Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tteok Galbi" in Korean
“Tteok Galbi” in Korean is 떡갈비 (pronounced "tteok galbi").
떡갈비
tteok galbi
Usage & Context
Tteok galbi is a Korean grilled minced beef and pork patty shaped like a rib. Despite its name, it does not contain rice cake but has a firm, dense texture and is sweet and savory.
Example Sentence
떡갈비는 담양 지역의 대표 향토 음식이다.
Tteok galbi is the representative local dish of the Damyang region.
How to use 떡갈비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tteok Galbi” is 떡갈비, romanized as tteok galbi.
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 떡갈비.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, "tteok," sounds like "dock" but with a tense, aspirated 'tt' sound, similar to saying "tuh-ock" quickly. It's a harder 't' than in English. "Gal" sounds like "gull" in "seagull." "Bi" sounds like "bee" in English. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Traveling to a region known for its food.
담양 떡갈비가 유명하다고 해서 먹으러 왔어요.
I heard Damyang tteok galbi is famous, so I came to try it.
Talking about cooking for family.
아이들이 떡갈비를 너무 좋아해서 자주 만들어줘요.
My kids love tteok galbi so much that I make it for them often.
Describing the versatility of a dish.
떡갈비는 밥반찬으로도 좋고 술안주로도 최고예요.
Tteok galbi is great as a side dish for rice and also excellent as a drinking snack.
Cultural Context
Tteok galbi is a unique and beloved Korean dish, often associated with specific regions like Damyang in Jeollanam-do. Despite its name, which literally means "rice cake ribs," it's actually a grilled patty made from minced beef or a mix of beef and pork, shaped like a rib. The "tteok" (rice cake) in its name refers to its firm, dense texture, not the ingredient itself. It's known for its sweet and savory marinade, making it a popular choice for both children and adults, and a luxurious meal often enjoyed on special occasions.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 떡갈비 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
떡갈비 정식
tteok galbi set meal
수제 떡갈비
handmade tteok galbi
떡갈비 맛집
a restaurant famous for tteok galbi
Related Expressions
갈비
galbi
ribs (often grilled)
떡
tteok
rice cake (the word in the name, but not an ingredient)
불고기
bulgogi
marinated grilled beef (similar flavor profile)
양념
yangnyeom
seasoning, marinade
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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