Korean Dictionary
How to say "Soybean paste stew" in Korean
“Soybean paste stew” in Korean is 된장찌개 (pronounced "Doenjang jjigae").
된장찌개
Doenjang jjigae
Usage & Context
A staple Korean stew made from fermented soybean paste (doenjang) with tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms. Often considered the most quintessential Korean home-cooked dish. Doenjang is a deeply flavorful fermented condiment central to Korean cooking.
Example Sentence
어머니가 끓여주신 된장찌개는 최고예요.
The doenjang jjigae my mother makes is the best.
How to use 된장찌개 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Soybean paste stew” is 된장찌개, romanized as Doenjang jjigae.
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 된장찌개.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'dwen-jang jji-gae' — 'doen' sounds like 'dwen,' 'jang' rhymes with 'jahng,' and 'jjigae' has a tensed 'jj' with 'gay.'
More Example Sentences
ordering at a Korean restaurant
된장찌개 하나 주세요.
One doenjang jjigae, please.
talking about home cooking
엄마가 끓인 된장찌개가 제일 맛있어요.
The doenjang stew my mom makes is the best.
introducing Korean food to a foreigner
된장찌개는 한국인의 소울푸드예요.
Doenjang jjigae is Korean soul food.
Cultural Context
된장찌개 is the quintessential Korean home meal — often paired with a bowl of rice and a few 반찬 (side dishes). It's made from fermented soybean paste (된장), which has a funky, earthy aroma many foreigners initially find strong. Koreans often compare their moms' 된장찌개 as the benchmark of home cooking.
Editorial note
We review entries like 된장찌개 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
된장찌개 하나 주세요.
One doenjang stew, please.
된장찌개 좋아해요.
I like doenjang stew.
밥 추가요.
Extra rice, please.
Related Expressions
된장
doenjang
fermented soybean paste
찌개
jjigae
stew
청국장
cheonggukjang
stronger fermented soybean stew
반찬
banchan
side dishes
More Food Words
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