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덜익다

A2 adjective #8,500 most common 10 min read

덜익다

deolikda Top 8,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 덜익다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 덜익다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic use of '덜 익다' which relates to simple foods like fruit. Imagine you are at a grocery store or eating at home. You can use this word to explain why you aren't eating something. For example, '사과가 덜 익었어요' (The apple is unripe). At this level, don't worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that '덜' means 'not enough' and '익다' means 'cooked' or 'ripe'. You will mostly see it in the form '덜 익었어요' (it's undercooked/unripe) or '덜 익은 [food]' (undercooked [food]). This is a very helpful word for basic survival because it helps you avoid eating food that might make you sick or taste bad. Focus on nouns like apple (사과), banana (바나나), and meat (고기).

At the A2 level, you can start using '덜 익다' in more social situations, such as at a restaurant. When you go to a Korean BBQ (고기집), you need to know if the meat is ready to eat. You can say '아직 덜 익었어요' to your friends to tell them to wait. You can also use the '-(아/어)서' ending to give reasons, like '덜 익어서 더 구워야 해요' (It's undercooked, so we need to grill it more). You should also be able to understand the difference between '덜 익다' (undercooked) and '안 익다' (not cooked at all). At this level, you are moving beyond simple labels and starting to use the word to manage actions during a meal. You might also notice it being used with kimchi to describe 'fresh' kimchi versus 'old' kimchi.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '덜 익다' in various tenses and with more complex sentence structures. You can use it to express preferences, such as '저는 면이 덜 익은 것을 좋아해요' (I like it when the noodles are undercooked/firm). You can also use it to ask for things politely, like '고기가 덜 익은 것 같은데 더 익혀 주시겠어요?' (The meat seems undercooked; could you cook it more?). At this level, you should also understand how it applies to fermentation processes beyond just kimchi, perhaps in the context of making traditional Korean alcohol or fermented soybean paste. You are starting to see the word as a description of a 'process' rather than just a fixed state.

At the B2 level, you can begin to explore the metaphorical uses of '덜 익다'. While the literal meaning is still common, you might hear it used to describe ideas, plans, or even people's maturity. For example, '그의 계획은 아직 덜 익었다' (His plan is still 'unripe' / not fully developed). You should also be able to distinguish '덜 익다' from its more specific relative '설익다', which implies a failure in the cooking process. You can discuss the nuances of food texture and food safety in more detail, using '덜 익다' to explain why a certain cooking technique failed or succeeded. Your vocabulary should now include terms for different stages of ripeness and how they affect flavor profiles.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '덜 익다' in literary and professional contexts. You might encounter it in food criticism or agricultural reports where precise descriptions of maturity are required. You can use it fluently in abstract discussions about personal growth or societal progress, where something is described as 'unripe' to suggest it hasn't reached its full potential. You should be able to appreciate the subtle difference between '덜 익은' and other descriptors like '풋풋한' (fresh/youthful) or '미숙한' (immature). At this level, you can use the word to add flavor and imagery to your speech and writing, moving beyond the kitchen and into the realm of philosophy and social commentary.

At the C2 level, you have mastered '덜 익다' and all its related forms. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a scientific discussion about enzymes in fruit ripening to a poetic description of a young love that was 'unripe' and therefore fragile. You understand the historical development of the word '익다' and how the prefix '덜' has been used throughout the history of the Korean language. You can use the word to create sophisticated puns or metaphors in high-level writing. Your understanding of the word is deeply integrated with Korean culture, allowing you to discuss the philosophy of 'waiting' and 'maturation' (기다림과 익어감) which is central to many aspects of Korean life, from food to character building.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

덜익다 in 30 Seconds

Used to describe food that needs more cooking time to be safe or tasty.
Describes fruit or vegetables that are green and not yet sweet or soft.
A combination of '덜' (less/incompletely) and '익다' (to ripen/cook).
Can be used metaphorically for immature ideas or unrefined plans.

The Korean term 덜익다 is a compound expression that combines the adverb 덜 (meaning 'less' or 'incompletely') with the verb 익다 (meaning 'to ripen,' 'to mature,' or 'to be cooked'). Together, they form a descriptive phrase that English speakers translate as 'undercooked,' 'unripe,' or 'not fully done.' This word is indispensable in daily life, particularly in contexts involving food preparation, dining, and agriculture. Whether you are checking if a steak is ready, assessing the sweetness of a fruit, or even commenting on the fermentation level of kimchi, this word provides the precise nuance needed to describe a state of incompleteness.

Culinary Context: In the kitchen, 덜익다 is used to describe food that hasn't been exposed to heat long enough. This could apply to rice that is still hard in the middle, pasta that is too firm, or meat that hasn't reached the safe internal temperature. It is a vital word for safety and quality control.

삼겹살이 아직 덜 익어서 조금 더 구워야 해요. (The pork belly is still undercooked, so we need to grill it a bit more.)

In the natural world, the word shifts its meaning slightly to 'unripe.' When you go to a market and see green bananas or hard persimmons, you are looking at fruit that is 덜 익은. It implies that with more time and the right conditions, the fruit will eventually reach its peak flavor and texture. This distinction is important because it suggests a temporary state rather than a permanent defect. It is not that the fruit is bad; it is simply not ready yet.

Biological Ripening: This refers to the natural process where fruits develop sugars and soften. Using 덜익다 here helps distinguish between something that is edible but tart versus something that is perfect for consumption.

Furthermore, 덜익다 can be used metaphorically, though this is more common in literary or advanced contexts. It can describe a plan that isn't fully thought out, or a person who lacks maturity. Just as an unripe fruit is tart and hard, an 'undercooked' idea is one that needs more refinement and 'heat' before it can be presented to the world. Understanding this word allows you to navigate the nuances of readiness in both physical and abstract realms.

이 사과는 아직 덜 익어서 맛이 셔요. (This apple is still unripe, so it tastes sour.)

Fermentation Context: In Korean culture, kimchi fermentation is a science. 덜 익은 김치 refers to 'fresh' kimchi that hasn't developed the signature sour tang of older, fermented kimchi. Some people prefer it this way!

스테이크가 덜 익은 것 같아요. (I think the steak is undercooked.)

토마토가 덜 익어서 아직 초록색이에요. (The tomatoes are still unripe, so they are still green.)

Using 덜익다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean conjugation and the way it functions as a descriptive verb. Since it describes a state that is 'less than finished,' it is most frequently encountered in its past tense form 익었다 (meaning 'it has reached the state of being cooked/ripe') modified by 덜. Therefore, 덜 익었다 is the most common way to say 'it is undercooked' or 'it is unripe' in a complete sentence.

Basic Conjugation: To say something is currently undercooked, use 덜 익었어요 (polite) or 덜 익었어 (casual). Even though we are talking about the current state, Korean uses the past tense form to indicate the completion (or lack thereof) of the ripening/cooking process.

이 고기는 속이 아직 덜 익었어요. (The inside of this meat is still undercooked.)

When you want to use the word to describe a noun (like 'undercooked meat' or 'unripe fruit'), you use the modifier form 덜 익은. This is placed directly before the noun. This is a very common structure when ordering food or grocery shopping. For example, if you are looking for bananas that will last a few days, you might specifically look for '덜 익은 바나나'.

Noun Modification: Structure: [덜 익은] + [Noun]. Example: 덜 익은 감 (an unripe persimmon), 덜 익은 밥 (undercooked rice/crunchy rice).

Another important usage is in 'because' sentences. Using the -(아/어)서 ending, you can explain why you aren't eating something or why you need to cook it longer. 덜 익어서 (because it is undercooked/unripe) is a very frequent phrase in Korean kitchens. It provides the reason for an action, such as putting the meat back on the grill or waiting to eat a piece of fruit.

바나나가 덜 익어서 내일 먹을 거예요. (Because the bananas are unripe, I will eat them tomorrow.)

The 'Still' Nuance: Often paired with 아직 (still), as in 아직 덜 익었다. This emphasizes that the process is ongoing but hasn't reached the end yet.

감자가 덜 익었는지 확인해 보세요. (Please check if the potatoes are undercooked/not done yet.)

계란 노른자가 덜 익은 것을 좋아해요. (I like it when the egg yolk is undercooked/runny.)

You will encounter 덜익다 most frequently in environments where food is the focus. If you visit a traditional Korean market (시장), you will hear vendors describing their produce. A vendor might say, "This fruit is 덜 익어서 cheaper," or a customer might ask for something 덜 익은 so it lasts longer at home. In these bustling markets, the word is a key part of the negotiation and selection process.

At the Korean BBQ (K-BBQ): This is perhaps the most common place for learners to hear this word. When the server or your friend is grilling meat, they will often say, "Wait, it's 아직 덜 익었어" (It's not done yet). It's a phrase of caution and care.

고기가 덜 익었으니까 먹지 마세요. (Don't eat the meat because it's undercooked.)

In the home, 덜익다 is a staple of kitchen conversation. Mothers might tell their children that the rice is 덜 익었다 so they have to wait ten more minutes. Or, when making kimchi, a family might discuss whether the batch is 덜 익은 (fresh) or 푹 익은 (well-fermented/sour). This distinction dictates what other dishes will be served; for instance, 덜 익은 김치 is often served with boiled pork (bossam).

In TV Cooking Shows: Watch any Korean cooking program like 'Baek Jong-won's Top 3 Chef' or 'Culinary Class Wars.' Judges will frequently use 덜 익다 to critique a contestant's technique, noting that the center of a fried dish or a piece of fish was not fully reached by the heat.

Beyond food, you might hear this word in a more abstract sense in movies or dramas. A character might describe someone's personality or a young person's outlook as 덜 익었다, implying they are 'green' or 'naive.' While this is less common than the literal meaning, it adds a layer of depth to the word, showing how Korean uses physical states to describe psychological ones.

아직 생각이 덜 익은 청년이군요. (He is a young man whose thoughts are still unripe/immature.)

Grocery Shopping Phrases: "이거 덜 익은 걸로 주세요." (Please give me the unripe ones.) - This is useful when you want fruit to ripen slowly at home.

라면 면발이 덜 익은 게 좋아요. (I like it when the ramen noodles are slightly undercooked/firm.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 덜익다 is confusing it with the absolute negative 안 익다. While they both indicate that something isn't fully cooked or ripe, the nuance is vastly different. 안 익다 suggests that the process hasn't happened at all or is far from completion. In contrast, 덜 익다 implies that the process is nearly there but just needs a little more time. Using 안 익다 for a slightly pink steak might sound like an exaggeration to a native speaker.

Confusion with '설익다': Another tricky word is 설익다. While it also means undercooked, 설익다 often carries a more negative connotation, specifically referring to food that is 'half-cooked' in a way that makes it unpleasant or crunchy (like rice that didn't have enough water). 덜 익다 is a more neutral, broader term.

Mistake: 고기가 안 익었어요 (when it's just a bit pink).
Correction: 고기가 덜 익었어요.

Another mistake involves conjugation. Since 덜익다 functions as a verb, learners sometimes forget that in the present state, the past tense form 익었다 is preferred. Saying 고기가 덜 익는다 (present continuous/habitual) sounds like the meat is 'less ripening' as a general rule, which doesn't make sense in most contexts. You are almost always describing the current result of a process, so stick to 익었다 or the adjective form 익은.

Misusing for 'Raw': Do not use 덜 익다 for food that is meant to be raw, like sashimi. For raw food, use the word 날것 (raw thing) or 생 (raw/fresh). 덜 익다 always implies that the food should be cooked or ripened further.

Finally, be careful with the word 풋- (prefix). While 풋사과 means an unripe apple, this is a specific noun. You cannot just attach 풋 to any food. 덜 익다 is the safe, universal way to describe the state of being unripe across all categories of fruit and vegetables.

이 빵은 가운데가 덜 익은 것 같아요. (It seems like this bread is undercooked in the middle.)

Pronunciation Error: Some learners pronounce '덜' (deol) as '돌' (dol). '돌' means stone! Make sure you keep that 'eo' vowel sound open to avoid saying 'stone ripened'.

바나나가 덜 익어서 떫어요. (The banana is unripe, so it's astringent/bitter.)

While 덜익다 is the most versatile word for 'undercooked' or 'unripe,' Korean has several other terms that offer more specific nuances. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe food with greater precision.

설익다 (Seol-ik-da): This is very close to 덜익다 but specifically implies that something is poorly cooked, often resulting in a bad texture. It's most commonly used for rice (설익은 밥) that is crunchy or grain-like because the heat or water wasn't right.

For fruit, you might encounter the prefix 풋- (put-). This is used to create nouns for unripe versions of specific items. For example, 풋사과 (green/unripe apple), 풋고추 (green chili pepper), or 풋매실 (unripe plum). While 덜 익은 사과 describes the state, 풋사과 is the name of the object itself. Use 덜 익다 when you want to use a verb/adjective, and 풋- when you want a specific noun.

날것 (Nal-geot): This means 'raw thing.' If meat hasn't been touched by fire at all, it is 날것. If it has been on the grill but is still raw inside, it is 덜 익은 것. 날것 is often used for sashimi or raw beef dishes.

Comparison:
1. 밥이 덜 익었다 (Neutral: Rice isn't done yet).
2. 밥이 설익었다 (Negative: Rice is crunchy/failed).

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have 푹 익다 (puk-ik-da). The adverb 푹 means 'deeply' or 'thoroughly.' This is used for food that is very well-cooked or fruit/kimchi that is fully fermented and soft. If you like your kimchi sour and perfect for stew, you want 푹 익은 김치. If you like your meat falling off the bone, it is 푹 익었다.

생- (Saeng-): A prefix meaning 'fresh' or 'raw.' 생고기 (fresh/raw meat), 생맥주 (draft/fresh beer). Unlike 덜 익다, this usually has a positive connotation of being fresh and unprocessed.

이 김치는 아직 덜 익어서 맵기만 해요. (This kimchi is still unripe/fresh, so it's just spicy without the sourness.)

알맞게 익다 (Al-mat-ge ik-da): This means 'to be cooked/ripened just right.' It is the gold standard that 덜 익다 hasn't reached yet.

수박이 덜 익어서 속이 하얘요. (The watermelon is unripe, so the inside is white.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '익다' is also used for 'becoming familiar' (낯이 익다). So metaphorically, something 'unripe' is also something you aren't 'familiar' with yet!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʌl.ik.da/

US /dʌl.ik.dɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '덜' (deol), but in natural speech, the phrase flows evenly.

Rhymes With

절익다 (jeol-ik-da) 벌익다 (beol-ik-da - rare) 설익다 (seol-ik-da) 잘 익다 (jal-ik-da) 안 익다 (an-ik-da) 다 익다 (da-ik-da) 푹 익다 (puk-ik-da) 덜 읽다 (deol-ilk-da - to read less, sounds similar)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '덜' as '돌' (stone).
Pronouncing '익' as '이' (missing the final k sound).
Over-emphasizing the 'ㄹ' so it sounds like two syllables.
Using a tense 'tt' for the final 'd' sound.
Nasalizing the 'eo' vowel too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize the components '덜' and '익다'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct past tense conjugation '익었다' for present states.

Speaking 2/5

Common and useful in restaurant settings.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 'ㄹ' can be fast.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

익다 (to cook/ripen) 덜 (less) 고기 (meat) 과일 (fruit) 아직 (still)

Learn Next

설익다 (half-cooked) 푹 익다 (well-cooked) 익히다 (to cook - causative) 떫다 (astringent) 미숙하다 (immature)

Advanced

발효 (fermentation) 숙성 (aging/maturation) 선적 (shipping/ripeness stages) 유기산 (organic acid) 수사학 (rhetoric - for metaphorical use)

Grammar to Know

Adverb '덜' usage

덜 먹다 (eat less), 덜 춥다 (less cold).

Past tense for current state

익었다 (is cooked/ripe), 식었다 (is cold/cooled down).

Modifier form -(으)ㄴ

익은 고기 (cooked meat), 덜 익은 사과 (unripe apple).

Causative form -히-

익다 (to ripen) -> 익히다 (to make it ripen/cook).

Reasoning with -(아/어)서

덜 익어서 못 먹어요 (I can't eat it because it's undercooked).

Examples by Level

사과가 덜 익었어요.

The apple is unripe.

덜 (adverb) + 익었어요 (past polite form of 익다)

고기가 아직 덜 익었어요.

The meat is still undercooked.

아직 (still) is often used with 덜 익다.

덜 익은 바나나예요.

It is an unripe banana.

덜 익은 (modifier form) + 바나나 (noun)

이 밥은 덜 익었어요.

This rice is undercooked.

Subject + 덜 익었어요.

토마토가 덜 익어서 초록색이에요.

The tomato is unripe, so it's green.

-어서 (because) ending.

덜 익은 김치는 안 셔요.

Unripe (fresh) kimchi is not sour.

덜 익은 (modifier) + 김치 (noun)

딸기가 덜 익어서 맛이 없어요.

The strawberry is unripe, so it's not tasty.

덜 익어서 (because it's unripe)

고기를 더 익히세요. 덜 익었어요.

Cook the meat more. It's undercooked.

Imperative + 덜 익었어요.

삼겹살이 덜 익었으니까 조금 더 기다리세요.

The pork belly is undercooked, so please wait a little longer.

-(으)니까 (since/because) ending.

저는 덜 익은 과일은 안 좋아해요.

I don't like unripe fruit.

덜 익은 (modifier) + 과일 (noun)

스테이크가 덜 익은 것 같아요.

I think the steak is undercooked.

-ㄴ 것 같다 (it seems like).

라면 면이 덜 익어서 딱딱해요.

The ramen noodles are undercooked, so they are hard.

덜 익어서 (because they are undercooked)

덜 익은 고기를 먹으면 배가 아플 수 있어요.

If you eat undercooked meat, your stomach might hurt.

-(으)면 (if) and -ㄹ 수 있다 (can/might).

시장에서 덜 익은 감을 샀어요.

I bought unripe persimmons at the market.

Object marker -을/를.

이 김치는 덜 익어서 찌개용으로 안 좋아요.

This kimchi is unripe, so it's not good for stew.

-용으로 (for the purpose of).

계란이 덜 익었는데 괜찮으세요?

The egg is undercooked (runny); is that okay?

-는데 (background information/linking).

스테이크를 미디엄 레어로 주문했는데 너무 덜 익어서 나왔어요.

I ordered the steak medium-rare, but it came out too undercooked.

너무 (too) + 덜 익어서.

덜 익은 과일을 실온에 두면 금방 익을 거예요.

If you leave unripe fruit at room temperature, it will ripen soon.

실온 (room temperature) + 두면 (if you leave).

빵 속이 덜 익은 것 같아서 오븐에 다시 넣었어요.

The inside of the bread seemed undercooked, so I put it back in the oven.

속 (inside) + 덜 익은 것 같아서.

덜 익은 김치로 볶음밥을 만들면 맛이 덜해요.

If you make fried rice with unripe kimchi, the taste is lacking.

맛이 덜하다 (to be less tasty).

면발이 덜 익은 상태를 '알덴테'라고 불러요.

The state where the noodles are slightly undercooked is called 'al dente'.

상태 (state) + -라고 부르다 (to call).

아직 덜 익은 복숭아라 그런지 과육이 아주 단단해요.

Perhaps because it's an unripe peach, the flesh is very firm.

-라 그런지 (maybe because it is).

고기가 덜 익은 채로 먹으면 위생상 좋지 않습니다.

Eating meat while it is undercooked is not good for hygiene.

-은 채로 (in the state of).

망고가 덜 익었을 때 사서 며칠 뒤에 먹는 게 좋아요.

It's good to buy mangoes when they are unripe and eat them a few days later.

-을 때 (when).

그의 논리는 아직 덜 익어서 설득력이 부족하다.

His logic is still 'unripe' (not fully developed), so it lacks persuasiveness.

Metaphorical use of 덜 익다.

덜 익은 감의 떫은 맛은 탄닌 성분 때문입니다.

The astringent taste of unripe persimmons is due to the tannin component.

-때문입니다 (is because of).

반죽이 덜 익은 상태에서 꺼내면 케이크가 주저앉을 수 있어요.

If you take it out while the batter is undercooked, the cake might collapse.

반죽 (batter) + -ㄴ 상태에서 (in the state of).

덜 익은 포도로 와인을 만들면 산도가 너무 높아집니다.

If you make wine with unripe grapes, the acidity becomes too high.

산도 (acidity) + 높아지다 (to become high).

아직 덜 익은 풋사과에는 유기산이 풍부하게 들어 있습니다.

Unripe green apples are rich in organic acids.

풍부하게 (richly/abundantly).

삼계탕의 닭고기가 뼈 근처에서 약간 덜 익은 것처럼 보여요.

The chicken in the ginseng soup looks slightly undercooked near the bone.

것처럼 보이다 (to look like).

덜 익은 매실을 생으로 먹으면 독성 때문에 위험할 수 있습니다.

Eating unripe plums raw can be dangerous due to toxicity.

생으로 (raw) + 독성 (toxicity).

그 신인 배우의 연기는 아직 덜 익은 느낌이 난다.

That rookie actor's acting feels a bit 'unripe' (unrefined).

느낌이 나다 (to have a feeling/vibe).

이 정책은 아직 사회적 합의가 덜 익은 상태에서 발표되었다.

This policy was announced while social consensus was still 'unripe' (not fully formed).

사회적 합의 (social consensus) + 덜 익다.

전통 술의 발효 과정에서 덜 익은 향이 나면 숙성을 더 시켜야 한다.

In the fermentation process of traditional alcohol, if it smells 'unripe', it must be aged further.

숙성을 시키다 (to age/ferment something).

덜 익은 열매를 맺는 것은 식물이 에너지를 비축하기 위한 전략일 수 있다.

Bearing unripe fruit can be a strategy for plants to conserve energy.

-기 위한 (in order to).

겉은 탔지만 속은 덜 익은 고기를 보면 요리사의 미숙함이 드러난다.

Seeing meat that is burnt on the outside but raw on the inside reveals the chef's lack of skill.

드러나다 (to be revealed).

덜 익은 생각들이 모여 성급한 결론을 내리는 것은 위험하다.

It is dangerous to reach hasty conclusions based on 'unripe' (undeveloped) thoughts.

성급한 결론 (hasty conclusion).

수확 시기가 너무 빨라 덜 익은 곡물들이 많이 섞여 있다.

The harvest was too early, so many unripe grains are mixed in.

섞여 있다 (to be mixed).

예술가의 초기 작품에서는 종종 덜 익은 듯한 풋풋함이 느껴지곤 한다.

In an artist's early works, one often feels an 'unripe' (raw) freshness.

-곤 하다 (to do habitually/often).

덜 익은 치즈에서는 우유 본연의 맛이 더 강하게 느껴질 수 있다.

In 'unripe' (young) cheese, the natural taste of milk can be felt more strongly.

본연의 (natural/original).

인간의 지혜는 세월이라는 불 위에서 서서히 익어가는 것이지, 덜 익은 채로 완성될 수 없다.

Human wisdom matures slowly over the fire of time; it cannot be completed in an 'unripe' state.

익어가다 (to mature over time) vs 덜 익다.

그 작가의 문체는 덜 익은 듯하면서도 묘한 긴장감을 자아낸다.

The writer's style seems 'unripe' (unpolished) yet evokes a strange sense of tension.

자아내다 (to evoke/produce).

덜 익은 과실의 산미가 와인의 구조감을 형성하는 핵심 요소가 되기도 한다.

The acidity of unripe fruit sometimes becomes a key element in forming the structure of a wine.

구조감 (structure/mouthfeel).

시대의 요구에 비해 사상이 덜 익었을 때 혁명은 종종 비극으로 끝난다.

When an ideology is 'unripe' compared to the demands of the times, revolutions often end in tragedy.

-에 비해 (compared to).

덜 익은 열매를 따는 농부의 마음에는 조급함과 불안함이 서려 있다.

The heart of a farmer picking unripe fruit is filled with haste and anxiety.

서려 있다 (to be imbued/filled with).

그의 연설은 수사학적으로는 화려했으나 내면의 철학은 아직 덜 익은 상태였다.

His speech was rhetorically brilliant, but the inner philosophy was still 'unripe' (immature).

수사학적으로 (rhetorically).

자연의 순리를 거스르고 덜 익은 것을 강제로 익히는 것은 본래의 맛을 해친다.

Defying the laws of nature and forcing something 'unripe' to ripen harms its original taste.

순리를 거스르다 (to defy the natural order).

덜 익은 감정이 정제되지 않은 채 쏟아져 나오는 것이 바로 예술의 원형이다.

The pouring out of 'unripe' (raw) emotions without refinement is the very archetype of art.

정제되지 않은 (unrefined).

Common Collocations

고기가 덜 익다

과일이 덜 익다

밥이 덜 익다

김치가 덜 익다

면이 덜 익다

생각이 덜 익다

아직 덜 익다

덜 익은 채로

속이 덜 익다

덜 익은 상태

Common Phrases

아직 덜 익었어요.

— It's not done yet. Used mostly for food on a grill.

삼겹살이 아직 덜 익었어요.

덜 익은 거 아니에요?

— Isn't this undercooked? A way to question the readiness of food.

이 치킨 덜 익은 거 아니에요?

전 덜 익은 게 좋아요.

— I like it undercooked. Common for steak or noodles.

라면은 덜 익은 게 좋아요.

덜 익어서 셔요.

— It's sour because it's unripe. Common for fruit.

이 귤은 덜 익어서 셔요.

속까지 덜 익었어요.

— It's undercooked all the way to the center.

스테이크가 속까지 덜 익었어요.

덜 익은 김치 있어요?

— Do you have any fresh (unripe) kimchi?

식당에 덜 익은 김치 있어요?

바나나가 덜 익었네.

— Oh, the banana is unripe. (Casual observation).

바나나가 아직 덜 익었네.

덜 익은 채 먹다.

— To eat something while it is still undercooked.

고기를 덜 익은 채 먹으면 안 돼요.

덜 익은 과일 고르기.

— Choosing unripe fruit. (e.g., to let them ripen at home).

덜 익은 과일 고르기가 힘들어요.

덜 익은 느낌.

— An 'unripe' feeling. Used for food texture or abstractly.

이 영화는 좀 덜 익은 느낌이 들어.

Often Confused With

덜익다 vs 안 익다

Means 'not cooked at all'. '덜 익다' means 'partially cooked but not finished'.

덜익다 vs 설익다

Specifically implies a bad result or failure in cooking, like crunchy rice.

덜익다 vs 못 익다

Grammatically incorrect; use '안 익다' or '덜 익다'.

Idioms & Expressions

"덜 익은 감"

— Something that is bitter or unpleasant because it was started too early.

그 프로젝트는 덜 익은 감처럼 결과가 좋지 않았다.

Literary

"머리에 피도 안 마르다"

— Related idiom: To be extremely immature (literally 'the blood on the head hasn't dried'). Used when someone 'unripe' acts too bold.

머리에 피도 안 마른 녀석이 어디서!

Aggressive/Slang

"풋내 나다"

— To smell 'green' or 'grassy.' Used for unripe vegetables or metaphorical 'greenness' of a person.

신입사원에게서 아직 풋내가 난다.

Informal

"설익은 지식"

— Shallow or incomplete knowledge. (Using the similar word '설익다').

설익은 지식은 오히려 위험하다.

Academic

"익지 않은 열매"

— Unripe fruit; often used to describe a dream or love that ended before it could blossom.

우리의 사랑은 익지 않은 열매처럼 떨어졌다.

Poetic

"덜 익은 밥에 숟가락 얹기"

— Trying to take credit or benefit from something that isn't even finished yet.

일도 안 끝났는데 덜 익은 밥에 숟가락을 얹으려 하네.

Informal

"익어야 맛이다"

— Things are only good when they are ready/mature. (Contrast to 덜 익다).

사람이나 과일이나 익어야 맛이다.

Proverbial

"덜 익은 술"

— Alcohol that hasn't fermented enough; metaphor for a half-baked person.

그는 아직 덜 익은 술처럼 거칠다.

Literary

"풋사과 같은 사랑"

— A love like a green apple (innocent, fresh, but perhaps a bit tart/immature).

그들의 풋사과 같은 사랑이 부럽다.

Informal

"뜸이 덜 들다"

— Specifically for rice: To not have steamed/rested long enough. Metaphor for being not quite ready.

아직 뜸이 덜 들었으니 기다려.

Neutral

Easily Confused

덜익다 vs 설익다

Both mean undercooked.

설익다 is usually negative and refers to a failure in the cooking process (like not enough water for rice). 덜익다 is a neutral description of timing.

밥이 설익어서 딱딱해요.

덜익다 vs 날것

Both refer to raw states.

날것 is a noun meaning 'raw thing'. 덜익다 is a verb/adjective describing a state that should be cooked but isn't yet.

생선 날것은 회로 먹어요.

덜익다 vs 생- (prefix)

Both mean raw/fresh.

생- usually implies freshness (positive). 덜익다 implies incompleteness.

생고기 (fresh meat) vs 덜 익은 고기 (undercooked meat).

덜익다 vs 풋- (prefix)

Both mean unripe.

풋- is a prefix for specific nouns (unripe apple, etc.). 덜익다 is the general verb for the state.

풋사과는 덜 익은 사과입니다.

덜익다 vs 미숙하다

Both mean unripe/immature.

미숙하다 is used for people's skills or character. 덜익다 is primarily for food/fruit.

그는 아직 사회적으로 미숙하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Food]이/가 덜 익었어요.

사과가 덜 익었어요.

[Food]이/가 덜 익어서 [Action/Result].

고기가 덜 익어서 더 구워요.

덜 익은 [Food]을/를 좋아하다.

저는 덜 익은 김치를 좋아해요.

덜 익은 것 같아요.

스테이크가 덜 익은 것 같아요.

덜 익은 채로 [Action].

덜 익은 채로 먹으면 안 돼요.

[Abstract Noun]이/가 아직 덜 익다.

계획이 아직 덜 익었어요.

덜 익은 듯한 [Noun].

덜 익은 듯한 풋풋함.

덜 익음이 [Result]을/를 자아내다.

덜 익음이 묘한 긴장감을 자아낸다.

Word Family

Nouns

익음 (ripeness/cooking state)

익히기 (the act of cooking/ripening)

Verbs

익다 (to ripen/cook - intransitive)

익히다 (to cook/ripen - transitive/causative)

Adjectives

익은 (cooked/ripe)

덜 익은 (undercooked/unripe)

설익다

푹 익다

잘 익다

풋풋하다

미숙하다

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life and culinary contexts.

Common Mistakes

고기가 안 익었어요 (when it's just slightly pink). → 고기가 덜 익었어요.
'안 익다' implies it's completely raw. '덜 익다' is more accurate for undercooked food.
덜 익는 사과 → 덜 익은 사과
To describe a noun, you must use the past modifier form '익은' because the ripening (or lack thereof) is a state.
덜 익다 바나나 → 덜 익은 바나나
Verbs/Adjectives must be conjugated into modifier forms to describe nouns.
생선이 덜 익었어요 (at a sushi restaurant). → 생선이 날것이에요.
'덜 익다' implies it SHOULD have been cooked. Sushi is meant to be raw ('날것').
밥이 덜 익다 (when it's crunchy/failed). → 밥이 설익다.
While '덜 익다' is okay, '설익다' is the specific, more natural word for cooking failures like crunchy rice.

Tips

K-BBQ Survival

Always wait until someone says '이제 다 익었어' (It's all cooked now). If you see pink, say '아직 덜 익었네요'.

Past Tense Secret

Remember that '덜 익었다' (past tense) is used to describe the CURRENT state of being undercooked.

Buying Fruit

If you want fruit to last a week, ask for '덜 익은 거' (the unripe ones).

Kimchi Preference

Knowing if you like '덜 익은 김치' vs '푹 익은 김치' will help you enjoy Korean meals more.

Abstract Ideas

Use '덜 익은 생각' to describe a brainstormed idea that isn't quite ready for a presentation.

Vowel Clarity

Keep the 'eo' in 'deol' distinct from 'o'. Don't say 'dol' (stone).

Food Safety

In Korea, pork must be fully cooked. Always check if the samgyeopsal is '덜 익었는지'.

Ramen Texture

If you like firm noodles, the term is '덜 익은 면'. Many Koreans prefer this texture.

Pairing Words

Pair '덜 익다' with '떫다' (astringent) for fruit and '딱딱하다' (hard) for rice/potatoes.

Softening Requests

Add '것 같아요' (it seems) to '덜 익다' to make your complaint sound like a soft observation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Deol' as 'Dull'. An unripe fruit is 'Dull' because it lacks the bright sweetness of a ripe one. Dull-Ik-Da!

Visual Association

Imagine a green banana next to a yellow one. The green one is 'Deol-Ik-Da'.

Word Web

Green Banana Pink Pork Crunchy Rice Sour Kimchi Unripe Idea Firm Pasta Hard Peach Runny Egg

Challenge

Go to your kitchen and find one thing that is '덜 익은' (maybe a fruit) and one thing that is '다 익은'. Say the names out loud.

Word Origin

Composed of the adverb '덜' (less) and the verb '익다'. '익다' traces back to Middle Korean '닉다' (nik-da).

Original meaning: To not have reached the full state of maturation or heat-processing.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a person '덜 익은 사람'; it can be quite insulting as it implies they are childish or stupid.

English speakers often use 'rare' for steak, but in Korean, 'rare' is a specific loanword. '덜 익다' is more general and often implies it's NOT ready to eat yet.

The song 'Unripe Apple' (풋사과) by various artists. Cooking shows like 'Please Take Care of My Refrigerator'. K-Dramas where a lead is called 'unripe' or 'immature'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Korean BBQ Restaurant

고기가 아직 덜 익었어요.
덜 익은 거 먹어도 돼요?
이거 덜 익은 것 같아요.
조금만 더 익혀 주세요.

At a Fruit Market

이건 덜 익은 거예요?
덜 익은 걸로 골라 주세요.
덜 익어서 좀 시네요.
며칠 두면 익을까요?

Talking about Kimchi

저는 덜 익은 김치가 좋아요.
김치가 아직 덜 익었네요.
덜 익은 김치로 찌개 끓여요?
이건 너무 덜 익었어요.

Cooking at Home

밥이 덜 익은 것 같아.
감자가 덜 익어서 딱딱해.
면을 덜 익은 상태로 꺼내.
속이 덜 익었는지 봐줘.

Metaphorical Situations

아직 생각이 덜 익었어.
계획이 덜 익은 상태야.
덜 익은 감정들.
그는 아직 덜 익은 배우다.

Conversation Starters

"고기가 덜 익은 것 같은데, 조금 더 구울까요? (The meat seems undercooked, shall we grill it more?)"

"덜 익은 김치 좋아하세요, 아니면 푹 익은 김치 좋아하세요? (Do you like fresh kimchi or well-fermented kimchi?)"

"이 바나나는 너무 덜 익어서 내일 먹어야겠어요. (This banana is too unripe, I should eat it tomorrow.)"

"스테이크 굽기는 어떻게 해드릴까요? 덜 익은 거 괜찮으세요? (How would you like your steak? Is undercooked/rare okay?)"

"라면 면발은 덜 익은 게 맛있지 않나요? (Aren't undercooked/firm ramen noodles delicious?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 식당에서 먹은 음식이 덜 익어서 당황했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever been flustered because food you ate at a restaurant was undercooked?)

내가 가장 좋아하는 과일은 덜 익었을 때와 다 익었을 때 어떻게 다른가요? (How is your favorite fruit different when it is unripe versus fully ripe?)

아직 내 인생에서 '덜 익었다'고 생각하는 부분은 무엇인가요? (What part of your life do you think is still 'unripe' or developing?)

덜 익은 김치를 활용한 요리 레시피를 적어보세요. (Write a recipe using unripe/fresh kimchi.)

과일 가게에서 덜 익은 과일을 샀을 때 어떻게 보관하는지 설명해 보세요. (Explain how you store unripe fruit when you buy it.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but with caution. In a Korean steakhouse, you can say '레어(rare)로 해주세요'. If it comes out colder than you like, you can say '너무 덜 익었어요'. However, '덜 익다' often implies it's not ready, whereas 'rare' is a finished state. To be safe, use '레어' for the style and '덜 익다' for a mistake.

In Korean dictionaries, '익다' is a verb. However, because it describes a state, it often functions like an adjective in English. When you use it to describe a noun, you use the modifier form '덜 익은'.

The opposite would be '푹 익은 김치' (well-fermented/sour kimchi) or '신 김치' (sour kimchi). '다 익은 김치' is also possible but less common than '푹 익은'.

You can, but it is metaphorical and can be insulting. It means the person is immature or 'half-baked'. It's better to use '미숙한 사람' in formal settings.

The most polite way is: '죄송한데, 고기가 좀 덜 익은 것 같아요. 조금 더 익혀 주시겠어요?' (Excuse me, the meat seems a bit undercooked. Could you cook it a bit more?)

No, it also applies to natural ripening over time (like fruit) and fermentation (like kimchi or alcohol).

'덜 익다' is neutral (it just needs more time). '설익다' is often a failure (the rice is crunchy because you messed up the water or heat).

Yes! If the middle of the bread is still doughy, you say '빵 속이 덜 익었어요'.

In Korean, people might say '덜 익은 바나나는 배가 아플 수 있어요' (Unripe bananas might give you a stomach ache), but some people prefer them for their starch content.

It is a light tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'l' in 'light' but softer. It should flow into the next word '익다'.