Korean Dictionary
How to say "Anju" in Korean
“Anju” in Korean is 안주 (pronounced "anju").
안주
anju
Usage & Context
Anju refers to food eaten while drinking alcohol in Korea. It is an important part of Korean drinking culture, with popular options including dried squid, fried chicken, and various jeon.
Example Sentence
치킨은 한국에서 가장 인기 있는 안주 중 하나다.
Chicken is one of the most popular anju in Korea.
How to use 안주 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Anju” is 안주, romanized as anju.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 안주.
Pronunciation Guide
'An' sounds like 'ahn' in 'father' but shorter, or like 'on' in 'onward'. 'Ju' sounds like 'joo' in 'juice'. The 'j' is soft, similar to the 'j' in 'jam'. The stress is fairly even.
More Example Sentences
Deciding on food for a drinking session with friends.
오늘 저녁 안주는 뭐로 할까?
What should we have for anju tonight?
Recommending anju for a specific drink.
이 맥주에는 마른 안주가 잘 어울려요.
Dried snacks go well with this beer.
Giving advice about responsible drinking.
안주 없이 술 마시면 다음 날 너무 힘들어요.
If you drink alcohol without anju, you'll have a really hard time the next day.
Cultural Context
Anju is a fundamental part of Korean drinking culture, far beyond just 'bar snacks.' It refers to any food eaten specifically while drinking alcohol, and it's believed to enhance the flavor of the drink, slow down intoxication, and prevent hangovers. The variety is immense, from hearty stews and fried chicken (치맥, chimaek) to lighter options like dried squid or fruit platters. Sharing anju with friends or colleagues is a common social ritual, often seen in K-dramas and a staple of Korean nightlife.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 안주 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
안주가 맛있어야 술맛도 좋지.
The alcohol tastes better when the anju is good.
안주 시킬까요?
Shall we order anju?
이 집 안주 잘하네.
This place makes good anju.
Related Expressions
술안주
suranju
Drinking snacks (more explicit term)
마른안주
mareun anju
Dried snacks (e.g., dried squid, nuts)
탕
tang
Soup (often served as anju)
치맥
chimaek
Chicken and beer (a popular anju combination)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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