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A1 noun #3,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

새우

saeu Top 3,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 새우 en 30 secondes

Explication 새우 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '새우' (sae-u) is one of the first seafood words you will learn. It is a simple two-syllable noun that is easy to pronounce. At this stage, you should focus on using it in basic 'Subject-Object-Verb' sentences. For example, '나는 새우를 먹어요' (I eat shrimp) or '새우가 맛있어요' (The shrimp is delicious). You will mostly encounter this word in the context of food and likes/dislikes. It is important to remember that '새우' ends in a vowel, so you use the object particle '를' and the subject particle '가'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat it as a basic vocabulary item for ordering food or describing what you see at a market. You might also see it in compound words like '새우 볶음밥' (shrimp fried rice), which is a common dish for beginners to order. Focus on the clear 'sae' and 'u' sounds to be understood by native speakers. This level is all about building the foundation of your seafood vocabulary, and '새우' is a perfect starting point because it is used so frequently in daily life and menus.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '새우' in more descriptive ways and within slightly more complex sentence structures. You will learn to use counters, specifically '마리' (mari), to count shrimp. Instead of just saying 'some shrimp', you can now say '새우 세 마리' (three shrimp). You will also start using adjectives to describe the shrimp, such as '싱싱한 새우' (fresh shrimp) or '매운 새우 요리' (spicy shrimp dish). At this level, you can handle basic interactions at a restaurant, such as asking if a dish contains shrimp: '이 요리에 새우가 들어있나요?' (Is there shrimp in this dish?). You are also becoming familiar with different ways shrimp is prepared—fried (튀김), grilled (구이), or boiled (삶은). Understanding these preparation methods combined with the noun '새우' allows you to be more specific in your requests. You might also start to notice '새우' in short, common phrases or advertisements, like for the famous '새우깡' snack. Your goal at A2 is to move beyond simple 'I like' statements and into functional, everyday usage in shopping and dining contexts.

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At the B1 level, you can use '새우' to talk about more than just eating. You might discuss recipes, describing the process of cooking shrimp using sequence markers like '먼저' (first), '그 다음에' (after that), and '마지막으로' (finally). For example, '먼저 새우 껍질을 까고, 그 다음에 팬에 구워요' (First peel the shrimp shells, then grill them in a pan). You will also be introduced to the cultural significance of '새우젓' (salted fermented shrimp) and its role in making Kimchi. At this intermediate stage, you can express opinions about seafood and perhaps discuss your food preferences in more detail, including health aspects like '새우는 단백질이 많아요' (Shrimp is high in protein). You will also start encountering the word in more varied grammatical structures, such as the passive voice or causative forms, like '새우가 잘 익혀졌어요' (The shrimp was cooked well). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like '대하' (king prawn) and '해산물' (seafood) generally. You are now capable of having a full conversation about a seafood meal you enjoyed, using '새우' as a key part of your narrative.

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At the B2 level, your use of '새우' extends into the realm of idioms and more nuanced social contexts. You will learn the famous proverb '고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다' and be able to apply it to real-world situations, such as a small company getting hurt during a conflict between two larger corporations. Your ability to describe the texture and flavor profile of shrimp becomes more sophisticated, using words like '탱글탱글하다' (to be bouncy/plump) or '고소하다' (to be nutty/savory). You can also discuss more complex topics like the environmental impact of shrimp farming or the seasonal availability of different types of shrimp in various regions of Korea. At this level, you should be comfortable using '새우' in formal presentations or written reports about the fishing industry or Korean culinary traditions. You understand the subtle difference between using '새우' as a general term and using more specific regional or biological names to show expertise. You can also handle complex restaurant situations, such as complaining about the freshness of the shrimp or asking for a specific variety from a particular region like Jeju.

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At the C1 level, '새우' is used in academic, literary, or highly professional contexts. You might read literature where shrimp are used as symbols of the common people or the 'weak' who are resilient. You can participate in deep discussions about the history of '새우젓' and how it shaped the regional cuisines of Korea, such as the differences between the salted shrimp of Ganghwa and other areas. Your understanding of the word includes its role in the historical economy, such as how it was traded during the Joseon Dynasty. In a professional setting, you could discuss the biological classification of various species under the '새우' category or the logistics of the seafood supply chain. You are able to use the word with precision in complex grammatical structures, including those involving high-level honorifics or literary endings. You can also analyze the use of '새우' in media and advertising, critiquing how it is used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or regional pride. At this level, the word is no longer just a label for a food item but a thread in the larger tapestry of Korean culture, history, and language that you can weave into sophisticated discourse.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of '새우' and all its linguistic and cultural connotations. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level poetry or prose, understanding the subtle emotional weight it might carry in different contexts. You are aware of rare or archaic terms related to shrimp and can discuss the evolution of the word from Middle Korean to its modern form. Your knowledge includes the technicalities of marine biology, the intricacies of the fermented food industry, and the most obscure regional dialects' names for various shrimp species. You can engage in scholarly debates about the impact of international trade on Korea's shrimp market or the cultural preservation of traditional shrimp-catching methods. Whether you are writing a culinary critique for a prestigious magazine or delivering a lecture on Korean idioms, you use '새우' and its related expressions with absolute precision, humor, and cultural depth. You are also fully attuned to the metaphorical uses of the word in political satire or social commentary, recognizing how a simple crustacean can be used to represent complex human and societal dynamics at the highest levels of communication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

새우 en 30 secondes

The Korean word for shrimp or prawn, essential for seafood lovers.
Commonly used in dishes like fried rice, burgers, and traditional Kimchi seasoning.
Appears in a famous proverb about small parties being hurt in big conflicts.
Easy to use with the counter 'mari' for counting individual shrimp.

The Korean word 새우 (sae-u) is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'shrimp' or 'prawn' in English. In the Korean linguistic and culinary landscape, this word encompasses a vast variety of crustaceans, ranging from the tiny, fermented shrimp used as a seasoning to the large, succulent king prawns served at high-end seafood restaurants. For an English speaker, the term is remarkably straightforward, but its cultural weight in Korea is significant due to the nation's peninsular geography and deep-rooted seafood traditions.

Culinary Ubiquity: In Korea, shrimp is not just a main dish but a foundational ingredient. You will find it in 'Saeu-jeot' (salted fermented shrimp), which is a crucial component in making authentic Kimchi, providing the necessary umami and depth of flavor. It is also a staple of street food, often found deep-fried as 'Saeu-twigim' at local markets.

시장에서 싱싱한 새우를 샀어요. (I bought fresh shrimp at the market.)

Symbolism and Idioms: Beyond the dinner plate, '새우' appears in famous Korean proverbs. The most notable is '고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다' (A shrimp's back breaks in a fight between whales), which metaphorically describes how small, innocent parties are harmed when powerful entities conflict. This reflects a historical and social awareness often discussed in Korean society.

이 식당은 새우 튀김이 정말 맛있어요. (This restaurant's fried shrimp is really delicious.)

When people use the word '새우', they are often referring to food, but it can also be used descriptively. For example, '새우잠' (shrimp sleep) refers to sleeping curled up in a ball, much like the shape of a cooked shrimp. This shows how the physical characteristics of the animal have influenced the Korean language's descriptive vocabulary. Whether you are at a Noryangjin fish market or a casual snack bar (Bunsik-jip), '새우' is a word you will hear and use constantly. It is a versatile noun that fits into various sentence structures with ease, usually followed by particles like '가/이' (subject) or '를/을' (object). Understanding '새우' is a gateway to understanding Korean seafood culture and even some of its socio-political metaphors.

Varieties in Korea: Korea enjoys several types of shrimp, such as '꽃새우' (flower shrimp) and '닭새우' (spiny lobster/shrimp), which are prized for their sweetness and often eaten raw (Sashimi style). Knowing these specific names can elevate your dining experience from a basic learner to a connoisseur of Korean cuisine.

저는 새우 알레르기가 있어요. (I have a shrimp allergy.)

새우 소금구이는 가을에 가장 인기가 많아요. (Salt-grilled shrimp is most popular in the autumn.)

어머니께서 새우를 넣고 된장찌개를 끓이셨어요. (My mother boiled soybean paste stew with shrimp in it.)

Using 새우 (sae-u) in a sentence is relatively simple for English speakers because it functions as a count noun, though the counting mechanics in Korean require a specific 'counter' word. When you want to specify a number of shrimp, you use the counter '마리' (mari). For example, '새우 한 마리' (one shrimp) or '새우 두 마리' (two shrimp). This is a crucial distinction from English where we just say 'one shrimp' or 'two shrimp' without an extra counter word.

Subject and Object Placement: In a standard Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) sentence, if shrimp is the object of your action, you attach '를' (since '새우' ends in a vowel). Example: '저는 새우를 좋아해요' (I like shrimp). If shrimp is the subject, you attach '가'. Example: '새우가 아주 커요' (The shrimp is very big).

냉장고에 새우가 몇 마리 남았나요? (How many shrimp are left in the refrigerator?)

Adjectival Descriptions: To describe shrimp, you place the adjective before the noun. Common adjectives include '싱싱한' (fresh), '작은' (small), '큰' (big), and '맛있는' (delicious). Example: '싱싱한 새우를 골라주세요' (Please pick the fresh shrimp).

점심으로 새우 볶음밥을 주문했어요. (I ordered shrimp fried rice for lunch.)

Furthermore, '새우' can be used with various particles to indicate location or possession. If you are talking about shrimp found in the sea, you would say '바다에 새우가 살아요' (Shrimp live in the sea). If you are talking about a dish made of shrimp, you might use '로/으로' to indicate the ingredient: '이 요리는 새우로 만들었어요' (This dish is made with shrimp). As you advance, you'll notice that '새우' is a very stable noun; it doesn't change its form regardless of the honorific level of the sentence. Whether you are speaking formally to a grandfather or informally to a friend, the word '새우' remains exactly the same.

Using with Verbs: Common verbs that pair with shrimp include '까다' (to peel), '굽다' (to grill), '튀기다' (to deep-fry), and '삶다' (to boil). Learning these pairs will help you sound more natural. For instance, '새우 껍질을 까는 것은 귀찮아요' (Peeling shrimp shells is a hassle).

그는 새우 껍질을 아주 잘 까네요. (He peels shrimp shells very well.)

이 파스타에는 새우가 듬뿍 들어 있어요. (This pasta is full of shrimp.)

우리는 해변에서 새우를 구워 먹기로 했어요. (We decided to grill and eat shrimp at the beach.)

In the daily life of someone living in Korea, the word 새우 (sae-u) is omnipresent. One of the most common places you will hear it is at a 'Sijang' (traditional market). Vendors will shout about their 'fresh shrimp' (싱싱한 새우 보러 오세요!) to attract customers. These markets are the heart of Korean seafood culture, and shrimp is a top seller, especially during the autumn months when 'Daeha' (large prawns) are in season and festivals are held in coastal regions like Namdang-ri.

In Restaurants and Cafes: You will encounter '새우' on almost every menu. In a 'Bunsik-jip' (snack restaurant), you'll hear people ordering 'Saeu-twigim' (fried shrimp) or 'Saeu-gimbap'. In Italian-Korean fusion places, 'Saeu-rose-pasta' (Shrimp Rosé Pasta) is a massive trend. Even in fast-food chains like Lotteria or McDonald's Korea, the 'Saeu-burger' is a classic staple that has existed for decades.

A: 뭐 드실래요? B: 저는 새우 버거 세트 하나 주세요. (A: What would you like to eat? B: Give me one shrimp burger set, please.)

In Grocery Stores (Mart): When walking through the aisles of E-mart or Homeplus, you'll see '냉동 새우' (frozen shrimp) and '자숙 새우' (boiled/cooked shrimp). You'll also hear the word in the snack aisle, specifically referring to 'Saeukkang', the iconic shrimp-flavored crackers. It's so common that the word '새우' often triggers a mental image of that specific snack for many Koreans.

텔레비전에서 새우 요리 대회를 하고 있어요. (A shrimp cooking competition is on TV.)

Furthermore, '새우' is a key term in the context of 'Kimjang' (the traditional process of making large quantities of Kimchi). You will hear families discussing 'Saeu-jeot' (salted shrimp) and its quality, as the quality of the shrimp directly affects the flavor of the Kimchi for the entire year. If you visit a coastal town like Ganghwa-do, famous for its salted shrimp, the word will be on every sign and in every conversation about the local economy. In professional settings, such as marine biology or the fishing industry, '새우' is used alongside more technical terms, but in the ears of the general public, it remains the friendly, appetizing word for one of their favorite sea creatures.

Conversations about Allergies: Because shrimp is such a common ingredient, you will often hear people asking '이거 새우 들어갔어요?' (Does this have shrimp in it?) to check for allergies. This is a vital phrase for anyone with dietary restrictions traveling in Korea.

죄송하지만, 저는 새우를 못 먹어요. (I'm sorry, but I can't eat shrimp.)

뉴스에서 한반도를 '고래 싸움의 새우'에 비유했어요. (The news compared the Korean Peninsula to a 'shrimp in a whale fight'.)

이번 추석에는 새우전을 부쳐볼까요? (Shall we make shrimp pancakes this Chuseok?)

While 새우 (sae-u) is a simple noun, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls when using it in a Korean context. The most common mistake isn't the word itself, but the lack of a proper counter. In English, we can say 'I want three shrimp', but in Korean, saying '새우 셋 원해요' sounds very broken. You must use the counter '마리' (mari). The correct way is '새우 세 마리 주세요'. Forgetting '마리' is the number one sign of a beginner.

Pronunciation Pitfalls: The pronunciation of '새우' (sae-u) involves two distinct vowels. Beginners sometimes blend them into a single syllable that sounds like 'syu' or 'se-u' with a very short 'e'. It is important to pronounce the 'sae' (like 'set' without the 't') and the 'u' (like 'oo' in 'moon') clearly as two beats: Sae-u.

틀린 예: 새우 삼 주세요. (Wrong: Give me shrimp three.)

Confusing with Other Seafood: Sometimes learners confuse '새우' with '게' (ge - crab) or '가재' (ga-jae - crayfish/lobster). While they are all crustaceans, '새우' is specifically for shrimp and prawns. Also, be careful not to confuse '새우' with '새' (sae), which means 'bird' or 'new'. Context usually helps, but a slip of the tongue can lead to funny situations like 'new shrimp' or 'shrimp bird'.

맞는 예: 새우 세 마리 주세요. (Correct: Give me three shrimp.)

Another nuance is the use of '대하' (dae-ha). While it is a type of shrimp, if you are at a specialized seafood restaurant and you keep calling the giant prawns '새우', the waiter will understand you, but using '대하' would show a much higher level of linguistic and cultural competence. Similarly, '딱새우' (thorny shrimp) is a specific delicacy from Jeju Island. Calling it just '새우' misses the chance to acknowledge its unique identity. Lastly, ensure you use the correct object particle. Since '새우' ends in a vowel, it always takes '를' (새우를), never '을'. Mixing these up is a common grammatical error for students who are still getting used to Korean particle rules.

Pluralization: In English, we often pluralize 'shrimp' (though 'shrimp' can also be plural). In Korean, the plural marker '-들' (-deul) exists, but it is rarely used for animals or objects unless you are personifying them. Saying '새우들' sounds like you are talking about a group of shrimp characters in a cartoon. Just use '새우' for both singular and plural.

틀린 예: 새우을 먹어요. (Wrong: Eat shrimp - wrong particle.)

맞는 예: 새우를 먹어요. (Correct: Eat shrimp.)

어색한 예: 새우들이 많아요. (Awkward: There are many shrimps - '들' is unnecessary.)

In Korean, while 새우 (sae-u) is the umbrella term, there are several specific words and related terms that you should know to expand your vocabulary and describe different types of seafood more accurately. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate menus and seafood markets with much more confidence.

새우 vs. 대하 (Dae-ha): '새우' is the general word for shrimp. '대하' literally means 'large shrimp' or 'prawn'. In culinary contexts, '대하' usually refers to the fleshy, large prawns that are grilled whole. If you're at a festival in autumn, you'll specifically look for '대하' rather than just '새우'.
새우 vs. 가재 (Ga-jae): '가재' typically refers to crayfish or crawfish found in freshwater. However, '바닷가재' (ba-dat-ga-jae) is the word for lobster. While they are all related, a Korean speaker would never call a lobster a '새우'.
새우 vs. 크릴 (Keu-ril): '크릴' is the loanword for krill. While krill look like tiny shrimp, they are usually referred to by this specific name, especially in the context of health supplements like '크릴 오일' (krill oil).

이것은 새우가 아니라 바닷가재예요. (This is not a shrimp; it's a lobster.)

Another interesting comparison is between '새우' and '곤이' (gon-i) or other seafood bits often found in stews. While they might be in the same pot, '새우' is always distinguished by its shape. You might also hear '중하' (jung-ha) for medium-sized shrimp and '소하' (so-ha) for small shrimp, though these terms are more technical and less common in daily speech than '대하'. For fermented shrimp, the word is almost always '새우젓' (sae-u-jeot), and you would rarely just call it '새우' because the '젓' (salted fermented seafood) part is essential to its identity.

Regional Names: In Jeju Island, you might hear '딱새우' (ttak-sae-u), which is a hard-shelled shrimp. In other regions, '꽃새우' (kkot-sae-u - flower shrimp) is famous for its bright colors. These are all '새우', but their specific names are much more common in those local contexts.

제주도에서 딱새우 회를 처음 먹어봤어요. (I tried raw thorny shrimp for the first time in Jeju Island.)

새우는 대표적인 갑각류 중 하나입니다. (Shrimp is one of the representative crustaceans.)

마트에서 새우젓 한 병을 샀어요. (I bought a jar of salted fermented shrimp at the mart.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word '새우' is one of the few seafood terms that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, showing its long-standing importance in the Korean diet.

Guide de prononciation

UK /sɛ.u/

US /seɪ.u/

Stress is equal on both syllables, though a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'sae' is common.

Rime avec

배우 (Actor) 매우 (Very) 대우 (Treatment) 네우 (Rare/Archaic) 제우 (Rare) 태우 (To burn/To give a ride) 해우 (Meeting/Resolution) 개우 (Rare)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'sae' as 'say' with a strong 'y' glide.
Pronouncing 'u' as 'uh' instead of 'oo'.
Blending it into a single syllable 'syu'.
Confusing 'sae' with 'se' (they are very similar, but 'sae' is slightly more open).
Dropping the final 'u' sound in fast speech.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to read; two simple Hangeul characters.

Écriture 1/5

Simple strokes, no complex batchim (final consonants).

Expression orale 2/5

Vowel distinction between 'ae' and 'u' is important.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in a sentence.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

물 (Water) 바다 (Sea) 먹다 (To eat) 맛있다 (To be delicious) 하나/둘/셋 (1, 2, 3)

Apprends ensuite

게 (Crab) 생선 (Fish) 조개 (Clam) 해산물 (Seafood) 마리 (Counter for animals)

Avancé

갑각류 (Crustacean) 발효 (Fermentation) 지정학적 (Geopolitical) 수산물 (Marine products) 양식 (Aquaculture)

Grammaire à connaître

Counting Animals with 마리

새우 두 마리 (Two shrimp)

Object Particle -를/-을

새우를 (ends in vowel)

Subject Particle -가/-이

새우가 (ends in vowel)

Compound Noun Formation

새우 + 볶음밥 = 새우볶음밥

Descriptive Adjectives

싱싱한 새우 (Fresh shrimp)

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Exemples par niveau

저는 새우를 좋아해요.

I like shrimp.

Subject (저) + Topic (는) + Object (새우) + Object Particle (를) + Verb (좋아해요).

새우가 아주 맛있어요.

The shrimp is very delicious.

Subject (새우) + Subject Particle (가) + Adverb (아주) + Adjective (맛있어요).

이것은 새우예요.

This is a shrimp.

Pronoun (이것) + Topic (은) + Noun (새우) + Copula (예요).

새우 한 마리 주세요.

Please give me one shrimp.

Noun (새우) + Number (한) + Counter (마리) + Verb (주세요).

새우 볶음밥을 먹어요.

I eat shrimp fried rice.

Compound Noun (새우 볶음밥) + Object Particle (을) + Verb (먹어요).

새우가 작아요.

The shrimp is small.

Subject (새우) + Subject Particle (가) + Adjective (작아요).

시장에서 새우를 샀어요.

I bought shrimp at the market.

Location (시장) + Particle (에서) + Object (새우) + Particle (를) + Verb (샀어요).

엄마는 새우를 요리해요.

Mom cooks shrimp.

Subject (엄마) + Topic (는) + Object (새우) + Particle (를) + Verb (요리해요).

새우 튀김 다섯 마리 주세요.

Give me five pieces of fried shrimp, please.

Uses the counter '마리' for fried shrimp.

이 새우는 정말 싱싱해요.

This shrimp is really fresh.

Demonstrative (이) + Noun (새우).

새우 버거를 먹어봤어요?

Have you tried a shrimp burger?

Verb ending '-어 봤어요' (have tried doing).

저는 새우 알레르기가 있어요.

I have a shrimp allergy.

Noun (새우) + Noun (알레르기) + Existence verb (있어요).

새우 껍질을 어떻게 까나요?

How do you peel shrimp shells?

Question word (어떻게) + Verb (까다).

어제는 새우 구이를 먹었어요.

Yesterday, I ate grilled shrimp.

Past tense '먹었어요'.

새우가 물속에서 헤엄쳐요.

The shrimp is swimming in the water.

Location (물속) + Particle (에서) + Verb (헤엄쳐요).

큰 새우가 작은 새우보다 비싸요.

Large shrimp are more expensive than small shrimp.

Comparison particle '보다' (than).

새우를 넣으면 국물 맛이 시원해져요.

If you add shrimp, the broth becomes refreshing.

Conditional '-으면' (if) and change of state '-해져요'.

새우젓은 김치를 만들 때 꼭 필요해요.

Salted fermented shrimp is essential when making Kimchi.

Time expression '-을 때' (when).

그 식당의 특징은 새우가 아주 크다는 것이에요.

The characteristic of that restaurant is that the shrimp are very large.

Nounizing ending '-다는 것'.

새우를 소금 위에 올려서 구워 보세요.

Try grilling the shrimp on top of salt.

Sequential action '-어서' and attempt '-어 보세요'.

냉동 새우를 요리하기 전에 해동해야 해요.

You must defrost frozen shrimp before cooking them.

Before doing '-기 전에' and obligation '-해야 해요'.

새우는 껍질째 먹는 사람도 있어요.

Some people eat shrimp with the shells on.

Particle '째' meaning 'including/as is'.

이번 가을에는 새우 축제에 가고 싶어요.

I want to go to a shrimp festival this autumn.

Desire '-고 싶어요'.

새우가 익으면 색깔이 붉게 변해요.

When shrimp cook, their color changes to red.

Adverbial ending '-게' and verb '변하다'.

고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다는 말이 딱 맞네요.

The saying 'a shrimp's back breaks in a whale fight' is perfectly applicable.

Quoting a proverb with '-는다는 말'.

이 요리는 새우의 탱글탱글한 식감이 일품입니다.

The plump texture of the shrimp in this dish is superb.

Onomatopoeic/Mimetic word '탱글탱글한'.

새우를 과도하게 포획하면 생태계에 문제가 생깁니다.

Overfishing shrimp causes problems in the ecosystem.

Formal adverb '과도하게' and noun '생태계'.

제주도 특산물인 딱새우는 껍질이 매우 단단합니다.

Jeju Island's specialty, the thorny shrimp, has a very hard shell.

Appositive '-인' and adjective '단단하다'.

새우젓의 발효 정도에 따라 김치 맛이 달라집니다.

The taste of Kimchi varies depending on the degree of fermentation of the salted shrimp.

Dependent noun '-에 따라' (according to).

그는 새우잠을 자느라 온몸이 뻐근하다고 했어요.

He said his whole body was stiff from sleeping curled up like a shrimp.

Compound noun '새우잠' and reason '-느라'.

새우를 손질할 때는 내장을 제거하는 것이 중요합니다.

When preparing shrimp, it is important to remove the intestines.

Verb '손질하다' and '제거하다'.

양식 새우보다 자연산 새우가 훨씬 비싸게 팔려요.

Wild-caught shrimp are sold much more expensively than farmed shrimp.

Passive voice '팔리다' and emphasis '훨씬'.

한국 근대사에서 한반도는 종종 '고래 싸움의 새우'로 묘사되곤 했습니다.

In modern Korean history, the Korean Peninsula was often described as a 'shrimp in a whale fight'.

Historical context and passive '묘사되다'.

새우젓은 단순한 조미료를 넘어 한국 식문화의 정수를 담고 있습니다.

Salted fermented shrimp is more than a simple seasoning; it contains the essence of Korean food culture.

Advanced expression '-를 넘어' (beyond).

수출용 새우의 품질 관리를 위해 엄격한 기준이 적용됩니다.

Strict standards are applied for the quality control of shrimp for export.

Formal purpose '-를 위해' and '적용되다'.

문학 작품 속에서 새우는 민초들의 고단한 삶을 상징하기도 합니다.

In literary works, shrimp sometimes symbolize the weary lives of the common people.

Literary term '민초' and '상징하다'.

새우의 서식지 파괴는 연안 어업의 황폐화를 초래할 수 있습니다.

The destruction of shrimp habitats can lead to the devastation of coastal fisheries.

Advanced nouns '황폐화' and '초래하다'.

강화도 육젓은 그 품질이 뛰어나 임금님께 진상되던 명품입니다.

Ganghwa Island's 'Yukjeot' (shrimp salted in June) was a luxury item presented to the king due to its excellent quality.

Honorific '진상되다' and regional specialty '육젓'.

해양 생물학적 관점에서 새우의 번식 주기를 분석하는 것은 흥미로운 과제입니다.

Analyzing the reproductive cycle of shrimp from a marine biological perspective is an interesting task.

Academic phrasing '-적 관점에서'.

새우를 활용한 퓨전 요리가 전 세계적으로 인기를 끌며 한식의 지평을 넓히고 있습니다.

Fusion dishes using shrimp are gaining worldwide popularity, expanding the horizons of Korean cuisine.

Metaphorical '지평을 넓히다'.

고래 싸움에 새우 등 터지는 형국이라는 지정학적 분석이 제기되고 있습니다.

A geopolitical analysis is being raised that the situation is like a shrimp's back breaking in a whale fight.

Highly formal noun '형국' and '제기되다'.

새우젓의 감칠맛을 내는 아미노산 성분에 대한 심도 있는 연구가 진행 중입니다.

In-depth research on the amino acid components that produce the umami of salted fermented shrimp is underway.

Scientific terminology '감칠맛' and '심도 있는'.

전통 어법을 고수하며 새우를 잡는 어민들의 장인 정신이 귀감이 되고 있습니다.

The craftsmanship of fishermen who catch shrimp while adhering to traditional fishing methods is becoming a model for others.

Idiomatic '귀감이 되다' and '고수하다'.

새우의 미세한 움직임까지 포착해낸 고해상도 다큐멘터리가 화제입니다.

A high-resolution documentary that captured even the minute movements of shrimp is a hot topic.

Advanced verb '포착하다' and noun '화제'.

기후 변화에 따른 수온 상승이 새우의 회유 경로에 미치는 영향은 지대합니다.

The impact of rising water temperatures due to climate change on the migration routes of shrimp is profound.

Formal adjective '지대하다' and noun '회유 경로'.

새우라는 미물을 통해 인간 사회의 위계질서를 풍자한 소설이 출간되었습니다.

A novel satirizing the hierarchy of human society through the humble creature known as a shrimp has been published.

Literary term '미물' and '풍자하다'.

새우 양식업의 지속 가능성을 확보하기 위한 정책적 대안 마련이 시급합니다.

It is urgent to prepare policy alternatives to ensure the sustainability of the shrimp farming industry.

Policy language '지속 가능성' and '확보하다'.

새우의 껍질에서 추출한 키토산을 활용한 신소재 개발이 각광받고 있습니다.

The development of new materials using chitosan extracted from shrimp shells is receiving significant attention.

Technical term '키토산' and '각광받다'.

Collocations courantes

새우를 까다

새우를 굽다

새우를 튀기다

싱싱한 새우

새우 알레르기

새우 한 마리

새우 껍질

새우 볶음밥

새우 소금구이

새우를 넣다

Phrases Courantes

새우잠을 자다

— To sleep curled up like a shrimp. Used when sleeping in a cramped space.

좁은 텐트에서 새우잠을 잤어요.

새우깡

— The name of Korea's most famous shrimp-flavored snack. Often used as a synonym for snacks.

맥주 안주로 새우깡이 최고예요.

새우젓

— Salted fermented shrimp. A staple seasoning in Korean cuisine.

이 김치는 새우젓으로 간을 했어요.

새우버거

— Shrimp burger. A classic fast-food menu item in Korea.

롯데리아에서 새우버거를 시켰어요.

새우튀김

— Deep-fried shrimp. A popular side dish and street food.

떡볶이 국물에 새우튀김을 찍어 먹어요.

새우전

— Shrimp pancakes. Often served during traditional holidays.

추석에 새우전을 많이 부쳤어요.

새우살

— Shrimp meat (peeled shrimp). Usually sold frozen.

냉동 새우살로 파스타를 만들었어요.

새우머리

— Shrimp head. Often used for making stock or deep-fried as a snack.

새우머리는 버리지 말고 육수를 내세요.

새우꼬리

— Shrimp tail. Some people eat it for the crunch.

새우꼬리까지 다 먹어도 돼요.

새우잡이

— Shrimp fishing. Also used metaphorically for hard labor.

새우잡이 배를 타는 것은 매우 힘들어요.

Souvent confondu avec

새우 vs 새워 (sae-wo)

A verb form of 'staying up'. Sounds similar but used in '밤을 새워' (staying up all night).

새우 vs 세우다 (se-u-da)

A verb meaning 'to stand' or 'to stop'. Spelled with 'ㅔ' instead of 'ㅐ'.

새우 vs 새 (sae)

Means 'bird' or 'new'. Often the first syllable of '새우'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다"

— A shrimp's back is broken in a fight between whales. Small parties are harmed when large parties fight.

강대국들의 갈등 때문에 주변국들의 새우 등 터지는 격이에요.

Common/Literary

"새우로 잉어를 낚다"

— To catch a carp with a shrimp. To gain a large profit from a small investment.

그 투자는 새우로 잉어를 낚은 셈이에요.

Literary

"새우 눈"

— Shrimp eyes. Used to describe someone with very small or narrow eyes.

그는 웃을 때 새우 눈이 돼요.

Informal

"새우잠"

— Shrimp sleep. Sleeping in a curled position, usually due to lack of space.

어젯밤에는 너무 좁아서 새우잠을 잤어요.

Common

"새우 벼락 맞듯"

— Like a shrimp being hit by lightning. To experience a sudden and unexpected disaster.

갑작스러운 해고 통보에 새우 벼락 맞은 기분이었어요.

Archaic/Rare

"굽은 새우"

— Bent shrimp. Used to describe an elderly person with a hunched back.

할머니의 등이 굽은 새우처럼 휘었어요.

Descriptive

"새우가 바다를 건너다"

— A shrimp crossing the sea. An impossible or highly ambitious task for a small person.

그의 도전은 마치 새우가 바다를 건너는 것 같아요.

Literary

"새우 속 같다"

— Like the inside of a shrimp. Used to describe a very narrow-minded person.

그의 속은 새우 속 같아서 이해심이 없어요.

Informal

"새우 등 펴듯"

— Like straightening a shrimp's back. To finally be able to act proudly or confidently after a long time.

드디어 성공해서 새우 등 펴고 살 수 있게 되었어요.

Common

"새우 그물에 걸린 고래"

— A whale caught in a shrimp net. A very powerful person being brought down by something small.

그 대기업이 작은 실수로 무너진 것은 새우 그물에 걸린 고래와 같아요.

Literary

Facile à confondre

새우 vs 게 (ge)

Both are common crustaceans.

'새우' is shrimp, '게' is crab. They look very different.

새우는 길쭉하고 게는 옆으로 걸어요.

새우 vs 가재 (ga-jae)

Related species.

'가재' is usually freshwater crayfish or lobster (바닷가재).

가재는 새우보다 집게발이 커요.

새우 vs 대하 (dae-ha)

Both mean shrimp/prawn.

'새우' is general; '대하' is specifically large prawns.

대하는 새우의 한 종류예요.

새우 vs 새 (sae)

Sounds like the first part of '새우'.

'새' is a bird. '새우' is a shrimp.

새는 하늘을 날고 새우는 바다에 살아요.

새우 vs 세우다 (se-u-da)

Very similar pronunciation.

'새우' is a noun; '세우다' is a verb (to stop/stand).

차를 세우고 새우를 샀어요.

Structures de phrases

저는 [Noun]를 좋아해요.

저는 새우를 좋아해요.

[Noun]가 맛있어요.

새우가 맛있어요.

[Noun] [Number] 마리 주세요.

새우 열 마리 주세요.

[Adjective] [Noun]를 먹었어요.

큰 새우를 먹었어요.

[Noun]를 넣고 [Verb].

새우를 넣고 끓이세요.

[Noun]를 먹을 때 [Clause].

새우를 먹을 때 껍질을 까야 해요.

[Noun]는 [Noun]에 좋습니다.

새우는 건강에 좋습니다.

[Noun]에 관한 [Noun].

새우에 관한 연구 보고서.

Famille de mots

Noms

새우젓 (Salted shrimp)

새우살 (Shrimp meat)

새우잠 (Shrimp sleep)

새우껍질 (Shrimp shell)

새우튀김 (Fried shrimp)

Verbes

새우다 (To stay up all night - Note: homophone/related root in some contexts)

새우낚시하다 (To fish for shrimp)

Adjectifs

새우 같은 (Shrimp-like)

새우빛 (Shrimp-colored/Pinkish)

Apparenté

바다 (Sea)

갑각류 (Crustacean)

해산물 (Seafood)

수산시장 (Fish market)

대하 (King prawn)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very High. It is among the top 5 most common seafood words in Korean.

Erreurs courantes

Using '개' instead of '마리' for counting. → 새우 한 마리
Animals, including shrimp, must be counted with '마리'. '개' is for inanimate objects.
Confusing '새우' with '세우다'. → 새우 (noun)
Learners often mix up the spelling of the 'ae' (ㅐ) and 'e' (ㅔ) sounds. '세우다' is a verb.
Using the wrong object particle '을'. → 새우를
Because '새우' ends in a vowel, it always takes '를'.
Pronouncing it as a single syllable 'syu'. → Sae-u (two syllables)
Each Hangeul block represents a syllable. '새' and '우' must be heard distinctly.
Thinking '새우젓' is just regular shrimp. → 새우젓 (fermented shrimp)
It is extremely salty and used as a seasoning, not a main dish. Don't eat a bowl of it!

Astuces

Use the right particle

Since '새우' ends in a vowel, always use '를' for the object and '가' for the subject. Avoid '을' and '이'.

Two distinct beats

Make sure to pronounce 'sae' and 'u' clearly. If you say it too fast, it might sound like 'syu', which is harder for natives to understand.

Look for '자숙'

If you see '자숙 새우' at the mart, it means 'pre-cooked/boiled shrimp'. This is very convenient for salads or quick pasta.

Try 'Saeu-jeon'

Shrimp pancakes (새우전) are a delicious and non-spicy way to enjoy shrimp. They are often served at traditional feasts.

Learn the counter

Always use '마리' (mari) when counting shrimp. '새우 두 마리' sounds much more natural than just '새우 두개'.

Proverb usage

Using the 'whale fight' proverb in a conversation about politics or office drama will instantly make you sound like an advanced speaker.

Allergy alert

Always check for '새우젓' in Kimchi if you are vegan or allergic, as it's a very common 'invisible' ingredient.

Don't overcook

Shrimp cooks very fast in Korean stews. Add it near the end to keep the '탱글탱글' (plump) texture.

Jeju Specialties

If you visit Jeju, look for '딱새우'. It's harder to peel but the meat is exceptionally sweet.

Saeukkang varieties

The original 'Saeukkang' is great, but there are also 'Spicy' (매운) and 'Rice' (쌀) versions to try!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'Sae' (Bird) trying to catch an 'U' (Ooo - sound of surprise) shaped shrimp. Sae + U = Shrimp!

Association visuelle

Visualize the letter 'U' turned on its side; it looks like a curled-up shrimp. The 'Sae' sound is like 'Sea'. Sea + U-shape = Shrimp.

Word Web

Seafood Kimchi Ocean Fried Rice Allergy Crustacean Market Proverb

Défi

Go to a Korean restaurant or a mart and try to find three different products that have the word '새우' on the label.

Origine du mot

The word '새우' is a native Korean word. Its origins can be traced back to Middle Korean where it appeared in forms like '사오' or '새오'.

Sens originel : It has always referred to the small crustacean we know as shrimp.

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

Be aware of seafood allergies when offering '새우' to others. Also, '새우잠' can imply poverty or a difficult living situation, so use it with empathy.

In English-speaking countries, 'shrimp' and 'prawn' are often used interchangeably, though 'prawn' is more common in the UK and Australia. In Korea, '새우' covers both.

Saeukkang commercial song ('Sonsae-ga-ga, sonsae-ga-ga...') Lotteria Saeu-burger (The original Korean shrimp burger) The movie 'The Pirates' (which features a hunt for a whale that swallowed a seal, but shrimp are mentioned in the banter)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Restaurant

새우튀김 하나 주세요.
이거 새우 들어갔어요?
새우 추가해 주세요.
새우 껍질 까주세요.

At a Fish Market

새우가 싱싱해요?
새우 1킬로에 얼마예요?
큰 새우로 주세요.
새우 좀 더 주세요.

Cooking at Home

새우를 씻으세요.
새우 내장을 빼세요.
새우를 팬에 볶으세요.
새우가 다 익었어요.

Discussing Allergies

새우 알레르기가 있어요.
새우를 못 먹어요.
새우 빼고 요리해 주세요.
새우 소스도 안 돼요.

Snacking

새우깡 먹을래?
새우 과자 맛있어.
새우 맛이 나요.
새우깡 한 봉지 샀어.

Amorces de conversation

"어떤 해산물을 제일 좋아하세요? 새우 좋아하세요?"

"새우 껍질 까는 거 잘하세요?"

"새우 알레르기 있으신 분 계세요?"

"제주도에서 딱새우 먹어본 적 있어요?"

"새우 볶음밥이랑 새우 버거 중에 뭐가 더 좋아요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 먹은 새우 요리에 대해 써 보세요. 맛이 어땠나요?

새우와 관련된 추억이 있나요? (예: 바닷가에서 먹은 새우 구이)

'고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다'는 속담을 경험한 적이 있나요?

새우를 활용한 나만의 레시피를 적어 보세요.

한국의 수산시장에 가서 새우를 사는 상상을 하며 대화문을 써 보세요.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'새우' is the general Korean word for all types of shrimp and prawns. '대하' specifically refers to large-sized prawns, often those caught in the wild and served grilled. You can think of '새우' as 'shrimp' and '대하' as 'king prawn'. In daily life, '새우' is much more common.

You use the native Korean numbers (하나, 둘, 셋...) followed by the counter '마리' (mari). For example, one shrimp is '새우 한 마리', two is '새우 두 마리', and three is '새우 세 마리'. Never use '개' (gae) for animals like shrimp.

Yes, but usually in its fermented form called '새우젓' (saeu-jeot). These are tiny shrimp salted and fermented. They provide a deep umami flavor and help the fermentation process of the Kimchi. It's a key secret to traditional Korean flavors.

You should say '저는 새우 알레르기가 있어요' (Jeo-neun sae-u al-le-reu-gi-ga it-eo-yo). This is very important to memorize if you have an allergy, as shrimp is a hidden ingredient in many Korean sauces and stews.

It's a common Korean expression for sleeping curled up on your side because of a small space or being cold. It comes from the way a shrimp's body is naturally curved. It's often used when talking about sleeping in a car, a small tent, or a crowded room.

The proverb '고래 싸움에 새우 등 터진다' means that when powerful people or nations fight, the small and innocent ones nearby get hurt. It's a very famous idiom in Korea used to describe social and political situations.

Not really. You just add the preparation method before '새우'. For example, '생새우' (raw shrimp), '삶은 새우' (boiled shrimp), or '구운 새우' (grilled shrimp). For raw shrimp eaten as sashimi, people often use '새우 회'.

Yes! The famous snack 'Saeukkang' is made using real ground-up shrimp, which gives it its distinct savory flavor. It's one of Korea's oldest and most beloved snacks.

Yes, many Koreans eat the whole shrimp, including the tail and sometimes even the head when it's deep-fried. It's believed to be healthy and adds a nice crunchy texture. Whether you eat it or not is a matter of personal preference.

For fresh, seasonal shrimp, the west coast (Incheon, South Chungcheong province) is famous, especially in September and October. Traditional fish markets like Noryangjin in Seoul also offer a great variety of shrimp year-round.

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