Korean Dictionary
How to say "Korean ribs" in Korean
“Korean ribs” in Korean is 갈비 (pronounced "Galbi").
갈비
Galbi
Usage & Context
Marinated and grilled beef or pork ribs, a premium Korean BBQ dish. LA 갈비 (LA-style galbi), with the ribs cut flanken-style, became popularized in the Korean-American community in Los Angeles. 갈비탕 is a comforting rib soup served at celebrations.
Example Sentence
갈비는 특별한 날에 먹는 음식이에요.
Galbi is a food eaten on special occasions.
How to use 갈비 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Korean ribs” is 갈비, romanized as Galbi.
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 갈비.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'Gal' (갈), sounds like 'gull' in 'seagull'. The second syllable, 'bi' (비), sounds exactly like the English word 'bee'. The stress is fairly even on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Suggesting a meal to a friend or family member.
오늘 저녁은 LA 갈비 먹을까요?
Shall we eat LA Galbi for dinner tonight?
Complimenting a dish at a restaurant or home.
이 갈비찜 정말 부드럽고 맛있네요!
This braised galbi is really tender and delicious!
Expressing enjoyment of the aroma at a BBQ restaurant.
갈비 굽는 냄새가 너무 좋아요.
The smell of grilling galbi is so good.
Cultural Context
Galbi is considered a premium dish in Korea, often reserved for special occasions or when dining out. LA Galbi, a flanken-cut version, became popular in the Korean-American community in Los Angeles before making its way back to Korea. Galbitang (갈비탕), a comforting rib soup, is also a popular celebratory dish, often served at weddings or family gatherings.
Editorial note
We review entries like 갈비 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
갈비 먹으러 갈래?
Wanna go eat galbi?
갈비 1인분 주세요.
Please give me one serving of galbi.
이 집 갈비가 최고야!
This place's galbi is the best!
Related Expressions
갈비찜
Galbijjim
Braised short ribs
갈비탕
Galbitang
Short rib soup
돼지갈비
Dwaeji galbi
Pork ribs
소갈비
So galbi
Beef ribs
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