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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

배추

baechu Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 배추 en 30 secondes

Explication 배추 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 배추 is introduced as a basic vocabulary word for food and shopping. You should learn it alongside other common vegetables like 'apple' (sagwa) or 'water' (mul). At this stage, you focus on identifying the object and using it in very simple sentences with basic particles like 'eul/reul' (object marker) and 'i/ga' (subject marker). You might say 'I like cabbage' (Baechu-reul joahae-yo) or 'This is cabbage' (Igeoseun baechu-ye-yo). The goal is to recognize the word in a grocery store or a picture. You also learn that it is the main ingredient of Kimchi, which is a key cultural fact even for beginners. You don't need to worry about complex counters yet, though knowing 'han pogi' (one head) is a good bonus. The focus is on the sound 'bae-chu' and linking it to the image of the long, leafy vegetable. You might also encounter it in basic color descriptions, like 'The cabbage is green and white' (Baechu-neun chorok-saek-gwa hayansae-gie-yo).

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 배추 in the context of daily activities and simple tasks. You can describe buying it at the market, including the quantity using the counter 'pogi'. You should be able to say, 'I bought two heads of cabbage to make Kimchi' (Kimchi-reul mandeuryeogo baechu du pogi-reul sasseo-yo). You also learn basic verbs related to cooking, such as 'ssista' (to wash) and 'sseolda' (to cut). You can express preferences, like 'I prefer cabbage wraps over lettuce wraps'. At this level, you start to see the word in compound forms like 'Baechu-guk' (cabbage soup) or 'Baechu-kimchi'. You are expected to understand simple instructions or questions at a restaurant, like 'Would you like some more cabbage?'. The focus shifts from mere identification to practical usage in shopping and dining scenarios. You also learn to describe its taste or condition using adjectives like 'singsing-hada' (to be fresh) or 'dalda' (to be sweet).

At the B1 level, you can discuss the cultural importance of 배추 and its role in Korean traditions like 'Gimjang'. You can explain why cabbage is salted and how it changes texture during the fermentation process. You can use more complex grammar to describe sequences, such as 'After salting the cabbage for several hours, you must rinse it thoroughly' (Baechu-reul myeot sigan dongan jeorin hue kkaekkeusi ssis-eo-ya hae-yo). You also become aware of the economic aspect, understanding news headlines about 'Baechu-gap' (cabbage prices). You can participate in conversations about cooking recipes and share your own experiences with Korean food. At this stage, you start to recognize different varieties of cabbage, such as 'Al-baechu' or 'Eolgari-baechu', and know when to use each one. Your vocabulary expands to include terms like 'Gimjang-cheol' (Kimjang season) and 'Go-laeng-ji' (highland), and you can explain the connection between geography and vegetable quality.

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At the B2 level, you can engage in detailed discussions about the agricultural and economic impact of 배추 cultivation in Korea. You can understand and summarize reports on how climate change affects cabbage harvests and, consequently, the national economy. You can use the word in more abstract or formal contexts, such as discussing food security or the globalization of Kimchi. Your language becomes more nuanced; you might use idiomatic expressions or metaphors involving cabbage. You can compare the nutritional benefits of fermented cabbage versus raw cabbage using technical terms like 'probiotics' or 'fiber'. In a professional or academic setting, you could describe the chemical process of 'osmosis' during the salting of cabbage (though you'd use the Korean term 'samtuap'). You are also comfortable with the different registers of speech when talking about food, from informal kitchen talk to formal culinary presentations.

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At the C1 level, 배추 appears in literature, essays, and advanced socio-cultural analyses. You can appreciate the poetic descriptions of 'baechu' fields in Korean novels, where the cabbage might symbolize the resilience of the Korean people or the cycle of life. You can discuss the historical evolution of the Napa cabbage in the Korean peninsula and how it replaced other vegetables to become the dominant Kimchi base. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in various dialects and can identify regional differences in how cabbage is prepared and referred to. You can write sophisticated critiques of food culture, perhaps discussing the 'standardization' of cabbage varieties due to industrial farming. Your command of the language allows you to use 'baechu' as a focal point for discussing broader themes like community (Gimjang culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) and the tension between traditional and modern lifestyles.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native understanding of 배추 in all its dimensions—linguistic, historical, economic, and scientific. You can interpret highly specialized texts, such as agricultural research papers on the genetic modification of cabbage or economic white papers on trade agreements involving vegetable imports. You can engage in high-level debates about the 'Kimchi sovereignty' and the impact of imported Chinese cabbage on the domestic market. You are familiar with archaic terms for cabbage and can trace the etymology of the word through various historical documents. In creative writing, you can use 'baechu' with deep metaphorical resonance, weaving it into complex narratives. You can also handle the most subtle nuances of humor or irony involving the word. Your mastery is such that you can explain the 'soul' of the cabbage to a non-native speaker, capturing the emotional and cultural weight that this simple vegetable carries for millions of people.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

배추 en 30 secondes

Napa cabbage, the essential base for most Kimchi varieties and a core Korean staple.
Known for its sweet, crunchy leaves and its role as a versatile wrap (ssam).
A major economic indicator in Korea, especially during the autumn Kimjang season.
Counted using the specific unit 'pogi' and distinguished from Western cabbage (yang-baechu).

The word 배추 (Baechu) refers specifically to the Napa cabbage, a staple vegetable in Korean cuisine that serves as the backbone of the nation's culinary identity. Unlike the round, dense green cabbages common in Western supermarkets (known in Korean as 양배추), the Korean 배추 is oblong, with large, crinkly, pale-green outer leaves and a sweet, tender white heart. It is a cool-weather crop, traditionally harvested in late autumn to prepare for the long winter months ahead.

Culinary Significance: It is the primary ingredient for most types of Kimchi, particularly 'Baechu-kimchi'. Its ability to absorb flavors while maintaining a satisfying crunch makes it indispensable. Beyond Kimchi, it is used in soups (Baechu-guk), stews, and as a wrap (ssam) for grilled meats.
Seasonal Context: The term is most frequently heard during the 'Gimjang' season (late November to early December), when families gather to preserve massive quantities of cabbage for the winter. During this time, the price and quality of 배추 become national news topics.

시장에 가서 싱싱한 배추 세 포기를 샀어요. (I went to the market and bought three heads of fresh Napa cabbage.)

In daily life, Koreans use this word when grocery shopping, ordering food, or discussing health. Because it is high in fiber and Vitamin C, it is regarded as a healthy, cleansing vegetable. In a metaphorical sense, the 'heart' of the cabbage (배추속) is often compared to a person's inner feelings—tightly packed and hidden until revealed. Furthermore, because a head of cabbage is composed of many layers, it can symbolize the accumulation of effort or time. When you are at a Korean BBQ restaurant, you might ask for more 'baechu' to use as a wrap, highlighting its role as a fresh, crunchy contrast to savory meat.

이 배추는 아주 달고 고소해요. (This cabbage is very sweet and nutty.)

Economic Symbolism: The 'Baechu-padong' (Cabbage Crisis) refers to periods when prices skyrocket due to bad harvests, causing national concern. This shows how vital this single vegetable is to the Korean economy and lifestyle.

겨울을 나기 위해 배추를 많이 절였어요. (We salted a lot of cabbage to get through the winter.)

Using 배추 in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a mass noun or a countable object depending on the context. In Korean, the specific counter for heads of cabbage is 포기 (pogi). You would rarely use 'gae' (the general object counter) for a whole cabbage. For example, 'Baechu han pogi' means one head of cabbage.

Common Verbs: The most common verbs associated with baechu are '다듬다' (to trim), '씻다' (to wash), '절이다' (to salt/pickle), and '담그다' (to make/ferment, specifically for Kimchi). You will also hear '썰다' (to slice or chop) when preparing soups or salads.

어머니께서 배추를 소금에 절이고 계세요. (My mother is salting the cabbage in salt.)

When you are at a restaurant, you might use 'baechu' in the context of side dishes. If you want more fresh cabbage leaves for your meat, you can say, 'Baechu 좀 더 주실 수 있나요?' (Can I have some more cabbage?). In a culinary context, 'Baechu-sok' refers to the inner, sweeter leaves, which are often eaten raw with a spicy dipping sauce called 'ssamjang'. This specific part of the cabbage is highly prized for its crunch and natural sugar content. You will also see it as an adjective-like noun in dish names: 'Baechu-jeon' (cabbage pancake), 'Baechu-guk' (cabbage soup), and 'Baechu-ssam' (cabbage wraps).

김장철이라 배추 값이 많이 올랐어요. (Since it's Kimjang season, the price of cabbage has risen a lot.)

Descriptive Phrases: '싱싱한 배추' (fresh cabbage), '속이 꽉 찬 배추' (cabbage with a full/dense heart), '노란 배추' (yellow cabbage, usually referring to the sweet inner leaves).

이 배추는 속이 꽉 차서 아주 무거워요. (This cabbage is very heavy because its heart is full.)

You will encounter the word 배추 in several distinct environments in Korea. The most obvious place is the traditional market (sijang) or the supermarket (mart). Here, you'll hear vendors shouting prices or customers debating the quality of the leaves. In these settings, the word is often paired with 'pogi' (head) or 'mang' (a net bag usually containing three heads).

In the Kitchen: Within Korean households, 'baechu' is a constant topic during meal prep. Mothers and grandmothers might ask, 'Baechu ssiseo-nni?' (Did you wash the cabbage?) or 'Baechu jom sseoreo-ra' (Please slice some cabbage).
On the News: Economic news frequently reports on 'Baechu-gap' (cabbage prices). Because cabbage is a necessity for Kimchi, even a small price hike is treated as a significant economic event affecting the cost of living for the average family.

오늘 뉴스에서 배추 가격이 폭락했다는 소식을 들었어요. (I heard on the news today that cabbage prices have plummeted.)

In restaurants, particularly those serving Korean BBQ or Bossam (boiled pork slices), 'baechu' is part of the 'ssam' culture. You might hear a waiter ask, 'Baechu deo deuryeolkkayo?' (Shall I give you more cabbage?). In rural areas, you'll see vast 'Baechu-bat' (cabbage fields), especially in high-altitude regions like Gangwon-do, which are famous for producing the best summer cabbages. If you are watching a cooking show (mukbang or cooking tutorials), chefs will emphasize using 'Go-laeng-ji baechu' (highland-grown cabbage) for the best fermentation results.

강원도 고랭지 배추가 맛있기로 유명해요. (Highland cabbage from Gangwon-do is famous for being delicious.)

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing 배추 with other leafy greens or types of cabbage. In English, the word 'cabbage' usually brings to mind the round, hard green cabbage. However, in Korean, that is specifically called 양배추 (Yang-baechu), where 'Yang' means 'Western'. If you go to a market and ask for 'baechu' when you want to make a Western coleslaw, you will be given Napa cabbage instead.

The Counter Error: Using 'gae' (개) instead of 'pogi' (포기). While people will understand you if you say 'Baechu han-gae', it sounds unnatural. 'Pogi' is the correct unit for plants that grow in a bunch or head from a single root.

틀린 표현: 배추 두 개 주세요. (Wrong: Please give me two cabbages.)
옳은 표현: 배추 두 포기 주세요. (Correct: Please give me two heads of cabbage.)

Another mistake involves confusing 배추 with 상추 (Sangchu), which is lettuce. Both are used for 'ssam' (wraps), but they have very different textures and flavors. 'Sangchu' is soft and slightly bitter, while 'baechu' is crunchy and sweet. Additionally, learners often forget that 'baechu' can refer to the whole plant or just the leaves depending on the verb. 'Baechu-reul sseolda' usually means slicing the leaves, while 'Baechu-reul simda' means planting the whole crop.

샐러드에는 양배추를 쓰고, 김치에는 배추를 써요. (We use Western cabbage for salads and Napa cabbage for Kimchi.)

While 배추 is unique, there are several related vegetables you should know to navigate a Korean kitchen or menu effectively. Understanding the differences between these will help you refine your vocabulary and culinary knowledge.

양배추 (Yang-baechu): As mentioned, this is the Western cabbage (round and green). It's used for salads, toast fillings, and steamed as a wrap for rice (Yang-baechu ssam).
무 (Mu): The Korean radish. It is almost always mentioned alongside 'baechu' because they are the two primary ingredients in Kimchi making. If 'baechu' provides the crunch, 'mu' provides the refreshing juice and depth of flavor.
상추 (Sangchu): Lettuce. Often used interchangeably with 'baechu' in the context of 'ssam' (wraps), but 'sangchu' is the more common, everyday choice for BBQ.
얼갈이배추 (Eolgari-baechu): A younger, smaller, and more tender variety of Napa cabbage often used for quick, fresh 'geotjeori' kimchi or in soybean paste soups.

쌈을 싸 먹을 때 배추 대신 상추를 써도 돼요. (You can use lettuce instead of cabbage when making wraps.)

When discussing Kimchi, you might hear 'Al-baechu' (알배추), which refers to the small, yellow, sweet inner heart of the cabbage, often sold separately for use in salads or as a dipping vegetable. Another term is 'Bom-dong' (봄동), a type of cabbage harvested in early spring that doesn't form a tight head but has tough, sweet leaves spread out like a flower. Knowing these variations helps you understand the seasonal nature of Korean food.

오늘은 배추김치보다 무김치가 더 먹고 싶어요. (Today I want to eat radish kimchi more than cabbage kimchi.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Historically, the word changed from '백채' to '배채' and finally settled as '배추' in the modern era. In some dialects, people still use variations that sound closer to the original Chinese pronunciation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bɛ.tɕʰu/

US /beɪ.tʃu/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the second syllable 'chu' is slightly higher in pitch due to the aspirated consonant.

Rime avec

추 (chu - autumn/unit) 고추 (gochu - pepper) 부추 (buchu - chives) 상추 (sangchu - lettuce) 후추 (huchu - black pepper) 대추 (daechu - jujube) 단추 (danchu - button) 척추 (cheokchu - spine)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'chu' like 'ju' (without air).
Pronouncing 'bae' like 'bee'.
Making the 'b' sound too heavy like a 'p'.
Dragging out the 'u' sound too long.
Forgetting the aspiration on the 'ch' (ㅊ).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word is short and uses simple characters, making it easy to read even for beginners.

Écriture 2/5

Simple stroke order, though learners must remember the aspirated 'ㅊ'.

Expression orale 3/5

Aspiration on 'chu' can be tricky for English speakers to master perfectly.

Écoute 2/5

Distinct sound that is easy to pick out in conversations about food.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

김치 (Kimchi) 시장 (Market) 채소 (Vegetable) 먹다 (To eat) 사다 (To buy)

Apprends ensuite

무 (Radish) 상추 (Lettuce) 고춧가루 (Red pepper powder) 절이다 (To salt) 포기 (Counter)

Avancé

삼투압 (Osmosis) 발효 (Fermentation) 수급 (Supply and demand) 고랭지 (Highland) 유전체 (Genome)

Grammaire à connaître

Counter '포기' (pogi)

배추 세 포기 (Three heads of cabbage)

Object Marker '을/를'

배추를 사요 (I buy cabbage)

Adjective Conjugation '싱싱하다 -> 싱싱한'

싱싱한 배추 (Fresh cabbage)

Purpose Particle '-(으)려고'

김치를 담그려고 배추를 샀어요 (I bought cabbage to make kimchi)

Conditional '-(으)면'

배추가 비싸면 김치를 못 담가요 (If cabbage is expensive, I can't make kimchi)

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Exemples par niveau

배추가 맛있어요.

The cabbage is delicious.

배추 (noun) + 가 (subject marker) + 맛있어요 (adjective).

이것은 배추입니다.

This is a cabbage.

이것 (this) + 은 (topic marker) + 배추 (noun) + 입니다 (formal copula).

배추를 사요.

I buy cabbage.

배추 (noun) + 를 (object marker) + 사요 (verb: to buy).

배추는 초록색이에요.

The cabbage is green.

배추 (noun) + 는 (topic marker) + 초록색 (green color) + 이에요 (polite copula).

시장에 배추가 많아요.

There are many cabbages at the market.

시장 (market) + 에 (locative) + 배추 (noun) + 가 (subject marker) + 많아요 (adjective: many).

배추 한 포기 주세요.

Please give me one head of cabbage.

배추 (noun) + 한 (one) + 포기 (counter) + 주세요 (polite request).

배추를 씻으세요.

Please wash the cabbage.

배추 (noun) + 를 (object marker) + 씻으세요 (imperative: wash).

배추가 커요.

The cabbage is big.

배추 (noun) + 가 (subject marker) + 커요 (adjective: big).

김치를 만들려고 배추를 샀어요.

I bought cabbage to make Kimchi.

-(으)려고 (in order to) connects the purpose with the action.

배추를 먹기 좋게 써세요.

Slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

-기 좋게 (in a way that is good for...) adverbial phrase.

배추가 싱싱해서 맛이 아주 좋아요.

Since the cabbage is fresh, the taste is very good.

-아서/어서 (because/since) provides the reason.

어제 시장에서 배추 세 포기를 샀습니다.

Yesterday, I bought three heads of cabbage at the market.

세 (three) + 포기 (counter for plants/cabbage).

배추를 소금물에 절여야 해요.

You have to soak the cabbage in salt water.

-아/어야 하다 (must/have to) expresses necessity.

이 배추는 속이 노랗고 달아요.

This cabbage has a yellow heart and is sweet.

-고 (and) connects two adjectives.

고기를 배추에 싸서 드셔 보세요.

Try wrapping the meat in cabbage and eating it.

-아서/어서 (and then) shows a sequence of actions.

배추 가격이 지난주보다 비싸졌어요.

The cabbage price has become more expensive than last week.

-아/어지다 (to become) shows a change in state.

배추를 절일 때는 소금의 양이 중요해요.

When salting cabbage, the amount of salt is important.

-(으)ㄹ 때 (when) indicates the time of an action.

김장철이 되면 배추를 대량으로 구매합니다.

When Kimjang season comes, people buy cabbage in bulk.

-게 되면 (when it happens that...) shows a conditional result.

배추의 겉잎은 떼어내고 안쪽 잎만 사용하세요.

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and use only the inner leaves.

-고 (and) connects two imperative clauses.

올해는 날씨가 안 좋아서 배추 농사가 망쳤어요.

The cabbage crop was ruined this year because the weather was bad.

농사 (farming/crop) + 가 망치다 (to be ruined).

배추국을 끓일 때는 된장을 넣으면 맛있어요.

When making cabbage soup, it's delicious if you add soybean paste.

-(으)면 (if/when) shows a condition for a good result.

배추는 섬유질이 풍부해서 소화에 도움이 됩니다.

Cabbage is rich in fiber, so it helps with digestion.

-아서/어서 (so/therefore) connects a cause to an effect.

싱싱한 배추를 고르는 방법을 알려주세요.

Please tell me how to choose a fresh cabbage.

-는 방법 (the way/method of doing something).

배추를 너무 오래 절이면 아삭한 맛이 사라져요.

If you salt the cabbage for too long, the crunchy taste disappears.

아삭하다 (to be crunchy) + -ㄴ (adjective marker).

배추 가격의 변동은 서민 물가에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

Fluctuations in cabbage prices have a big impact on the cost of living for ordinary people.

영향을 미치다 (to have an influence/impact).

고랭지 배추는 일교차가 커서 육질이 단단하고 맛이 깊습니다.

Highland cabbage has a firm texture and deep flavor due to the large daily temperature range.

일교차 (daily temperature range) + 가 크다 (to be large).

배추를 소금에 절이는 과정에서 삼투압 현상이 일어납니다.

The phenomenon of osmosis occurs during the process of salting cabbage.

-는 과정에서 (in the process of...).

배추 김치는 한국의 대표적인 발효 식품으로 세계적으로 알려져 있습니다.

Cabbage kimchi is known worldwide as Korea's representative fermented food.

-으로 알려져 있다 (to be known as...).

기후 변화로 인해 배추의 주산지가 북상하고 있는 추세입니다.

Due to climate change, the main production areas for cabbage are tending to move north.

-로 인해 (due to) + -고 있는 추세이다 (to be a growing trend).

배추를 활용한 다양한 퓨전 요리들이 젊은 세대 사이에서 인기입니다.

Various fusion dishes using cabbage are popular among the younger generation.

활용한 (utilizing/using) + 사이에서 (among).

배추의 품종에 따라 김치의 맛과 보관 기간이 달라질 수 있습니다.

The taste and storage period of kimchi can vary depending on the variety of cabbage.

-에 따라 (depending on/according to).

정부는 배추 수급 안정을 위해 비축 물량을 풀기로 결정했습니다.

The government decided to release stockpiled quantities to stabilize the supply and demand of cabbage.

-기 위해 (in order to) + -기로 결정했다 (decided to).

소설 속에서 배추밭은 민초들의 끈질긴 생명력을 상징하는 공간으로 묘사된다.

In the novel, the cabbage field is depicted as a space symbolizing the persistent vitality of the common people.

민초 (common people/grassroots) + 끈질긴 (persistent) + 생명력 (vitality).

배추 한 포기에 담긴 농부의 땀방울을 생각하면 결코 가볍게 여길 수 없다.

When considering the sweat of the farmer contained in a single head of cabbage, it can never be taken lightly.

담긴 (contained/infused) + 결코 ~ 수 없다 (never/by no means can...).

김장 문화는 단순한 음식 준비를 넘어 공동체의 결속을 다지는 사회적 의례이다.

Kimjang culture is a social ritual that goes beyond simple food preparation to strengthen community solidarity.

~을 넘어 (beyond/transcending) + 결속을 다지다 (to strengthen ties).

배추의 아삭한 식감과 고춧가루의 매콤함이 어우러져 절묘한 조화를 이룬다.

The crunchy texture of the cabbage and the spiciness of the red pepper powder blend to create an exquisite harmony.

어우러져 (blending/mingling) + 조화를 이루다 (to achieve harmony).

무분별한 수입 배추의 유입은 국내 농가의 생존권을 위협하는 요소로 작용한다.

The indiscriminate influx of imported cabbage acts as a factor threatening the survival rights of domestic farms.

무분별한 (indiscriminate) + 위협하는 요소 (threatening factor).

배추의 유전체 지도가 해독됨에 따라 고품질 품종 개량에 속도가 붙을 전망이다.

As the genome map of cabbage is decoded, it is expected that the improvement of high-quality varieties will accelerate.

-함에 따라 (as/along with) + ~ㄹ 전망이다 (it is projected/expected that...).

겨울철 비타민 공급원으로서 배추가 가졌던 역사적 위상은 실로 지대했다.

The historical status of cabbage as a source of vitamins during winter was truly immense.

공급원 (source of supply) + 위상 (status/stature).

배추 잎사귀 하나하나에 서린 서늘한 가을 기운이 겨울의 문턱을 알린다.

The cool autumn energy etched into every single cabbage leaf announces the threshold of winter.

서린 (etched/steeped in) + 문턱 (threshold/doorstep).

배추의 품종 다양성 확보는 식량 안보 차원에서 다루어져야 할 중차대한 사안이다.

Securing the variety diversity of cabbage is a critical issue that must be addressed from the perspective of food security.

확보 (securing/acquisition) + 중차대한 사안 (a matter of great importance).

전통적인 김장 문화의 해체는 배추 소비 패턴의 급격한 변화를 수반하고 있다.

The dismantling of traditional Kimjang culture is entailing rapid changes in cabbage consumption patterns.

해체 (dismantling/dissolution) + 수반하다 (to entail/accompany).

배추의 수급 불균형을 해소하기 위한 선제적인 시장 개입이 필요하다는 지적이 제기되었다.

Points were raised that preemptive market intervention is necessary to resolve the imbalance in cabbage supply and demand.

선제적인 (preemptive) + 지적이 제기되다 (points/criticisms were raised).

한국인의 정체성과 궤를 같이하는 배추는 단순한 채소 이상의 상징적 가치를 지닌다.

Cabbage, which shares a trajectory with Korean identity, possesses symbolic value beyond that of a simple vegetable.

궤를 같이하다 (to share the same path/trajectory).

배추의 생육 과정에 미치는 미세 기후의 영향에 대한 심도 있는 연구가 진행 중이다.

In-depth research on the influence of microclimates on the growth process of cabbage is underway.

생육 (growth) + 심도 있는 (in-depth).

유통 구조의 왜곡으로 인해 배추 생산자와 소비자 모두가 피해를 입는 악순환이 반복되고 있다.

Due to the distortion of the distribution structure, a vicious cycle is repeating where both cabbage producers and consumers suffer.

왜곡 (distortion) + 악순환 (vicious cycle).

배추의 항암 효과에 대한 분자 생물학적 기전이 밝혀지면서 건강 기능 식품으로서의 가능성이 주목받고 있다.

As the molecular biological mechanism of cabbage's anti-cancer effects is revealed, its potential as a functional health food is drawing attention.

기전 (mechanism) + 주목받다 (to receive attention).

배추 농사의 기계화율 제고는 고령화된 농촌 사회의 시급한 과제 중 하나이다.

Improving the mechanization rate of cabbage farming is one of the urgent tasks for the aging rural society.

제고 (improvement/enhancement) + 시급한 과제 (urgent task).

Collocations courantes

배추를 절이다

배추 한 포기

배추를 심다

배추 가격

배추 속

배추를 씻다

배추 농사

배추 김치

배추를 썰다

배추가 싱싱하다

Phrases Courantes

배추 도사

— A character from a famous old Korean cartoon 'Cabbage Sage and Radish Sage'. It is a nostalgic reference for many Koreans.

그 만화에 나오는 배추 도사가 정말 웃겼어.

배추 뿌리

— The root of the cabbage. In the past, children would peel and eat it as a sweet snack.

어릴 때는 배추 뿌리를 깎아 먹기도 했어.

배추 겉잎

— The tough outer leaves of the cabbage, often used for 'siraegi' (dried greens) or soups.

배추 겉잎은 따로 모아서 국을 끓여요.

배추 쌈

— Using a cabbage leaf to wrap meat, rice, and sauce.

삼겹살에는 배추 쌈이 최고지.

배추 농사꾼

— A cabbage farmer.

그는 평생 배추 농사꾼으로 살았다.

배추 망

— The net bag that holds multiple cabbages.

배추 한 망에 세 포기가 들어 있어요.

배추 전

— A savory pancake made by frying whole cabbage leaves in batter.

경상도에서는 제사상에 배추 전을 올려요.

배추 고르기

— The act of selecting a good cabbage.

맛있는 김치를 담그려면 배추 고르기가 중요해요.

배추 파동

— A crisis or major fluctuation in cabbage supply and price.

정부는 배추 파동을 막기 위해 노력하고 있다.

절임 배추

— Salted cabbage, often sold pre-prepared for convenience.

절임 배추를 사면 김장이 훨씬 쉬워져요.

Souvent confondu avec

배추 vs 양배추

English speakers often use 'cabbage' for both, but Korean distinguishes 'Baechu' (Napa) and 'Yang-baechu' (Western/Round).

배추 vs 상추

Both are leaf vegetables used for wraps, but 'Sangchu' is lettuce and 'Baechu' is cabbage.

배추 vs 배추벌레

Means 'cabbage worm', but sometimes used metaphorically for someone who only eats vegetables (rare).

Expressions idiomatiques

"배추 잎사귀 같다"

— To be limp or lacking energy, like a wilted cabbage leaf.

시험이 끝나니 몸이 배추 잎사귀 같아.

Informal

"배추 속 같다"

— To describe something that is tightly packed or a person whose true feelings are hidden deep inside.

그 사람 속은 배추 속 같아서 알 수가 없어.

Literary

"배추 대가리"

— A slightly derogatory or very informal way to refer to the head of a cabbage or someone's head.

배추 대가리를 싹둑 잘라버렸다.

Slang/Rough

"배추 잎 (slang)"

— Refers to the 10,000 won bill because of its green color.

배추 잎 몇 장만 빌려줘.

Slang

"배추가 소금에 절여지듯"

— To become completely exhausted or to lose one's spirit/will under pressure.

고된 훈련에 병사들이 배추처럼 절여졌다.

Metaphorical

"속 빈 배추"

— Something that looks good on the outside but is empty or lacking substance on the inside.

그 계획은 겉만 화려하지 속 빈 배추나 다름없어.

Informal

"배추 밭에서 인삼 찾기"

— Looking for something extremely rare or impossible to find in a common place.

여기서 그를 찾는 건 배추 밭에서 인삼 찾기야.

Informal

"배추 절이듯 하다"

— To handle something or someone in a way that makes them submissive or weak.

상사를 배추 절이듯 다루는 기술이 있네.

Sarcastic

"배추 뿌리까지 먹다"

— To use every bit of something without wasting anything.

우리는 예산을 배추 뿌리까지 다 썼다.

Informal

"배추가 풍년이다"

— Literally a bumper crop, but used to describe an abundance of something (can be positive or negative).

올해는 신입 사원들이 배추 풍년이네.

Informal

Facile à confondre

배추 vs 양배추

Both translate to 'cabbage' in English.

Baechu is oblong and used for Kimchi; Yang-baechu is round and used for salads/coleslaw.

샐러드에는 양배추를 넣으세요.

배추 vs 상추

Both are used as 'ssam' (wraps) for meat.

Sangchu is lettuce (soft); Baechu is Napa cabbage (crunchy).

상추 쌈이 더 부드러워요.

배추 vs 배

The first syllable is the same.

Bae can mean pear, boat, or stomach. Baechu is specifically cabbage.

배추는 채소고, 배는 과일이에요.

배추 vs 부추

Both end in 'chu' and are green vegetables.

Buchu is chives/leeks (thin and long); Baechu is a large head of cabbage.

부추전도 맛있지만 배추전도 맛있어요.

배추 vs 대추

Both end in 'chu'.

Daechu is a jujube (date fruit); Baechu is a cabbage.

대추는 달콤한 열매예요.

Structures de phrases

[Object] + 을/를 좋아해요

배추를 좋아해요.

[Object] + [Number] + [Counter] + 주세요

배추 한 포기 주세요.

[Verb-기] 위해 [Object] + 을/를 샀어요

김치를 담그기 위해 배추를 샀어요.

[Noun] + 로 인해 [Noun] + 이/가 변동하다

기후 변화로 인해 배추 가격이 변동하고 있어요.

[Noun] + 에 담긴 [Noun]

배추 한 포기에 담긴 농부의 정성.

[Noun] + 의 [Noun] + 확보는 [Noun] + 의 과제이다

배추의 품종 다양성 확보는 식량 안보의 과제이다.

Any

[Adjective-ㄴ/은] 배추

싱싱한 배추

Any

배추를 [Verb]

배추를 씻다

Famille de mots

Noms

배춧잎 (cabbage leaf)

배추김치 (cabbage kimchi)

배추국 (cabbage soup)

배추전 (cabbage pancake)

배추밭 (cabbage field)

배추속 (cabbage heart)

Verbes

배추를 심다 (to plant cabbage)

배추를 절이다 (to salt cabbage)

배추를 솎다 (to thin out cabbage seedlings)

Apparenté

김치 (Kimchi)

김장 (Kimjang - winter kimchi making)

소금 (Salt)

고춧가루 (Red pepper powder)

포기 (Counter for cabbage)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in culinary and economic contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Asking for 'Baechu' when you want round green cabbage. → Yang-baechu (양배추)
In Korea, 'Baechu' always means Napa cabbage. Using the wrong word will lead to the wrong purchase.
Using 'gae' (개) as a counter. → Pogi (포기)
While understandable, 'pogi' is the standard counter for heads of leafy vegetables like cabbage.
Pronouncing it 'Bae-ju'. → Bae-chu (배추)
The 'ㅊ' sound must be aspirated. If you don't puff air, it sounds like 'ㅈ', which is a different sound entirely.
Thinking all 'Baechu' dishes are spicy. → Baechu-guk, Baechu-jeon, Baechu-ssam
Many cabbage dishes are mild and highlight the natural sweetness of the vegetable without any chili.
Confusing 'Baechu' with 'Sangchu'. → Baechu (Cabbage) vs Sangchu (Lettuce)
Though both are used for wraps, they look, feel, and taste very different.

Astuces

Choosing the Best Cabbage

Pick a head that feels heavy for its size. A heavy cabbage means it's packed with moisture and has a dense heart (sok-i kkwak chan).

Salting Tip

When salting for Kimchi, focus the salt on the thick white parts of the leaves, as they take longer to soften than the green leafy tips.

Keeping it Fresh

Wrap unused cabbage in newspaper or plastic wrap and store it in the vegetable compartment of your fridge to maintain its crispness.

The 'Pogi' Rule

Remember to use 'pogi' for anything with a root and leaves that grow together, like cabbage or lettuce plants.

Kimjang Etiquette

If you are invited to a Kimjang, it's customary to help with the labor. The reward is eating 'Bossam' (boiled pork) with the freshly made cabbage seasoning.

Raw Consumption

Try eating the inner yellow leaves (Al-baechu) raw with ssamjang. It's a healthy, low-calorie snack that is naturally sweet.

Aspirated Sounds

Practice the 'chu' (ㅊ) sound by holding a piece of paper in front of your mouth; it should move when you say the 'ch'.

Price Awareness

If you hear 'Baechu-gap' on the news, it's a great chance to practice listening for numbers and economic terms like 'sangseung' (rise) or 'harak' (fall).

Try Bom-dong

In early spring, look for 'Bom-dong'. It's a cabbage that doesn't form a head and is incredibly sweet when made into a fresh salad.

Don't say 'Western Baechu'

Instead of saying 'Seoyang baechu', use the correct term 'Yang-baechu' for Western cabbage.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a **BAE** (before anyone else) who loves **CHOO**-ing (chewing) on crunchy cabbage.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant head of cabbage shaped like a green and white boat ('bae' in Korean also means boat) floating on a sea of spicy red kimchi sauce.

Word Web

Kimchi Kimjang Pogi (Counter) Ssam (Wrap) Green/White Crunchy Salted Market

Défi

Go to a Korean grocery store (or look at a photo online) and try to count the cabbages using 'pogi'. Say 'Baechu han pogi, du pogi...' out loud.

Origine du mot

The word '배추' is the modern evolution of the Sino-Korean word '백채' (白菜), which literally translates to 'white vegetable'.

Sens originel : White vegetable (referring to the thick white ribs of the plant).

Sino-Korean (Hanja: 白菜).

Contexte culturel

Be respectful when discussing Kimjang; it is a laborious and cherished tradition, not just 'making food'.

In the West, Napa cabbage is often seen as an 'exotic' or specialty vegetable used for stir-fries, whereas in Korea, it is as common as potatoes or bread.

Baechu Dosa (Cabbage Sage) from 'Eunbi and Kkaebi' cartoon. The 'Baechu-padong' (Cabbage Crisis) of 2010 which led to a national emergency. Highland cabbages from Taebaek Mountain are considered the 'Gold Standard'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Grocery Shopping

배추 한 포기에 얼마예요?
더 싱싱한 배추 없나요?
배추 세 포기만 주세요.
배추가 너무 비싸네요.

Cooking Kimchi

배추를 몇 시간 절여야 해요?
배추를 깨끗이 씻으세요.
배추 속을 가득 채워요.
배추가 잘 절여졌어요.

At a Restaurant

배추 쌈 좀 더 주실 수 있나요?
이 배추 김치 정말 맛있네요.
배추국 하나 주세요.
배추가 아주 아삭해요.

Farming/Agriculture

올해 배추 농사가 잘 됐어요.
배추에 벌레가 생겼어요.
배추를 언제 수확하나요?
배추 모종을 심었어요.

Economic Discussions

배추 가격이 폭등했어요.
배추 수입이 늘어나고 있어요.
배추 파동으로 시장이 혼란스러워요.
배추 물가를 안정시켜야 해요.

Amorces de conversation

"요즘 배추 가격이 얼마인지 아세요?"

"배추 김치 직접 담가보신 적 있어요?"

"삼겹살 먹을 때 배추 쌈을 좋아하세요, 상추 쌈을 좋아하세요?"

"싱싱한 배추를 고르는 나만의 방법이 있나요?"

"배추국에 된장을 넣는 걸 좋아하세요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 시장에서 본 배추의 모습과 가격에 대해 써보세요.

배추 김치를 처음 먹었을 때의 느낌을 설명해보세요.

만약 당신이 배추 농사를 짓는다면, 어떤 마음일지 상상해보세요.

한국의 김장 문화와 배추의 역할에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해보세요.

배추를 활용한 나만의 특별한 레시피를 적어보세요.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Baechu refers to Napa cabbage, which is oblong and has crinkly leaves, used primarily for Kimchi. Yang-baechu (Western cabbage) is the round, hard cabbage used in salads or Western dishes. They are not interchangeable in traditional Korean recipes.

You use the specific counter 'pogi' (포기). For example, one head is 'baechu han pogi', two heads is 'baechu du pogi'. Using the general counter 'gae' (개) is understandable but sounds unnatural.

No, Baechu itself is a sweet and mild vegetable. It only becomes spicy when made into red Kimchi. You can eat it raw, in mild soups (Baechu-guk), or as a non-spicy wrap.

It is the main ingredient of Kimchi, which is served at almost every meal. Historically, it was a vital source of nutrition during winter. Its price even affects the national inflation index.

It refers to the 'heart' or inner yellow leaves of the cabbage. These are the sweetest and tenderest parts, often eaten raw with dipping sauce.

Late autumn (November) is the peak season for 'Kimjang baechu', which is considered the most delicious. High-altitude 'Golaengji baechu' is best during the summer.

You can, but it won't have the same texture. Napa cabbage (Baechu) has thinner leaves that absorb the seasoning better and provide a unique crunch that Western cabbage lacks.

It is a traditional Korean pancake made by coating whole cabbage leaves in a thin batter and pan-frying them. it is a specialty of the Gyeongsang province.

It refers to a 'Cabbage Crisis' where the supply drops significantly and prices skyrocket, often due to extreme weather, causing national concern.

Yes, it is very low in calories and high in fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. When fermented as Kimchi, it also provides beneficial probiotics.

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