Korean Dictionary
How to say "Green onion" in Korean
“Green onion” in Korean is 파 (pronounced "Pa").
파
Pa
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
An essential ingredient and garnish in Korean cooking. Used in soups, stews, pancakes (파전), and as a garnish for nearly every savory dish. During times of economic hardship in Korea, the price of green onions has become a political talking point about food costs.
Example Sentence
국에 파를 넣으면 향이 더 좋아져요.
Adding green onion to soup makes the aroma better.
How to use 파 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Green onion” is 파, romanized as Pa.
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 파.
Pronunciation Guide
The word 'Pa' is a short, single syllable. It sounds like 'pah' in 'papa', with a slightly aspirated 'p' sound, like a soft puff of air when you say it.
More Example Sentences
A common tip for enhancing instant ramen.
라면에 파를 송송 썰어 넣으면 더 맛있어요.
If you chop green onions finely and add them to ramyeon, it's even more delicious.
Discussing ingredients for a specific Korean pancake dish.
파전 만들려면 파가 많이 필요해요.
You need a lot of green onions to make pajeon.
Requesting a specific quantity at a traditional market.
파 한 단 주세요.
Please give me one bunch of green onions.
Cultural Context
파 (Pa) is ubiquitous in Korean cooking, used both as a primary ingredient, as seen in 파전 (pajeon, green onion pancake), and as a garnish for almost all soups, stews, and stir-fries. It adds freshness, a mild oniony flavor, and a vibrant pop of color. The price of 파 can sometimes even become a topic of public discussion in Korea due to its essential role in daily meals.
Editorial note
We review entries like 파 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. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
파 썰다
To chop green onions
파 송송
Finely chopped green onions (often used in cooking instructions)
파전
Green onion pancake
Related Expressions
대파
Daepa
Large green onion / Leek (thicker variety)
쪽파
Jjokpa
Scallion / Small green onion (thinner variety)
양파
Yangpa
Onion (related vegetable)
부추
Buchu
Garlic chives (similar leafy green)
More Food Words
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