Korean Dictionary
How to say "Soybean Paste" in Korean
“Soybean Paste” in Korean is 된장 (pronounced "doenjang").
된장
doenjang
Usage & Context
A fermented soybean paste used in Korean cooking for soups and stews. It has a rich, savory flavor and is made through a long fermentation process. Doenjang is a key ingredient in many traditional Korean dishes.
Example Sentence
된장찌개는 맛있어요.
Doenjang stew is delicious.
How to use 된장 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Soybean Paste” is 된장, romanized as doenjang.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 된장.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 'doen' like 'dwain' or 'dwen'. 'Jang' sounds like 'jong' in 'jongle', with a soft 'j'.
More Example Sentences
Suggesting a meal to family or friends.
오늘 저녁은 된장찌개 어때요?
How about doenjang-jjigae for dinner tonight?
Complimenting homemade doenjang at a friend's house.
이 집 된장은 직접 담근 거라 더 맛있어요.
The doenjang at this house is homemade, so it's even more delicious.
Explaining how to eat ssam (wraps).
쌈 채소에 된장을 얹어 먹으면 정말 맛있죠.
It's really delicious if you put doenjang on ssam vegetables and eat them.
Cultural Context
된장 (doenjang) is a fermented soybean paste, a staple in Korean cuisine and often called 'Korean miso'. It's known for its robust, savory, and slightly pungent flavor. The most iconic dish is 된장찌개 (doenjang-jjigae), a hearty stew. Traditionally, families would make their own doenjang, a process that involves fermenting soybeans for months or even years, often in large earthenware pots (옹기, onggi) in the backyard. It's considered a healthy food, rich in probiotics.
Editorial note
We review entries like 된장 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
된장을 담그다
to make doenjang (traditionally)
된장 맛이 깊다
the doenjang flavor is deep
된장찌개 끓이다
to boil doenjang stew
Related Expressions
고추장
gochujang
chili paste
쌈장
ssamjang
dipping sauce for wraps (often doenjang-based)
메주
meju
fermented soybean block (used to make doenjang)
된장찌개
doenjang-jjigae
soybean paste stew
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