Use '얼큰하다' to describe a spicy, hearty, and refreshing soup that makes you feel satisfied.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for spicy and refreshing soups or stews.
- Describes a satisfying heat that clears the palate.
- Often associated with hangover cures or comforting meals.
개요
'얼큰하다'는 한국 음식 문화에서 매우 중요한 형용사입니다. 단순히 맵기만 한 것이 아니라, 매운맛과 함께 속이 풀리는 듯한 시원함과 개운함이 동시에 느껴질 때 사용합니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 '얼큰한 국물', '얼큰하게 끓이다', '얼큰한 맛'과 같이 명사를 수식하거나 서술어로 쓰입니다. '얼큰하게'라는 부사형으로도 자주 사용되어 '얼큰하게 한 잔 하자'처럼 술자리에서 안주를 고를 때도 흔히 등장합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 한국인은 해장할 때 '속이 얼큰하게 풀린다'는 표현을 자주 씁니다. 이는 매운맛이 혈액순환을 돕고 땀을 나게 하여 기분을 상쾌하게 만드는 효과를 의미합니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '맵다'는 단순히 매운맛의 강도를 말하지만, '얼큰하다'는 그 매운맛이 주는 시원하고 기분 좋은 느낌을 포함합니다. '칼칼하다'는 '얼큰하다'와 매우 비슷하지만, 더 날카롭고 깔끔하게 매운 느낌을 강조할 때 사용합니다.
Examples
이 집 짬뽕 국물이 정말 얼큰하네요.
everydayThe broth of the Jjamppong here is really spicy and hearty.
해장으로 얼큰한 북엇국을 준비했습니다.
formalI prepared a spicy dried pollack soup for the hangover.
어제 술을 좀 얼큰하게 마셨더니 머리가 아프다.
informalI drank a bit too much yesterday, so I have a headache.
한국의 찌개 문화는 얼큰한 맛을 특징으로 한다.
academicKorean stew culture is characterized by its spicy and hearty taste.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
속이 얼큰하다
to feel the spicy heat inside
얼큰한 게 당기다
to crave something spicy and hearty
Often Confused With
General word for spicy. Use this for any food that has capsaicin heat.
Refers to a sharper, cleaner, and more stinging spicy sensation, often used for clear spicy soups.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '얼큰하다' to show you appreciate the deep, spicy flavor of a soup. It is a very positive word in a culinary context. Avoid using it for sweet or greasy foods.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for any spicy food. Remember it is specifically for soups and stews. Also, don't confuse it with '매운' which is a simple adjective.
Tips
Pair with soups for best use
Always try to use this word when talking about soups like Kimchi-jjigae or spicy fish stew. It sounds very natural to native speakers.
Avoid using for dry foods
Do not use '얼큰하다' for dry spicy foods like stir-fried octopus or spicy chicken feet. Use '맵다' instead.
The concept of 'Sihwon-hada'
In Korea, spicy soup is often described as 'sihwon-hada' (refreshing/cool). '얼큰하다' is the specific spicy version of this feeling.
Word Origin
Derived from the root '얼큰-' which relates to the sensation of heat and slight intoxication. It has evolved to describe the specific feeling of spicy broth.
Cultural Context
Spicy soups are a staple of Korean comfort food. '얼큰하다' captures the relief and satisfaction Koreans feel when eating spicy food during cold weather or after drinking alcohol.
Memory Tip
Think of '얼큰' as 'Ear-clearing' heat. The soup is so spicy and hot that it clears your ears and feels refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions아니요, 매운맛이 강한 떡볶이나 불닭 같은 음식에는 잘 쓰지 않습니다. '얼큰하다'는 주로 국물이 있는 요리에 한정해서 사용합니다.
술기운이 올라와서 얼굴이 약간 붉어지고 기분이 좋아진 상태를 '얼큰하게 취하다'라고 표현하기도 합니다.
Spicy but in a refreshing, satisfying way that makes you feel warm inside.
'칼칼하다'는 매운맛이 더 깔끔하고 날카로운 느낌이라면, '얼큰하다'는 좀 더 묵직하고 속이 든든해지는 느낌입니다.
Test Yourself
오늘 점심은 날씨도 추운데 ___ 김치찌개를 먹자.
김치찌개는 국물 요리이므로 맵고 시원한 맛을 뜻하는 '얼큰한'이 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
Use '얼큰하다' to describe a spicy, hearty, and refreshing soup that makes you feel satisfied.
- Used for spicy and refreshing soups or stews.
- Describes a satisfying heat that clears the palate.
- Often associated with hangover cures or comforting meals.
Pair with soups for best use
Always try to use this word when talking about soups like Kimchi-jjigae or spicy fish stew. It sounds very natural to native speakers.
Avoid using for dry foods
Do not use '얼큰하다' for dry spicy foods like stir-fried octopus or spicy chicken feet. Use '맵다' instead.
The concept of 'Sihwon-hada'
In Korea, spicy soup is often described as 'sihwon-hada' (refreshing/cool). '얼큰하다' is the specific spicy version of this feeling.
Examples
4 of 4이 집 짬뽕 국물이 정말 얼큰하네요.
The broth of the Jjamppong here is really spicy and hearty.
해장으로 얼큰한 북엇국을 준비했습니다.
I prepared a spicy dried pollack soup for the hangover.
어제 술을 좀 얼큰하게 마셨더니 머리가 아프다.
I drank a bit too much yesterday, so I have a headache.
한국의 찌개 문화는 얼큰한 맛을 특징으로 한다.
Korean stew culture is characterized by its spicy and hearty taste.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More food words
~정도
A1Suffix meaning "about" or "approximately."
추가
A2Addition, extra (e.g., extra order).
몇 개
A2How many items?
~은/는 후에
A2After ~ing; indicates an action that occurs subsequent to another.
중에서
A2Among, out of (selection).
식욕
A2Appetite.
에피타이저
A2An appetizer.
전채
A2Appetizer.
먹음직스럽다
B2To look appetizing, delicious.
사과
A1apple
