecting an understanding of the chemistry of the flavors it describes and the social implications of the 'gusu' personality.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, '구수하다' is a tool for expressing deep cultural empathy and linguistic flair. You can use it to deconstruct the 'Korean-ness' of a particular experience. You understand its etymological roots and how it has shifted in meaning over decades. You can use it ironically or poetically. In a professional or academic setting, you might use it to describe the 'earthy' qualities of a regional dialect in a linguistic study. You have a master-level grasp of all its collocations and can differentiate the 'gusu' of a 20-year-old doenjang from the 'gusu' of a freshly roasted batch of Solomon's Seal tea (둥굴레차).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

구수하다 في 30 ثانية

A unique Korean word for the savory, earthy aroma of roasted grains and fermented stews.
Specifically used for traditional foods like barley tea, doenjang-jjigae, and scorched rice (nurungji).
Metaphorically describes warm, unpretentious, and rustic personalities or regional dialects.
Distinct from 'goso-hada' (nutty/oily), focusing instead on deep, non-greasy, and comforting sensations.

The Korean adjective 구수하다 (Gusu-hada) is a sensory powerhouse in the Korean language, primarily used to describe a specific type of aroma and flavor that is deeply rooted in the traditional Korean palate. At its core, it refers to a scent or taste that is savory, hearty, and comforting, specifically the kind that results from roasting grains, fermenting beans, or simmering long-cooked broths. Unlike the simple 'delicious' (맛있다) or 'nutty' (고소하다), 구수하다 carries a weight of tradition and warmth. It is the smell of a grandmother's kitchen, the steam rising from a bowl of scorched rice water (숭늉), or the pungent yet inviting aroma of fermented soybean paste stew (된장찌개).

The Sensory Profile: It combines elements of earthiness, warmth, and a subtle sweetness that comes from toasted carbohydrates. It is never sharp or acidic; it is always rounded and mellow.
The Emotional Resonance: For Koreans, this word evokes nostalgia. It represents 'home' and 'rural simplicity.' It is the opposite of modern, processed, or 'fancy' food. It is humble and honest.
Metaphorical Usage: Beyond food, it describes a person's way of speaking or their character. A '구수한' person is unpretentious, down-to-earth, and perhaps uses a charming regional dialect (사투리) that feels warm and familiar rather than stiff and formal.

시골 할머니 댁에서 먹는 된장찌개는 정말 구수하다.

To understand 구수하다, one must understand the Korean relationship with grain. Rice, barley, and corn are staples, and the process of 'toasting' them creates the quintessential 'gusu' flavor. Think of the crust at the bottom of a stone pot (누룽지); when water is added to this crust to make a tea-like soup, that is the definition of 구수하다. It is a flavor that doesn't overwhelm the palate but rather settles it. In a world of spicy and salty Korean dishes, 구수하다 provides the balance. It is the 'base note' of the Korean diet.

갓 볶은 보리차의 향이 아주 구수해요.

In modern urban Korea, the word is often used with a sense of longing. When a city dweller visits a traditional market and smells the vats of simmering soup, they might sigh and say, "아, 구수하다." It’s an appreciation of the slow process. Fast food is rarely, if ever, described this way. It requires time—time for the beans to ferment, time for the rice to scorch, or time for the bones to boil down into a milky broth. It is the linguistic equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold day.

Cultural Context: The Dialect: When someone says an old man's dialect is '구수하다,' they mean his speech is full of character, humor, and a lack of pretension. It’s like a 'hearty' laugh or a 'rich' story.

그 아저씨의 말투는 언제 들어도 구수하다.

Using 구수하다 correctly involves understanding both its grammatical behavior as a descriptive verb (adjective) and its specific semantic constraints. In Korean, adjectives function like verbs, meaning they can be the predicate of a sentence without needing a separate 'to be' verb. You can conjugate it based on the level of politeness and the tense required.

Present Tense Conjugations: Informal: 구수해 (Gusu-hae)
Polite: 구수해요 (Gusu-haeyo)
Formal: 구수합니다 (Gusu-hamnida)
Modifying Nouns: To describe a noun directly, use the form '구수한' (Gusuhan). For example: '구수한 냄새' (A savory smell) or '구수한 된장찌개' (Savory soybean stew).

The word is most frequently paired with nouns related to smell (냄새, 향기) and taste (맛). When you walk into a house where someone is making barley tea, the first thing you would say is "냄새가 구수하다!" (The smell is savory!). It is also common to use it when eating. If you take a sip of a rich, earthy soup, you might nod and say, "국물이 참 구수하네요" (The broth is really savory/hearty).

구수한 보리차 한 잔 드릴까요?

When using it to describe people, it is almost always a compliment, but specifically for older people or those from the countryside. You wouldn't typically call a K-pop idol '구수하다' unless you were specifically talking about their unexpectedly rustic personality or hometown accent. It implies a certain level of comfort and lack of artificiality. If someone tells a story with a lot of 'flavor' and local charm, you can describe the story as '구수하다'.

이 식당의 청국장은 맛이 참 구수하다.

Advanced learners should note that 구수하다 can be used in the past tense (구수했다) to describe a memory of a meal, or in the future/conjectural tense (구수하겠다) when looking at a picture of food or smelling something from a distance. "와, 저 찌개 진짜 구수하겠다!" (Wow, that stew must be really savory!). It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between physical sensation and emotional warmth.

Common Sentence Patterns: [Food/Smell] + 이/가 + 구수하다.
[Person] + 의 + [Speech/Personality] + 이/가 + 구수하다.

할아버지의 구수한 옛날이야기를 듣고 있으면 시간이 금방 가요.

To hear 구수하다 in its natural habitat, you need to step away from the high-tech districts of Seoul and head toward traditional markets (재래시장) or rural villages. This word is the soundtrack to the 'slow life' in Korea. In a market, you will hear vendors shouting about their '구수한 누룽지' (savory scorched rice) or '구수한 들깨가루' (savory perilla seed powder). It is a marketing term that promises authenticity and health.

In the Kitchen: You'll hear it most often during breakfast or dinner preparation. When the barley tea starts to boil, someone will inevitably comment on the '구수한' smell. It's a verbal acknowledgement of a comforting environment.
On Television: Food documentaries and travel shows (like 'Korean Food Table' or 'Street Food Fighter') use this word constantly. Narrators use it to describe the depth of flavor in traditional soups that have been simmering for hours. It signals to the viewer that the food is 'the real deal.'

"이 집 된장찌개는 정말 구수하네요!" (TV show host reacting to a meal)

Interestingly, you will also hear this word in the context of traditional music and performing arts. A '구수한 창' (a savory 'Pansori' singing style) refers to a voice that is deep, husky, and full of the 'han' (sorrow/soul) and 'heung' (joy) of the Korean people. It’s a voice that sounds like it has been aged, much like a good batch of doenjang. It is the opposite of a 'thin' or 'pop' voice.

You might also encounter it in literature or period dramas (Sa-geuk). When characters are sitting around a fire or in a humble tavern (Jumak), the atmosphere is often described as 구수하다. It’s a word that bridges the gap between the five senses, creating a holistic feeling of rustic well-being. If you want to impress your Korean friends, use it when you drink 'Oksusu-cha' (corn tea) or 'Memil-cha' (buckwheat tea). They will be delighted that you recognize that specific, earthy quality.

어머니가 끓여주신 구수한 숭늉 한 그릇이 생각나요.

Modern Usage: Even in modern cafes, you might see '구수한 원두' (savory coffee beans) listed on the menu. This refers to a dark roast with nutty, chocolatey, and earthy notes, as opposed to acidic or fruity notes.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 구수하다 is confusing it with its close cousin, 고소하다. While both are translated as 'savory' or 'nutty' in English, they are not interchangeable in Korean. Using the wrong one can sound very unnatural to a native speaker.

구수하다 vs. 고소하다: Think of 고소하다 as the taste of sesame oil, fried nuts, or crispy fried chicken skin. It’s often associated with fats and oils. Think of 구수하다 as the taste of roasted grains, fermented soybean paste, or a deep bone broth. It’s associated with earthy, boiled, or toasted non-oily things.
Using it for Sweet Things: Never use 구수하다 for sugary sweets like cake, candy, or soda. Even if a pastry has a 'baked' smell, if the dominant flavor is sugar, 구수하다 is the wrong choice. However, if it's a traditional grain-based snack (like gangjeong) that isn't very sweet, 구수하다 might apply.

Another mistake is the register of usage. While it’s not 'slang,' it is a very 'warm' and 'informal' feeling word. Using it in a highly clinical or cold scientific context to describe a chemical aroma would be strange. It is a word of the heart and the stomach. Also, be careful when describing people. Calling a young, trendy person '구수하다' might be interpreted as calling them 'old-fashioned' or 'country-like' (촌스럽다), even if you mean it as a compliment about their friendliness.

틀린 표현: 이 케이크는 정말 구수해요. (X)
올바른 표현: 이 보리빵은 정말 구수해요. (O)

Finally, don't overuse it for 'general' deliciousness. If a steak is delicious because it's juicy and salty, use '맛있다' or '풍미가 좋다' (flavorful). If you use 구수하다 for a steak, a Korean person might think the steak smells like fermented beans or roasted barley, which would be a very strange steak indeed! Precision in sensory vocabulary is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.

Common Contextual Error: Don't use it for 'spicy' (맵다) or 'salty' (짜다) flavors directly. A soup can be spicy AND 구수하다, but the 'gusu' part specifically refers to the deep, earthy base, not the chili heat.

While 구수하다 is unique, there are several words you can use depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you describe food and people with much greater accuracy.

고소하다 (Goso-hada): The most common alternative. Use this for the smell of sesame oil, roasted nuts, or anything fried and crispy. It’s more 'oily' and 'nutty' than 구수하다.
Example: 참기름 냄새가 고소하다.
담백하다 (Dambaek-hada): Use this for food that is clean, light, and not greasy or overly seasoned. While 구수하다 is deep and earthy, 담백하다 is light and pure.
Example: 이 생선 요리는 맛이 담백하다.
진하다 (Jinhada): Means 'thick' or 'strong.' Often used for broths. A soup can be both '진하다' (thick/strong) and '구수하다' (savory/earthy).
Example: 사골 국물이 아주 진하다.
털털하다 (Teolteol-hada): When describing a person's personality, this is a great alternative to the metaphorical use of 구수하다. It means easy-going, unpretentious, and not picky.
Example: 그녀는 성격이 참 털털하다.

In a literary context, you might see 슴슴하다 (seumseum-hada), which is a North Korean dialect word (now popular in the South) for food that is delicately flavored and slightly bland but in a good, 'clean' way. This is often used for Pyeongyang Naengmyeon. It shares that 'honest' quality with 구수하다 but lacks the roasted/fermented depth.

참기름은 고소하고, 된장찌개는 구수하다.

When choosing between these words, ask yourself: Is the flavor coming from oil/fat (고소하다), from the earth/fermentation (구수하다), or is it just simply not strong (담백하다)? This mental check will ensure you sound like a native. For personality, '구수하다' implies a certain 'old-world' charm that '털털하다' doesn't necessarily have.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

There is no direct one-word equivalent in English. 'Savory' is too broad, and 'nutty' is too oily. It is a 'cultural untranslatable'.

دليل النطق

UK /ɡu.su.ɦa.da/

US /ɡu.su.hɑ.dɑ/

Stress is even on all syllables, typical of Korean, but a slight emphasis may be placed on 'su'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts about food or travel.

الكتابة 3/5

Requires understanding the difference from '고소하다' to use correctly.

التحدث 3/5

Natural usage requires the right emotional tone and context.

الاستماع 2/5

Commonly heard in food-related media.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

맛있다 (to be delicious) 냄새 (smell) 차 (tea) 밥 (rice) 좋다 (to be good)

تعلّم لاحقاً

고소하다 (nutty/oily) 담백하다 (clean/light) 얼큰하다 (spicy and refreshing) 칼칼하다 (spicy/sharp) 느끼하다 (greasy)

متقدم

토속적이다 (rustic) 정취 (atmosphere) 발효 (fermentation) 풍미 (flavor profile)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adjective to Noun (-함)

구수하다 -> 구수함 (The quality of being savory)

Noun-modifying form (-ㄴ/은)

구수한 냄새 (A savory smell)

Adjective to Adverb (-게)

구수하게 끓이다 (To boil savorily)

State Change (-아/어지다)

맛이 구수해졌어요 (The taste became savory)

Exclamatory ending (-네요)

정말 구수하네요! (It really is savory!)

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

보리차가 구수해요.

The barley tea is savory/earthy.

Present tense polite form of 구수하다.

밥 냄새가 구수해요.

The smell of rice is savory.

Subject (밥 냄새) + Particle (가) + Adjective.

이 국은 구수합니다.

This soup is savory.

Formal polite form (-습니다).

구수한 냄새가 나요.

A savory smell is coming out.

Noun-modifying form (구수한) + noun.

된장찌개는 구수해.

Soybean paste stew is savory.

Informal/Casual form (-해).

구수한 맛이 좋아요.

I like the savory taste.

Object of liking is the savory taste.

옥수수차가 참 구수해요.

Corn tea is really savory.

Adverb '참' (really/very) used for emphasis.

이 빵은 구수해요.

This bread is savory.

Using 구수하다 for grain-based bread.

할머니 집 된장찌개는 정말 구수해요.

The soybean paste stew at my grandmother's house is really savory.

Contextual use: grandmother's cooking is the peak of 'gusu'.

구수한 누룽지를 먹고 싶어요.

I want to eat savory scorched rice.

Noun modification with the 'want to' (-고 싶다) structure.

냄새는 구수한데 맛은 조금 짜요.

The smell is savory, but the taste is a bit salty.

Contrastive connector -ㄴ데/-은데 (but/while).

커피 향이 아주 구수하네요.

The coffee aroma is very savory/earthy.

Exclamatory ending -네요 to express surprise or realization.

구수한 들깨 수제비를 주문했어요.

I ordered savory perilla seed hand-pulled dough soup.

Specific food collocation (들깨 수제비).

이 차는 맛이 구수하고 따뜻해요.

This tea tastes savory and is warm.

Connector -고 (and) joining two adjectives.

구수한 냄새가 부엌에서 나요.

A savory smell is coming from the kitchen.

Directional particle -에서 (from).

시골의 구수한 정이 느껴져요.

I can feel the savory/warm affection of the countryside.

Metaphorical use for 'affection' (정).

청국장은 냄새는 강하지만 맛은 아주 구수해요.

Cheonggukjang has a strong smell, but the taste is very savory.

Contrast between smell (강하다) and taste (구수하다).

그 아저씨는 말투가 구수해서 인기가 많아요.

That man is popular because his way of speaking is so down-to-earth.

Causal connector -아서/어서 (because).

어렸을 때 먹던 구수한 숭늉이 생각나네요.

I'm reminded of the savory scorched rice water I used to eat when I was young.

Retrospective modifier -던 (used to...).

이 식당은 구수한 보리밥으로 유명한 곳이에요.

This restaurant is famous for its savory barley rice.

Noun modification and the 'famous for' structure.

구수한 냄새를 맡으니 배가 고파지네요.

Smelling that savory aroma makes me hungry.

Sequential connector -(으)니 (since/as).

메밀전병의 구수한 맛에 반해버렸어요.

I fell in love with the savory taste of the buckwheat crepes.

Compound verb -아/어 버리다 (completely/ended up...).

전통 시장에 가면 구수한 사람 냄새가 나요.

When you go to a traditional market, there's a 'savory' human feel.

Idiomatic '사람 냄새' (humanity/warmth).

이 원두는 산미보다 구수한 맛이 강합니다.

These beans have a stronger savory taste than acidity.

Comparison structure -보다 (than).

화덕에서 갓 구워낸 빵의 구수한 향기가 진동을 한다.

The savory aroma of bread fresh out of the stone oven fills the air.

Literary ending -ㄴ다/-는다 and the idiom '진동을 하다' (to fill the air/vibrate).

그의 구수한 사투리는 듣는 사람의 마음을 편안하게 해준다.

His savory dialect makes the listeners feel at ease.

Causative-like structure -게 해준다 (makes/lets someone...).

오랜 시간 푹 고아낸 사골 국물이 정말 구수하고 진하다.

The bone broth, simmered for a long time, is truly savory and thick.

Passive/Resultative modifier '고아낸' (simmered down).

작가는 시골 풍경을 구수한 필치로 묘사하고 있다.

The author is describing the countryside scenery with a 'savory' (earthy/warm) touch.

Metaphorical use for writing style (필치).

된장이 잘 익을수록 구수한 맛이 깊어진다.

The better the soybean paste ferments (ripens), the deeper the savory taste becomes.

The more... the more... structure -(으)ㄹ수록.

구수한 입담 덕분에 모임 분위기가 화기애애해졌다.

Thanks to the savory (witty/warm) storytelling, the meeting atmosphere became harmonious.

Noun '입담' (storytelling skill/gift of gab).

이 막걸리는 뒷맛이 구수해서 목 넘김이 좋다.

This makgeolli has a savory aftertaste, so it goes down smoothly.

Compound noun '목 넘김' (the feel of swallowing).

구수한 옛날이야기를 들으며 할머니 무릎에서 잠이 들었다.

Listening to savory old stories, I fell asleep on my grandmother's lap.

Simultaneous action -(으)며 (while).

판소리 명창의 구수한 목소리에는 우리 민족의 한이 서려 있다.

The 'savory' (soulful/deep) voice of the master Pansori singer is imbued with our nation's 'han'.

Advanced vocabulary '명창' (master singer) and '서려 있다' (to be imbued/infused).

그의 연기는 투박하면서도 구수한 매력이 있어 대중의 사랑을 받는다.

His acting has a rough yet 'savory' charm, earning him the public's love.

Contrastive connector -면서도 (while at the same time).

토속적인 소재와 구수한 문체가 어우러져 작품의 완성도를 높였다.

The harmony of folk subjects and a 'savory' literary style enhanced the work's perfection.

Complex subject with '어우러져' (harmonizing).

어머니의 손맛이 깃든 구수한 된장찌개는 만병통치약이나 다름없다.

Mother's savory soybean paste stew, infused with her 'hand-taste', is no different from a panacea.

Idiomatic '-이나 다름없다' (no different from).

시골 장터의 구수한 정취는 현대인들에게 위로를 건넨다.

The 'savory' (rustic/warm) atmosphere of the rural market offers comfort to modern people.

Abstract noun '정취' (mood/atmosphere).

구수한 입담으로 좌중을 압도하는 그의 강연은 늘 매진이다.

His lectures, which overwhelm the audience with savory storytelling, are always sold out.

Participial phrase modifying '강연'.

발효 식품 특유의 구수한 풍미는 서양인들에게도 점차 인정받고 있다.

The unique savory flavor of fermented foods is gradually gaining recognition among Westerners.

Noun '풍미' (flavor/zest).

구수한 고향의 냄새가 물씬 풍기는 이 노래는 실향민들의 심금을 울린다.

This song, which strongly gives off the savory scent of hometown, touches the heartstrings of displaced people.

Idiom '심금을 울리다' (to touch one's heartstrings).

그의 문학 세계는 구수한 토속어의 향연이라 할 만큼 언어적 성취가 높다.

His literary world is such a feast of 'savory' native words that its linguistic achievement is high.

Advanced structure '-라 할 만큼' (to the extent that it could be called...).

구수하다는 형용사는 단순히 미각을 넘어 한국인의 정서적 원형을 담고 있다.

The adjective 'gusu-hada' transcends simple taste and contains the emotional prototype of the Korean people.

Nominalized adjective '구수하다는' used as a subject.

전통 가옥의 툇마루에 앉아 구수한 숭늉을 들이키니 무릉도원이 따로 없다.

Sitting on the narrow wooden porch of a traditional house and drinking savory scorched rice water, it's like paradise itself.

Idiom '무릉도원이 따로 없다' (this is paradise).

현대적 세련미와 구수한 전통미가 절묘하게 교차하는 지점에서 새로운 문화가 탄생한다.

A new culture is born at the point where modern sophistication and savory traditional beauty exquisitely intersect.

Sophisticated noun '전통미' (traditional beauty).

구수한 사투리 속에 녹아 있는 해학과 풍자는 우리 문학의 소중한 자산이다.

The humor and satire dissolved within the savory dialect are precious assets of our literature.

Passive participle '녹아 있는' (melted/dissolved).

그 노신사의 구수한 인품은 주변 사람들에게 깊은 귀감이 된다.

The elderly gentleman's 'savory' (warm/unpretentious) character serves as a deep role model for those around him.

Abstract use for 'character/personality' (인품).

된장의 구수함은 시간이라는 마법이 부려놓은 인고의 산물이다.

The 'savory-ness' of doenjang is a product of endurance created by the magic of time.

Nominalized form '구수함' (savory-ness).

구수한 흙내음이 진동하는 들판을 거닐며 생명의 경이로움을 만끽했다.

Strolling through fields vibrating with the savory scent of earth, I enjoyed the wonder of life.

Sensory compound '흙내음' (scent of earth).

تلازمات شائعة

구수한 냄새

구수한 맛

구수한 사투리

구수한 입담

구수한 된장찌개

구수한 보리차

구수한 누룽지

구수한 향기

말투가 구수하다

인품이 구수하다

العبارات الشائعة

냄새가 구수하다

— The smell is savory/hearty. Usually said when encountering traditional Korean food.

청국장 냄새가 구수하네요.

맛이 참 구수하다

— The taste is really savory. Used as a high compliment for traditional soups.

국물 맛이 참 구수해요.

구수한 옛날이야기

— A savory old story. Refers to a story told with warmth and rustic charm.

할머니의 구수한 옛날이야기를 들었다.

구수한 사람 냄새

— The savory smell of people. An idiom meaning a warm, human, and unpretentious atmosphere.

이 시장에는 구수한 사람 냄새가 있다.

구수하게 들리다

— To sound savory. Used when an accent or voice is charmingly rustic.

그의 노래가 구수하게 들린다.

구수한 손맛

— Savory 'hand-taste'. Refers to the skill of a traditional cook.

어머니의 구수한 손맛이 그립다.

구수한 풍미

— Savory zest/flavor. A more formal way to describe the taste profile.

이 와인은 구수한 풍미가 특징입니다.

구수한 매력

— Savory charm. A rustic, down-to-earth attractiveness.

그 배우는 구수한 매력이 있다.

구수한 사투리를 쓰다

— To use a savory dialect. To speak with a warm regional accent.

그는 구수한 사투리를 써서 친근하다.

구수한 정

— Savory affection. The warm, simple love found in rural communities.

시골의 구수한 정을 느꼈다.

يُخلط عادةً مع

구수하다 vs 고소하다

고소하다 is for sesame oil/nuts (oily); 구수하다 is for grains/doenjang (earthy).

구수하다 vs 맛있다

맛있다 is general 'delicious'; 구수하다 is a specific type of savory taste.

구수하다 vs 담백하다

담백하다 is 'clean/plain'; 구수하다 is 'rich/hearty'.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"사람 냄새가 구수하다"

— Literally 'the human smell is savory.' It means someone is very human, relatable, and warm-hearted.

그는 참 사람 냄새가 구수한 정치인이다.

Neutral

"구수한 입담"

— A savory gift of gab. Describes someone who is an excellent, entertaining, and rustic storyteller.

그의 구수한 입담에 모두가 매료되었다.

Neutral

"구수한 된장 냄새"

— Often used to describe a home that feels traditional and welcoming.

그의 집은 항상 구수한 된장 냄새가 나는 듯한 편안함이 있다.

Literary

"구수하게 넘어가다"

— To go down savory. Describes a drink (like makgeolli) that is smooth and earthy.

이 술은 맛이 구수하게 잘 넘어간다.

Neutral

"구수한 사투리 한 가락"

— A 'tune' of savory dialect. Refers to the musical quality of regional speech.

구수한 사투리 한 가락으로 좌중을 웃겼다.

Literary

"구수한 촌놈"

— A savory country boy. A slightly teasing but affectionate way to call someone rustic.

그는 자칭 구수한 촌놈이다.

Informal

"구수한 옛 정취"

— The savory mood of old times. Nostalgia for traditional Korean life.

이곳에 오니 구수한 옛 정취가 느껴진다.

Literary

"구수한 손맛을 보다"

— To experience someone's savory cooking skill.

오늘 제대로 할머니의 구수한 손맛을 봤다.

Neutral

"구수한 입맛"

— A savory palate. A preference for traditional, earthy foods over modern ones.

나는 입맛이 구수해서 피자보다 된장찌개가 좋다.

Neutral

"구수한 정을 나누다"

— To share savory affection. To have a warm, unpretentious interaction.

이웃들과 구수한 정을 나누며 살고 싶다.

Neutral

سهل الخلط

구수하다 vs 고소하다

Both translate to 'savory' or 'nutty' in English.

고소하다 is the taste of fats/oils (fried chicken, sesame oil). 구수하다 is the taste of carbohydrates/fermentation (rice, barley, beans).

볶은 깨는 고소하고, 끓인 보리차는 구수하다.

구수하다 vs 싱겁다

Sometimes people think 'earthy' means 'weak'.

싱겁다 means lacking salt. 구수하다 means having a deep, roasted flavor, regardless of salt level.

이 국은 싱겁지만 구수한 맛은 있다.

구수하다 vs 비리다

Both are strong food smells.

비리다 is an unpleasant fishy/raw smell. 구수하다 is a pleasant, warm, roasted smell.

생선은 비릴 수 있지만, 된장은 구수하다.

구수하다 vs 맵다

Korean stews are often both.

맵다 is the spicy heat. 구수하다 is the savory base of the stew.

이 찌개는 맵지만 구수한 맛도 강하다.

구수하다 vs 촌스럽다

Both relate to the countryside.

촌스럽다 is usually negative (unsophisticated/tacky). 구수하다 is positive (warm/hearty/authentic).

옷은 촌스러울 수 있지만, 말투는 구수하다.

أنماط الجُمل

N + 이/가 구수해요.

보리차가 구수해요.

구수한 + N

구수한 냄새가 나요.

N + 이/가 구수해서 좋아요.

맛이 구수해서 좋아요.

V + 는 것보다 구수한 게 나아요.

단 것보다 구수한 게 나아요.

N + 만큼 구수한 게 없어요.

된장찌개만큼 구수한 게 없어요.

구수하게 + V

이야기를 구수하게 하시네요.

구수함이 느껴지는 + N

구수함이 느껴지는 시골 풍경.

구수하다 못해 + Adjective

구수하다 못해 깊은 맛이 난다.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

구수함 Savory-ness / Heartiness

الصفات

구수하다 To be savory/hearty

مرتبط

고소하다 (nutty)

담백하다 (clean taste)

진하다 (thick/strong)

토속적이다 (rustic)

정겹다 (warm)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High in food and cultural contexts; Moderate in daily city life.

أخطاء شائعة

Using 구수하다 for fried chicken. → 고소하다
Fried chicken is oily and crispy, which falls under '고소하다'. '구수하다' is for non-oily roasted things like grains.
Saying '맛이 구수해요' for a strawberry. → 달콤해요 / 상큼해요
Fruit is sweet or tart, never 'gusu'. 'Gusu' is earthy and roasted.
Using the object marker: '된장찌개를 구수해요'. → 된장찌개가 구수해요.
구수하다 is an adjective (descriptive verb). It takes a subject, not an object.
Describing a modern minimalist apartment as '구수하다'. → 깔끔하다 / 세련되다
'구수하다' implies a rustic, old-fashioned, and warm atmosphere. A modern apartment is the opposite.
Using 구수하다 for a very spicy dish with no earthy base. → 맵다 / 매콤하다
While a spicy stew can be 'gusu', the spiciness itself is not 'gusu'. Only the deep bean/grain base is.

نصائح

The Doenjang Rule

If the food contains Korean soybean paste (Doenjang), '구수하다' is almost always the right word to use.

Grandma's Cooking

Whenever you want to describe a meal that feels like it was made with love in a rural kitchen, '구수하다' is your best friend.

Grain vs. Nut

Roasted grains = 구수하다. Roasted nuts = 고소하다. Remembering this simple split will save you from many mistakes.

Dialect Charm

Use it to describe a regional accent (사투리) to show you appreciate the local culture. It's a very 'Korean' way to give a compliment.

Noun Modifiers

Learn the phrase '구수한 냄새' (savory smell) as a single chunk. It's one of the most common pairings in the language.

Follow the Nose

This word is often about the *smell* first and the *taste* second. If the steam makes you feel warm inside, it's '구수하다'.

Not for Sweets

If you describe a donut as '구수하다', people will be very confused. Use it for 'honest' foods like rice, beans, and grains.

Connecting with Seniors

Older Koreans love it when younger people or foreigners appreciate '구수한' flavors. It shows you have a mature and traditional palate.

Descriptive Verb

Remember it's an adjective, so it conjugates like '좋다' or '크다'. No need for an extra 'to be' verb.

Golden Brown

Visually, things that are '구수하다' are often golden brown—like toasted rice, barley tea, or cooked doenjang.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Imagine a 'Gusu' (Goose) roasting 'Corn' (Oksusu). The smell is 'Gusu-hada'!

ربط بصري

A steaming bowl of brown rice or a pot of bubbling brown soybean stew. Think of the color 'Warm Brown'.

Word Web

된장찌개 (Soybean stew) 보리차 (Barley tea) 누룽지 (Scorched rice) 사투리 (Dialect) 할머니 (Grandmother) 고향 (Hometown) 전통 (Tradition) 흙 (Earth/Soil)

تحدٍّ

Try to find three different things today that could be described as '구수하다'—maybe a dark coffee, a piece of whole-wheat toast, or a friendly neighbor's voice.

أصل الكلمة

Pure Korean origin. It has been used for centuries to describe the specific olfactory and gustatory results of grain roasting and bean fermentation.

المعنى الأصلي: To have an appealing, roasted, or fermented scent/taste.

Koreanic

السياق الثقافي

Calling a young person '구수하다' can be a backhanded compliment, implying they are not 'cool' or 'modern'. Use it primarily for food, elderly people, or very close friends.

English speakers often struggle because they want to use 'nutty,' but 'nutty' implies the presence of nuts. 'Savory' is the closest, but 'hearty' captures the emotional side better.

Often used in the TV show 'Korean Food Table' (한국인의 밥상). A common descriptor in the lyrics of 'Trot' music (traditional Korean pop). Frequently used by famous chef Baek Jong-won to describe traditional base broths.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At a Korean restaurant

여기 된장찌개 정말 구수해요.
구수한 보리차 좀 더 주실래요?
누룽지가 아주 구수하게 잘 됐네요.
청국장 냄새가 구수하네요.

Describing a person

할아버지의 구수한 사투리가 그리워요.
그분은 성격이 참 구수해요.
이야기를 참 구수하게 잘하시네요.
구수한 매력이 있는 사람이에요.

Shopping at a market

이 원두는 구수한 맛인가요?
구수한 누룽지 한 봉지 주세요.
들깨가루가 아주 구수해 보여요.
구수한 향이 나는 차를 찾고 있어요.

Cooking at home

멸치 육수를 구수하게 끓였어요.
밥이 구수하게 잘 지어졌네.
보리차 냄새가 구수하다.
된장을 넣으니 맛이 구수해졌어.

Listening to music/stories

노래 소리가 참 구수하네요.
구수한 옛날이야기 하나 해주세요.
목소리가 참 구수하고 좋으세요.
사투리가 구수하게 들려요.

بدايات محادثة

"어떤 종류의 차를 좋아하세요? 전 구수한 보리차를 좋아해요."

"한국 음식 중에서 구수한 맛이 나는 음식을 드셔보셨나요?"

"된장찌개 냄새가 구수하지 않나요? 전 이 냄새가 정말 좋아요."

"할머니의 구수한 옛날이야기를 들어본 적이 있으세요?"

"커피를 고를 때 산미 있는 걸 좋아하세요, 아니면 구수한 걸 좋아하세요?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

가장 구수하다고 생각하는 음식에 대해 써보세요. 왜 그 음식이 구수한가요?

어릴 적 구수한 냄새와 관련된 추억이 있다면 적어보세요.

주변에 '구수한' 매력을 가진 사람이 있나요? 그 사람의 특징을 묘사해보세요.

전통 시장에서 느낀 구수한 분위기에 대해 일기를 써보세요.

내가 좋아하는 '구수한' 것들 (차, 음식, 음악 등)의 리스트를 만들어보세요.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Generally, no. Chocolate is usually described as '달콤하다' (sweet) or '씁쓸하다' (bitter). However, if you are describing a dark, roasted cacao aroma that smells like roasted beans, you might hear it in a very specific coffee/cacao context, but it's rare. Stick to grains and Korean stews.

Yes, for food, it's always a compliment. For people, it's almost always a compliment about their warmth and friendliness. However, if said in a sarcastic way to a young person trying to be trendy, it might imply they are 'old-fashioned.' But 95% of the time, it is positive.

Imagine walking past a bakery vs. walking past a traditional Korean house boiling barley tea. The bakery (butter, oil) is '고소하다'. The barley tea (roasted grain) is '구수하다'. Sesame oil is the king of '고소하다'. Doenjang is the king of '구수하다'.

Absolutely! It is the best word for barley tea (보리차), corn tea (옥수수차), and buckwheat tea (메밀차). It is not used for green tea or fruit teas.

The past tense is '구수했다' (Informal) or '구수했어요' (Polite). Example: '어제 먹은 찌개가 정말 구수했어요' (The stew I ate yesterday was really savory).

You can say a house has a '구수한 분위기' (savory/rustic atmosphere), meaning it feels warm, traditional, and lived-in, rather than modern and cold.

It might be a bit too informal or specific for a serious business meeting unless you are discussing food products or regional development. In a business dinner, however, it is perfect for complimenting the food.

Nurungji is the scorched rice at the bottom of a pot. It is the most common thing described as '구수하다'. It is often eaten as a snack or boiled in water to make a soup called '숭늉'.

Not in a negative way. While 'Cheonggukjang' has a strong smell that some might find 'smelly,' to those who like it, that smell is '구수하다' (savory/rich).

Yes, especially for singers or storytellers. A '구수한 목소리' is a voice that sounds warm, deep, and full of traditional character.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات