식히다 in 30 Seconds
- To cool down food or drinks.
- Action of making something less hot.
- Commonly used for hot meals and beverages.
- Essential for safe and comfortable eating.
The Korean verb 식히다 (shikida) means 'to cool down' or 'to let cool'. It is most commonly used when referring to food or drinks that have been cooked or are hot and need to be brought to a cooler temperature before eating or drinking. Think of it as the action of making something less hot. For example, after boiling water, you might let it 식히다 before drinking. Or, after baking a cake, you would let it 식히다 before frosting it. It can also be used more broadly to mean cooling something down, like a hot engine, but its primary association is with edible items. It implies a passive process, where the food cools naturally, or an active one, where someone intentionally cools it. The verb implies a transition from a hot state to a cooler, more manageable state, making it ready for consumption or the next step in preparation.
- Core Meaning
- To reduce the temperature of something, especially food or drinks, to make it cooler.
- Common Scenarios
- Cooling freshly cooked rice, hot soup, boiled eggs, or a hot beverage like tea or coffee.
- Figurative Use (Less Common)
- While less frequent, it can sometimes refer to cooling down an intense situation or emotion, similar to 'calming down', but this is not its primary meaning.
김이 나는 떡볶이를 바로 먹으면 입천장이 데이니까 조금 식혀서 먹어야 해요.
When you cook or heat something up in Korea, especially food, the next natural step is often to let it cool down. This is where 식히다 comes into play. Imagine a steaming bowl of ramen or freshly baked bread; the immediate urge is to consume it, but practicality dictates waiting. This waiting period is precisely what 식히다 describes. It's a fundamental part of meal preparation and consumption. Parents often tell children to 식히다 their hot food to prevent burns. Restaurants might mention that a dish needs time to 식히다 before serving. Even in simple daily conversations, like discussing making coffee, the phrase '커피를 좀 식혀서 마실게요' (I'll drink the coffee after cooling it down a bit) is very common. The verb is essential for understanding the practicalities of handling hot food and drinks in Korean culture, where food safety and comfortable eating temperatures are important.
- Everyday Usage
- Used in kitchens, dining rooms, and during casual conversations about food preparation and consumption.
- Implied Action
- Can imply natural cooling or active cooling (e.g., fanning, blowing on it).
뜨거운 수프를 바로 마시면 안 돼요. 식혀서 드세요.
Using 식히다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and common contexts. As a verb, it conjugates like most other Korean verbs. The base form is 식히다. In sentences, you'll often see it in its infinitive form ending in -아/어서 (식혀서), which signifies a sequence of actions: 'cool down and then...'. This is extremely common when talking about preparing food. For example, '밥을 식혀서 먹어요' means 'cool the rice down and then eat it'.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- Subject + Object + 식히다 (conjugated)
- Using -아/어서 for Sequential Actions
- This is the most frequent pattern. Object + 식혀서 + Verb (e.g., 먹다, 마시다, 담다).
- Imperative Form (Polite Request)
- Object + 식히세요 (shikhiseyo) - 'Please cool it down.'
- Present Progressive
- Object + 식히고 있다 (shikhigo itda) - 'is cooling down' (active, by someone).
뜨거운 물은 식혀서 아기에게 주세요.
The verb 식히다 is transitive, meaning it requires an object – the thing being cooled. You always cool *something*. This is a key distinction from the intransitive verb 식다 (to become cool/cold). Therefore, sentences will typically follow the pattern: [Thing to be cooled] + 을/를 + 식히다. For example, '커피를 식히다' (to cool coffee). When you want to express the completion of this action before another, the -아/어서 ending is indispensable. '커피를 식혀서 마실 거예요' (I will drink the coffee after cooling it down). The imperative form 식히세요 is a polite command or request, common for parents instructing children or in service settings. For instance, a server might say, '음식이 아직 뜨거우니 식혀서 드세요' (The food is still hot, so please cool it down before eating).
- Common Sentence Patterns
- 1. Object + 을/를 + 식히다. (e.g., 국을 식히다 - to cool soup)
2. Object + 을/를 + 식혀서 + Verb. (e.g., 국을 식혀서 마셔요 - cool soup and drink it)
3. Object + 을/를 + 식히세요. (e.g., 빵을 식히세요 - please cool the bread) - Example Sentences
- - 갓 구운 빵은 식혀서 잘라야 해요. (Newly baked bread must be cooled before slicing.)
- 아기가 먹을 음식이니까 충분히 식히세요. (It's food for the baby, so cool it down sufficiently.)
- 뜨거운 차를 식히는 중이에요. (I am in the process of cooling the hot tea.)
이유식을 아기에게 주기 전에 꼭 식히세요.
You will hear 식히다 in numerous everyday situations in Korea, primarily revolving around food and drink. The most common place is the home kitchen. When a parent is preparing a meal for their child, they will almost certainly use this word. For example, '밥 식혀서 줄게' (I'll cool the rice down and give it to you). Restaurants, especially those serving hot dishes like stews, soups, or freshly baked goods, will also use it. A server might politely advise a customer, '음식이 뜨거우니 식혀서 드세요' (The food is hot, so please cool it down before eating). Cafes and bakeries are another frequent setting. When you order a hot beverage, the barista might mention that it needs to 식히다 for a moment, or when buying bread, you might be told to '빵을 식혀서 드세요' (Eat the bread after cooling it).
- Home Kitchens
- Parents telling children to cool down their food, or individuals cooling down their own meals.
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Servers advising customers, or chefs instructing kitchen staff.
- Food Blogs and Cooking Shows
- Instructions on how to prepare and serve dishes often include this verb.
주문하신 커피가 나왔습니다. 바로 드시면 뜨거우니 조금 식혀서 드세요.
Beyond direct instructions, 식히다 appears in casual conversations about food. Someone might say, '이 빵은 식혀서 먹어야 더 맛있어.' (This bread tastes better when cooled). Or, when discussing plans, '점심으로 만든 찌개가 아직 뜨거워서 식히는 중이야.' (The stew I made for lunch is still hot, so I'm cooling it down). It's a very practical and frequently used verb, so listening to Korean family dramas, variety shows focusing on food, or even just observing people eating in restaurants will expose you to its usage. The context is almost always related to managing temperature for consumption or preparation. You'll also hear it in informal settings, like friends sharing cooking tips. '너도 그 음식 식혀서 먹어봐, 훨씬 나아.' (You should try eating that food after cooling it down, it's much better.)
- Informal Conversations
- Friends sharing cooking advice, discussing meal readiness.
- Media
- Cooking shows, vlogs, and dramas often feature this verb in dialogue related to food.
이 빵은 김이 나는데, 식혀서 먹어야 제일 맛있어요.
One of the most significant confusions for learners is the difference between 식히다 (to cool something down) and 식다 (to become cool/cold). 식히다 is transitive, meaning it requires an object. You actively cool *something*. For example, '저는 커피를 식혔어요' (I cooled the coffee). 식다, on the other hand, is intransitive. The subject itself becomes cool. So, '커피가 식었어요' (The coffee got cold). Using 식다 when you mean to actively cool something down is incorrect, and vice versa.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 식히다 and 식다
- Incorrect: '음식이 식혔어요.' (The food cooled itself down - grammatically wrong as 식히다 needs an object).
Correct: '음식이 식었어요.' (The food cooled down.) or '제가 음식을 식혔어요.' (I cooled the food down.) - Mistake 2: Incorrect Conjugation
- Forgetting the -아/어서 ending when indicating a sequence of actions. For instance, saying '밥 식히다 먹어요' instead of '밥 식혀서 먹어요'. The latter clearly shows 'cool the rice, and then eat it'.
- Mistake 3: Overusing Figurative Meanings
- While 식히다 can sometimes imply 'calming down' an emotion or situation, this is a less common and more nuanced usage. Learners might mistakenly try to apply it in situations where a direct translation of 'cool down' is not intended, leading to awkward phrasing.
Incorrect: '화가 났을 때 마음을 식히는 것이 중요하다.' (When angry, it's important to cool the heart. - sounds a bit direct/literal)
Another potential pitfall is in the conjugation, especially with the -아/어서 ending. Learners might use the plain infinitive 식히다 where 식혀서 is needed to connect two actions logically. For example, saying '밥 식히다 먹자' is grammatically awkward. The correct and natural way is '밥 식혀서 먹자' (Let's cool the rice down and eat it). This sequential meaning is vital. Also, pay attention to the object marker 을/를. Since 식히다 is transitive, the object being cooled must be marked. Forgetting this can lead to unclear sentences.
- Mistake 4: Forgetting the Object Marker
- Incorrect: '커피 식히다' (Missing object marker, sounds incomplete).
Correct: '커피를 식히다'. - Mistake 5: Imperative vs. Declarative
- Using the plain form 식히다 when a command or request is intended. For example, telling someone '밥 식히다' is not a proper command. You need 식히세요 or 식혀 (informal).
Incorrect: '이거 식히다.'
Correct: '이거 식히세요.' or '이거 식혀'
Understanding words similar to 식히다 helps to grasp its nuances. The most important distinction is with 식다 (to become cool/cold). As mentioned, 식다 is intransitive and describes the state of something becoming cool on its own, while 식히다 is transitive and describes the action of making something cool. For example, 'The soup cooled down' is '국이 식었어요' (using 식다), but 'I cooled the soup down' is '제가 국을 식혔어요' (using 식히다).
- 1. 식다 (shikda)
- Meaning: To become cool, to get cold (intransitive).
Comparison: This is the passive counterpart to 식히다. It describes the natural process of cooling.
Example: '너무 뜨거워서 식지도 않았어요.' (It was so hot that it hasn't even cooled down yet.) - 2. 차갑게 하다 (chagapge hada)
- Meaning: To make cold (more general, can be used for non-food items).
Comparison: This phrase is broader than 식히다. While 식히다 focuses on cooling something that was hot (especially food), 차갑게 하다 can mean to make something cold, perhaps by refrigerating it, or just to make it cooler in a more general sense. 식히다 implies a transition from hot, whereas 차갑게 하다 can simply mean to achieve a cold temperature.
Example: '음료수를 차갑게 해서 마시는 것을 좋아해요.' (I like to drink beverages after making them cold.) - 3. 냉각하다 (naenggak hada)
- Meaning: To cool down, to refrigerate (often used in technical or scientific contexts).
Comparison: This is a more formal or technical term. You would use 냉각하다 for industrial processes or scientific equipment cooling, not typically for cooling down a bowl of soup at home. 식히다 is the everyday, culinary term.
Example: '엔진을 냉각하는 장치가 필요합니다.' (A device to cool the engine is needed.)
국이 식었어요.
When you want to express the idea of making something cold for consumption, 식히다 is the go-to verb. It's specifically tied to the process of reducing heat from something that was hot, typically food or drink. While 차갑게 하다 can also mean 'to make cold', it's more general and doesn't carry the same implication of cooling something down from a hot state. For instance, you wouldn't say '차를 차갑게 해서 마셨어요' if you meant you cooled down hot tea; you would say '차를 식혀서 마셨어요'. However, you might say '음료수를 차갑게 해서 마셨어요' if you were referring to making a room-temperature drink cold, perhaps by putting it in the fridge. The verb 냉각하다 is reserved for more technical applications. For example, in engineering, you'd talk about the '냉각수' (cooling water) or the '냉각 시스템' (cooling system). In everyday life, especially in the kitchen, 식히다 is the standard and most appropriate verb.
- Summary of Alternatives
- - 식히다: To cool down (food/drink, transitive, from hot).
- 식다: To become cool/cold (intransitive, natural process).
- 차갑게 하다: To make cold (general, can include refrigerating).
- 냉각하다: To cool (technical, industrial, formal).
제가 만든 빵을 식혀서 먹었어요.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The suffix '-히-' is a common way to create causative verbs in Korean. For example, '높다' (to be high) becomes '높이다' (to raise/heighten), and '작다' (to be small) becomes '작히다' (to make small, archaic/rare) or more commonly '줄이다' (to reduce). In the case of '식히다', it's a very productive and common formation.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'ㅋ' (kh) without aspiration, making it sound like 'ㅅ' (s) or 'ㄱ' (g).
- Incorrectly lengthening the vowel sounds.
- Confusing the aspirated consonants with their non-aspirated counterparts.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The word '식히다' is commonly used in everyday contexts, especially related to food. Sentences are usually straightforward, involving simple commands or descriptions of actions. Understanding the distinction from '식다' is key for comprehension.
CEFR A2 level. Learners should be able to use '식히다' in basic sentences, particularly with the '-아/어서' and imperative forms. The main challenge is correctly differentiating it from '식다'.
CEFR A2 level. The verb is frequently used in spoken Korean. Learners should practice using it in simple requests or statements about cooling food.
CEFR A2 level. The word is very common in daily conversations, especially in family settings or restaurants. Recognizing it in context should be achievable for A2 learners.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
The distinction between 식히다 (transitive, needs an object) and 식다 (intransitive, no object needed) is crucial. For example: '저는 밥을 식혔어요' (I cooled the rice) vs. '밥이 식었어요' (The rice cooled down).
Causative Verb Formation (-히-, -리-, -이-, -우-, -추-)
'식히다' is formed from '식다' using the causative suffix '-히-'. This pattern allows learners to understand how many Korean verbs are derived, e.g., '높다' (high) -> '높이다' (to raise).
The Sequential Connector -아/어서
The pattern 'Object + 식혀서 + Verb' is very common. It links the action of cooling with the subsequent action, such as '밥을 식혀서 먹어요' (Cool the rice and then eat it).
Imperative Mood (Polite and Informal)
Polite requests use '-세요', like '식히세요' (Please cool it down). Informal requests use '-아/어', like '식혀' (Cool it down).
Object Markers (을/를)
Since '식히다' is transitive, the object being cooled must be marked with '을' or '를'. For example, '커피를 식히다' (to cool coffee).
Examples by Level
뜨거워요. 좀 식혀 주세요.
It's hot. Please cool it down a bit.
식혀 주세요 (shikhyeo juseyo) - polite request form.
이것 좀 식히자.
Let's cool this down a bit.
식히자 (shikhija) - proposal form 'let's cool down'.
밥이 너무 뜨거워요.
The rice is too hot.
This sentence sets up the need for '식히다'.
커피를 식혀 마셔요.
Cool the coffee and drink it.
식혀 마셔요 (shikhyeo masyeoyo) - sequential action: cool and then drink.
국이 뜨거워요. 식히세요.
The soup is hot. Cool it down.
식히세요 (shikhiseyo) - polite imperative.
빵을 식혀야 해요.
I need to cool the bread.
식혀야 해요 (shikhyeoya haeyo) - 'must cool'.
음식을 식힐 시간이 필요해요.
I need time to cool the food.
식힐 시간 (shikhil shigan) - time to cool.
이거 식으면 말해 주세요.
Tell me when this cools down.
식으면 (shigeumyeon) - conditional 'if it cools down'.
김이 나는 떡볶이를 바로 먹으면 입천장이 데이니까 조금 식혀서 먹어야 해요.
Tteokbokki that is steaming should be cooled a little before eating, otherwise you'll burn the roof of your mouth.
식혀서 (shikhyeoseo) - 'cool down and then...'
뜨거운 수프를 바로 마시면 안 돼요. 식혀서 드세요.
You shouldn't drink the hot soup right away. Cool it down and then eat.
식혀서 드세요 (shikhyeoseo deuseyo) - polite imperative with sequential action.
갓 구운 빵은 식혀서 잘라야 해요.
Newly baked bread must be cooled before slicing.
식혀서 잘라야 해요 (shikhyeoseo jallaya haeyo) - 'cool and then must slice'.
아기가 먹을 음식이니까 충분히 식히세요.
It's food for the baby, so cool it down sufficiently.
식히세요 (shikhiseyo) - polite imperative.
이유식을 아기에게 주기 전에 꼭 식히세요.
Before giving baby food to the baby, be sure to cool it down.
꼭 식히세요 (kkok shikhiseyo) - 'be sure to cool down'.
뜨거운 차를 식히는 중이에요.
I am in the process of cooling the hot tea.
식히는 중이에요 (shikhineun jungieyo) - 'am in the process of cooling'.
이거 식히면 더 맛있을 거예요.
It will be more delicious if you cool this down.
식히면 (shikhimyeon) - conditional 'if you cool it down'.
음식이 너무 뜨거워서 식힐 겸 바람 좀 쐬고 올게요.
The food is too hot, so I'll go get some air while it cools.
식힐 겸 (shikhil gyeom) - 'for the purpose of cooling'.
요리한 음식을 바로 냉장고에 넣지 말고, 충분히 식혀서 넣어야 합니다.
Do not put cooked food directly into the refrigerator; you must cool it down sufficiently first.
충분히 식혀서 넣어야 합니다 (chungbunhi shikhyeoseo neoeoya hamnida) - 'must cool sufficiently and then put in'.
뜨거운 물은 식혀서 아기에게 주세요.
Cool down the hot water and give it to the baby.
식혀서 주세요 (shikhyeoseo juseyo) - polite imperative, sequential action.
이 빵은 식히면 더 바삭해져요.
This bread becomes crispier when you cool it down.
식히면 (shikhimyeon) - conditional 'when it cools down'.
주문하신 커피가 나왔습니다. 바로 드시면 뜨거우니 조금 식혀서 드세요.
Your ordered coffee is ready. It's hot, so please cool it down a little before drinking.
조금 식혀서 드세요 (jogeum shikhyeoseo deuseyo) - polite imperative, sequential action.
저는 뜨거운 음식을 잘 못 먹어서 항상 식혀서 먹는 편이에요.
I can't eat very hot food well, so I always tend to cool it down before eating.
식혀서 먹는 편이에요 (shikhyeoseo meongneun pyeonieyo) - 'tend to eat after cooling'.
여름에는 음식을 식히는 데 더 신경 써야 해요.
In the summer, you need to pay more attention to cooling food.
식히는 데 (shikhineun de) - 'in cooling'.
이 케이크는 식혀서 냉장 보관해야 신선도를 유지할 수 있어요.
This cake must be cooled before refrigerating to maintain its freshness.
식혀서 냉장 보관해야 (shikhyeoseo naengjang bogwanhaeya) - 'must cool and then refrigerate'.
김이 나는 음식은 식혀서 먹는 것이 건강에 좋아요.
It is good for your health to eat steaming food after cooling it down.
식혀서 먹는 것이 (shikhyeoseo meongneun geosi) - 'eating after cooling'.
갓 튀긴 음식은 기름을 빼고 식혀서 내야 손님들이 뜨겁지 않게 즐길 수 있습니다.
Fried food, after draining the oil, should be cooled before serving so that customers can enjoy it without it being too hot.
기름을 빼고 식혀서 내야 (gireumeul ppaego shikhyeoseo naeya) - 'drain oil, cool, and then serve'.
이유식 제조 시에는 재료를 충분히 익힌 후, 아기가 먹기에 적절한 온도가 될 때까지 식히는 과정이 필수적입니다.
When preparing baby food, after cooking the ingredients thoroughly, the process of cooling until it reaches a temperature suitable for the baby to eat is essential.
식히는 과정이 필수적입니다 (shikhineun gwajeongi pilsujeogimnida) - 'the cooling process is essential'.
뜨거운 음료를 급하게 마시면 식도에 무리를 줄 수 있으니, 반드시 식혀서 섭취해야 합니다.
Drinking hot beverages hastily can strain the esophagus, so you must cool them down before consuming.
반드시 식혀서 섭취해야 합니다 (bandeushi shikhyeoseo seopchwihaeya hamnida) - 'must cool and then consume'.
베이킹 후 케이크를 오븐에서 꺼내자마자 식히기 시작하면 안 됩니다. 적절한 시간 동안 식혀야 모양이 망가지지 않습니다.
You should not start cooling a cake immediately after taking it out of the oven. It needs to be cooled for an appropriate amount of time so its shape is not ruined.
식히기 시작하면 안 됩니다 (shikhigi sijakhamyeon an doemnida) - 'should not start cooling'. 식혀야 (shikhyeoya) - 'must cool'.
더운 날씨에 음식이 쉽게 상할 수 있으므로, 조리 후에는 가급적 빨리 식혀서 보관하는 것이 좋습니다.
Since food can spoil easily in hot weather, it is advisable to cool it down quickly after cooking and then store it.
가급적 빨리 식혀서 보관하는 것이 좋습니다 (gageupjeok ppalli shikhyeoseo bogwanhaneun geosi joseumnida) - 'it is good to cool quickly and then store'.
김이 나는 밥을 바로 덮어두면 밥알이 뭉치고 맛이 없어지므로, 식혀서 뚜껑을 덮어야 제대로 된 밥맛을 즐길 수 있습니다.
If you cover steaming rice immediately, the grains will clump and lose their taste, so you must cool it down before covering it to enjoy the proper taste of rice.
식혀서 뚜껑을 덮어야 (shikhyeoseo ttuppeongeul deopeoya) - 'must cool and then cover'.
외출 후 돌아왔을 때, 뜨거운 물로 씻은 식기는 바로 식혀서 물기를 제거해야 위생적입니다.
When you return after going out, it is hygienic to cool down dishes washed with hot water and then remove the moisture.
바로 식혀서 물기를 제거해야 (baro shikhyeoseo mulgireul jegeohaeya) - 'must cool immediately and then remove moisture'.
요리 초보자들에게는 음식을 식히는 것의 중요성을 강조하는 것이 필수적입니다.
It is essential to emphasize the importance of cooling food to beginner cooks.
식히는 것의 중요성 (shikhineun geosui jungyoseong) - 'the importance of cooling'.
급하게 조리된 음식은 내부 온도가 충분히 식혀지지 않아 겉만 식은 것처럼 보일 수 있습니다.
Quickly cooked food may appear cool on the outside while its internal temperature has not sufficiently cooled down.
식혀지지 않아 (shikhyeojiji ana) - 'not having been cooled down'.
산업 현장에서는 고온의 물질을 식히는 과정에 따라 제품의 품질이 크게 좌우됩니다.
In industrial settings, the quality of the product is greatly influenced by the process of cooling high-temperature substances.
식히는 과정에 따라 (shikhineun gwajeonge ttara) - 'according to the cooling process'.
발효 식품의 경우, 지나치게 식히면 유익한 미생물의 활동이 저해될 수 있으므로 적정 온도를 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.
In the case of fermented foods, if cooled excessively, the activity of beneficial microorganisms can be inhibited, so it is important to maintain an appropriate temperature.
지나치게 식히면 (jinachige shikhimyeon) - 'if cooled excessively'.
갑작스러운 온도 변화는 식재료의 조직감을 해칠 수 있으므로, 조리 후에는 점진적으로 식히는 것이 바람직합니다.
Sudden temperature changes can damage the texture of ingredients, so it is desirable to cool them gradually after cooking.
점진적으로 식히는 것이 바람직합니다 (jeomjinjeogeuro shikhineun geosi baromjikhapnida) - 'it is desirable to cool gradually'.
외식 산업에서는 음식의 맛과 안전을 보장하기 위해 조리된 음식을 적정 시간 동안 식히는 표준화된 절차를 따릅니다.
The restaurant industry follows standardized procedures for cooling cooked food for an appropriate duration to ensure taste and safety.
식히는 표준화된 절차 (shikhineun pyojunhwadoen jeolcha) - 'standardized cooling procedures'.
차가운 음료를 제공할 때, 얼음을 넣어 식히는 것 외에도 잔을 미리 차갑게 준비하는 것이 좋습니다.
When serving cold beverages, in addition to cooling with ice, it is good to prepare the glasses cold beforehand.
식히는 것 외에도 (shikhineun geot oedo) - 'in addition to cooling'.
뜨거운 증기를 이용한 조리법에서는 조리 후 바로 식혀야 식감이 살아있는 요리를 만들 수 있습니다.
In cooking methods using hot steam, you must cool it down immediately after cooking to create a dish with a lively texture.
바로 식혀야 (baro shikhyeoya) - 'must cool immediately'.
식품 보존 과학에서는 음식의 미생물학적 안정성을 확보하기 위해 식히는 속도와 최종 온도가 매우 중요하게 다뤄집니다.
In food preservation science, the cooling rate and final temperature are treated as very important to ensure the microbiological stability of food.
식히는 속도와 최종 온도 (shikhineun sokdowa choejong ondo) - 'cooling rate and final temperature'.
전통적인 조리법에서는 불의 세기를 조절하여 자연스럽게 음식을 식히는 지혜가 담겨 있습니다.
Traditional cooking methods contain the wisdom of naturally cooling food by controlling the intensity of the fire.
자연스럽게 음식을 식히는 지혜 (jayeonseureopge eumshigeul shikhineun jihye) - 'wisdom of naturally cooling food'.
품질 관리를 위해, 생산된 제품은 규정된 온도 프로토콜에 따라 식혀져야 하며, 이는 제품의 장기 보존성과 직결됩니다.
For quality control, the produced items must be cooled according to prescribed temperature protocols, which is directly related to the product's long-term shelf life.
식혀져야 하며 (shikhyeojyeoya hamyeo) - 'must be cooled and...'
현대 요리에서는 급속 냉각 기술을 활용하여 식재료 본연의 맛과 향을 보존하며 식히는 방법을 적극적으로 도입하고 있습니다.
In modern cuisine, methods of cooling that preserve the original taste and aroma of ingredients by utilizing rapid cooling technology are being actively introduced.
식히는 방법 (shikhineun bangbeop) - 'cooling methods'.
음식물 쓰레기 발생을 줄이기 위한 방안으로, 조리된 음식을 적정량만 만들고 남은 음식은 즉시 식혀서 보관하는 습관이 권장됩니다.
As a measure to reduce food waste, it is recommended to cook only the appropriate amount of food and to adopt the habit of cooling down and storing any leftovers immediately.
즉시 식혀서 보관하는 습관 (jeuksi shikhyeoseo bogwanhaneun seupgwan) - 'habit of cooling immediately and storing'.
식품의 미생물학적 안전성을 확보하기 위해서는 조리 후 식히는 온도와 시간이 매우 중요하며, 이를 간과할 경우 식중독의 위험이 증가합니다.
To ensure the microbiological safety of food, the cooling temperature and time after cooking are very important, and overlooking these increases the risk of food poisoning.
조리 후 식히는 온도와 시간 (jori hu shikhineun ondo-wa shigan) - 'cooling temperature and time after cooking'.
이 요리의 핵심은 재료 본연의 풍미를 살리기 위해 지나치게 식히지 않고 최적의 온도를 유지하는 데 있습니다.
The key to this dish lies in maintaining the optimal temperature without cooling it excessively, in order to preserve the ingredients' natural flavors.
지나치게 식히지 않고 (jinachige shikhiji anko) - 'without cooling excessively'.
급격한 온도 변화에 따른 재료의 변성을 방지하기 위해, 요리 과정 중에는 불을 끄고 서서히 식히는 기술이 요구됩니다.
To prevent material denaturation due to rapid temperature changes, techniques for turning off the heat and slowly cooling during the cooking process are required.
서서히 식히는 기술 (seoseohi shikhineun gisul) - 'slow cooling technique'.
전문가들은 음식의 영양소 파괴를 최소화하면서 식히는 최적의 방법을 연구하고 있습니다.
Experts are researching the optimal methods for cooling food while minimizing the destruction of nutrients.
식히는 최적의 방법 (shikhineun choejeogui bangbeop) - 'optimal cooling methods'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Cool it down a bit before eating.
이 떡볶이는 김이 나니까 좀 식혀 먹어요.
— Please cool it down before eating.
주문하신 음식이 나왔습니다. 식혀서 드세요.
— It is cooling down. / I am cooling it down.
커피가 너무 뜨거워서 식히는 중이에요.
— Please cool it down sufficiently.
아이가 먹을 거니까 충분히 식혀 주세요.
— Please tell me when it cools down.
이 음식은 뜨거우니 식으면 말해 주세요.
— Cool it down and then store it.
남은 음식을 식혀서 보관하세요.
— It takes time to cool down.
이 찜 요리는 식히는 데 시간이 걸려요.
— To cool down and drink.
뜨거운 차를 식혀서 마시는 것을 좋아해요.
— The cooling process.
이 요리의 식히는 과정이 중요해요.
— To cool down and then cut.
케이크는 식혀서 자르는 것이 좋아요.
Often Confused With
'식히다' means to actively cool something down (transitive), while '식다' means to become cool on its own (intransitive). A common mistake is using them interchangeably. For example, you say '음식을 식혔어요' (I cooled the food), not '음식이 식혔어요'.
'식히다' is the direct opposite of '데우다', which means to warm up. You '식히다' hot food and '데우다' cold food. They are antonyms in the context of temperature adjustment.
'식히다' specifically refers to cooling something down from a hot state, usually food. '차갑게 하다' is more general and means 'to make cold', which could include refrigerating something that was already cool or room temperature.
Easily Confused
Both verbs relate to temperature change towards coolness.
식히다 is transitive (requires an object) and means 'to actively cool something down'. 식다 is intransitive (does not require an object) and means 'to become cool on its own'. For example, 'I cooled the soup' is '국을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혔어요</mark>', but 'The soup cooled down' is '국이 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식었어요</mark>'.
뜨거운 커피를 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히다</mark> vs. 커피가 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식다</mark>.
It is the direct antonym, making it a point of contrast.
식히다 means 'to cool down' (reduce temperature), while 데우다 means 'to warm up' or 'to heat' (increase temperature). They are opposite actions performed on food or drinks. For instance, you might '식히다' freshly cooked rice and then '데우다' leftovers later.
이 음식은 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어야 하고, 저 음식은 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>데워서</mark> 먹어야 해요.
Both involve making something less warm.
식히다 specifically refers to cooling something that is currently hot, typically food or drinks, to a palatable temperature. 차갑게 하다 is a more general phrase meaning 'to make cold' and can apply to items that are not necessarily hot, like refrigerating a beverage. '식히다' implies a transition from heat, whereas '차갑게 하다' is about achieving a cold state.
뜨거운 물을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 마셨어요. (I drank the hot water after cooling it.) vs. 음료수를 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>차갑게 해서</mark> 마셨어요. (I drank the beverage after making it cold.)
Both mean 'to cool'.
식히다 is the everyday, common verb used for cooling food and drinks. 냉각하다 is a more formal or technical term used in scientific, industrial, or engineering contexts for cooling processes. You wouldn't typically '냉각하다' a bowl of soup at home.
산업용 로봇을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>냉각하는</mark> 시스템. (A system for cooling industrial robots.) vs. 밥을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히다</mark>. (To cool rice.)
Both are cooking-related verbs and often occur in sequence.
졸이다 means 'to simmer down' or 'to reduce a liquid by boiling', concentrating flavor. It's a cooking process that makes something hotter or thicker. 식히다 is the action performed *after* cooking or simmering to lower the temperature. For example, you '졸이다' the sauce and then '식히다' the dish.
국물을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>졸여서</mark> 맛을 낸 후, <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹었습니다. (After reducing the broth to enhance flavor, I cooled it down and ate it.)
Sentence Patterns
Object + 을/를 + 식히다.
저는 뜨거운 차를 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혔어요</mark>.
Object + 을/를 + 식혀서 + Verb.
밥을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어요.
Object + 을/를 + 식히세요.
이 빵을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히세요</mark>.
Object + 을/를 + 식히는 중이다.
지금 수프를 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는 중</mark>이에요.
Object + 을/를 + 식히기 + 위해.
음식을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히기 위해</mark> 창문을 열었어요.
Object + 을/를 + 식히는 것이 + 좋다/필요하다.
갓 구운 빵을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는 것이</mark> 중요해요.
Object + 을/를 + 식히는 과정.
이 요리의 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는 과정</mark>이 복잡합니다.
Object + 을/를 + 식혀야 + Verb.
케이크는 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀야</mark> 모양이 망가지지 않아요.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Confusing '식히다' (transitive) with '식다' (intransitive).
→
Using the correct verb based on whether an object is being acted upon or if the subject itself is becoming cool.
Example: Incorrect: '음식이 식혔어요.' (The food cooled it down - grammatically wrong). Correct: '음식이 식었어요.' (The food cooled down.) OR '제가 음식을 식혔어요.' (I cooled the food down.)
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Forgetting the object marker '을/를'.
→
Including the object marker after the item being cooled.
Example: Incorrect: '커피 식히다.' (Sounds incomplete). Correct: '커피<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>를</mark> <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히다</mark>.'
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Using the plain infinitive '식히다' instead of '-아/어서' for sequential actions.
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Using '-아/어서' to connect the action of cooling with a subsequent action.
Example: Incorrect: '밥 식히다 먹어요.' Correct: '밥 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어요.' (Cool the rice and then eat it.)
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Using '식히다' for general cooling of non-food items or environments.
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Using more appropriate verbs like '냉각하다' for technical cooling or descriptive phrases for environments.
Example: While technically possible, saying '방을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히다</mark>' is less common than saying '방이 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>시원해지다</mark>' or using '에어컨을 켜다'.
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Overusing figurative meanings without proper context.
→
Using '식히다' primarily for its literal meaning of cooling hot items, and using other verbs like '진정시키다' for figurative 'calming down'.
Example: While '열을 식히다' can refer to calming anger, it's more directly associated with cooling a hot object. Using it loosely can be confusing.
Tips
Distinguish '식히다' and '식다'
This is the most crucial tip. Remember '식히다' is active and transitive (cool *something*), while '식다' is passive and intransitive (*something* becomes cool). Always check if there's an object being acted upon.
Master the '-아/어서' Ending
The pattern 'Object + 식혀서 + Verb' is incredibly common for sequential actions. Practice using it in sentences like '밥을 식혀서 먹어요'.
Learn Related Antonyms
Understanding the antonyms like '데우다' (to warm up) and related verbs like '끓이다' (to boil) will solidify your understanding of '식히다' by placing it within the spectrum of temperature changes.
Aspirated Consonants
Practice the aspirated 'ㅋ' sound in '식히다' (shik-hi-da). It's a strong puff of air, different from a regular 'k' sound. Listen to native speakers to get the pronunciation right.
Visual Association
Imagine a steaming bowl of soup being fanned vigorously. The visual of actively cooling down something hot will help you remember the meaning of '식히다'.
Cultural Significance
Recognize that cooling food is a sign of care, especially for children. This cultural context can help you remember why this verb is so frequently used in everyday Korean life.
Transitive Nature
Always remember that '식히다' is transitive. It needs an object. You always cool *something*. This is a fundamental grammatical point to avoid errors.
Use it in Sentences
Try to create your own sentences using '식히다' in different tenses and forms. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Listen Actively
When watching Korean dramas, movies, or listening to podcasts, actively listen for the verb '식히다'. Try to guess its meaning from the context before checking.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef carefully fanning a steaming bowl of soup with a fan shaped like the Korean letter 'ㅅ' (s). The fanning action is '식히다'. The 'ㅅ' fan helps you remember the initial sound.
Visual Association
Picture a hot pizza fresh from the oven. You can't eat it right away. You place it on a cooling rack, and a thought bubble appears saying '식히다!' (Cool it!). The visual of the cooling pizza is key.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to mentally 'cool down' five different hot items you encounter today (e.g., your coffee, a hot shower spray, a warm phone). For each, say '이것을 식히다' (I am cooling this down).
Word Origin
The verb '식히다' originates from the Korean word '식다' (shikda), which means 'to become cool' or 'to get cold'. '식히다' is derived from '식다' by adding the causative suffix '-히-', which transforms an intransitive verb into a transitive one, meaning 'to cause to become cool' or 'to make cool'.
Original meaning: To cause to become cool.
KoreanicCultural Context
When dealing with food, especially for children or the elderly, ensuring it's at a safe and comfortable temperature is a sign of care and consideration. Using '식히다' appropriately demonstrates this awareness.
In English, we have phrases like 'let it cool', 'cool it down', or 'allow to cool'. The Korean '식히다' is a direct verb for this action, making it very efficient.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Kitchen preparation
- 음식을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어요.
- 갓 구운 빵을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 잘라주세요.
- 이유식을 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는</mark> 중이에요.
Restaurant/Cafe setting
- 뜨거우니 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 드세요.
- 커피를 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 드릴까요?
- 음식이 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식으면</mark> 말씀해주세요.
Family mealtime
- 밥 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 줄게.
- 너무 뜨거우니까 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어.
- 이거 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히면</mark> 더 맛있어.
Food safety advice
- 음식은 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 보관해야 합니다.
- <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는</mark> 시간이 중요해요.
- 식중독 예방을 위해 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는</mark> 것이 필수입니다.
General conversation about food
- 저는 뜨거운 음식을 잘 못 먹어서 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹는 편이에요.
- 이 찌개는 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식혀서</mark> 먹어야 제맛이에요.
- 오늘 만든 빵은 <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>식히는</mark> 중이에요.
Conversation Starters
"오늘 만든 음식 중에 가장 뜨거웠던 것은 무엇이었고, 어떻게 식혔나요?"
"뜨거운 음식을 먹다가 입천장을 덴 경험이 있나요? 그때 어떻게 했어요?"
"음식을 식히는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇이라고 생각하세요?"
"가족이나 친구에게 음식을 식혀달라고 부탁할 때 어떤 말을 사용하시나요?"
"식혀서 먹어야 더 맛있는 음식이 있다면 무엇인가요?"
Journal Prompts
오늘 하루 동안 어떤 음식을 드셨고, 그 음식들을 식히는 과정이 필요했는지 생각해 보세요. 식히는 과정이 있었다면, 어떻게 하셨나요?
어렸을 때 뜨거운 음식을 먹고 혼났던 기억이 있나요? 그때 부모님께서 음식을 식히라고 하셨던 말씀이나 행동을 떠올려 보세요.
만약 당신이 새로운 음식을 개발한다면, 그 음식을 먹기 좋게 식히는 방법에 대해 어떤 아이디어를 가지고 있나요? 특별한 방법을 생각해 보세요.
음식을 식히는 것은 단순히 온도를 낮추는 것 이상의 의미가 있을까요? 예를 들어, 인내심이나 기다림과 같은 덕목과 연결될 수 있을까요?
당신이 가장 좋아하는 뜨거운 음료나 음식을 떠올려 보세요. 그 음식을 가장 맛있게 먹기 위해 얼마나 식히는 것이 좋다고 생각하나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'식히다' is a transitive verb meaning 'to cool something down' (e.g., 'I cooled the soup'). It requires an object. '식다' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to become cool' or 'to get cold' (e.g., 'The soup cooled down'). The object itself becomes cool. Always remember: you '식히다' something, and something '식다'.
You use '식히다' whenever you are actively making something less hot, especially food or drinks. This is common after cooking, boiling, or baking when the item is too hot to consume immediately. For example, '뜨거운 밥을 식혀서 먹어요' (Cool the hot rice and then eat it).
While its most common use is for food and drinks, '식히다' can technically be used for other things that have become hot and need cooling, like a hot piece of metal. However, for technical contexts, more specific terms like '냉각하다' might be preferred. In everyday language, it's primarily associated with edibles.
To make a polite request, use the '-세요' ending: '식히세요' (Please cool it down). If you want to request cooling it down before another action, use '식혀서 주세요' (Please cool it down and give it to me).
The past tense is formed by conjugating the verb. For example, 'I cooled the coffee' is '저는 커피를 식혔어요' (informal polite) or '저는 커피를 식혔습니다' (formal polite).
While '식히다' means to cool down, it's most commonly used for food and drinks. For cooling a room, you would typically use words like '에어컨을 켜다' (turn on the air conditioner) or '문을 열어 환기하다' (open the door to ventilate). For cooling objects in a technical sense, '냉각하다' is more appropriate. '식히다' implies cooling something that was hot due to cooking or heating.
'식혀서' is the '-아/어서' form of '식히다'. It indicates a sequential action, meaning 'after cooling down...' or 'cool down and then...'. It's very common when giving instructions, like '밥을 식혀서 먹으세요' (Cool the rice down and then eat it).
Yes, the noun form is '식힘' (shik-him), meaning 'cooling' or 'the act of cooling'. For example, '이 음식은 식힘이 부족했어요' (This food lacked sufficient cooling).
If you mean something is cooling down on its own (intransitive), you use the verb '식다': '음식이 식고 있어요' (The food is cooling down). If you mean someone is actively cooling it down, you use '식히다': '제가 음식을 식히고 있어요' (I am cooling the food down).
While less common and more nuanced, '식히다' can sometimes be used figuratively to mean 'calming down' an intense situation or emotion, similar to '진정시키다'. However, its primary and most frequent meaning is literally cooling down hot items.
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Summary
식히다 (shikida) is the verb for actively cooling down something hot, typically food or drinks, to make it ready for consumption or further preparation. It's a fundamental action in everyday Korean life related to cooking and eating.
- To cool down food or drinks.
- Action of making something less hot.
- Commonly used for hot meals and beverages.
- Essential for safe and comfortable eating.
Distinguish '식히다' and '식다'
This is the most crucial tip. Remember '식히다' is active and transitive (cool *something*), while '식다' is passive and intransitive (*something* becomes cool). Always check if there's an object being acted upon.
Master the '-아/어서' Ending
The pattern 'Object + 식혀서 + Verb' is incredibly common for sequential actions. Practice using it in sentences like '밥을 식혀서 먹어요'.
Context is Key
You'll hear '식히다' most often in contexts related to food preparation and consumption. Pay attention to whether the speaker is talking about making something less hot before eating or if something is naturally becoming cooler.
Learn Related Antonyms
Understanding the antonyms like '데우다' (to warm up) and related verbs like '끓이다' (to boil) will solidify your understanding of '식히다' by placing it within the spectrum of temperature changes.
Example
끓인 물을 좀 식혀서 마시세요.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More cooking words
콩나물
A1Bean sprouts.
쌉쌀하다
A1To be slightly bitter.
버터
A1Butter.
치즈
A1Cheese.
쫄깃하다
A1To be chewy; to be springy.
조리하다
A1To cook or prepare food.
식용유
A1Cooking oil, used for frying, stir-frying, or baking.
바삭하다
A1To be crispy; to be crunchy.
도마
A1Cutting board.
깊게
A2Deeply; to a great depth, used for deep-frying.
