Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hoe" in Korean
“Hoe” in Korean is 회 (pronounced "hoe").
회
hoe
Usage & Context
Hoe refers to Korean-style raw fish or seafood, similar to Japanese sashimi. It is a beloved delicacy in coastal cities like Busan and is typically eaten with gochujang and sesame oil.
Example Sentence
신선한 회 한 접시를 소주와 함께 즐겼다.
I enjoyed a plate of fresh hoe with soju.
How to use 회 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hoe” is 회, romanized as hoe.
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 회.
Pronunciation Guide
회 is pronounced 'HWEH'. This is a diphthong where 'ㅎ' (h) is followed by 'ㅚ' (oe). The 'ㅚ' vowel sounds similar to 'we' in 'wedding' or 'way' with rounded lips, making it sound like 'hweh' or 'hway'.
More Example Sentences
Recommending a local specialty when visiting coastal areas.
바닷가에 가면 신선한 회를 꼭 먹어야죠.
When you go to the seaside, you must eat fresh hoe.
Explaining the traditional way of eating hoe.
회는 초장이나 쌈장에 찍어 상추에 싸 먹어요.
Hoe is eaten by dipping it in chojang or ssamjang and wrapping it in lettuce.
Suggesting a meal and drink pairing for an evening.
오늘 저녁은 회에 소주 한잔 어때요?
How about hoe and a glass of soju for dinner tonight?
Cultural Context
Hoe refers to Korean-style raw fish or seafood, similar to Japanese sashimi but with distinct Korean characteristics. Unlike sashimi, which is often eaten with soy sauce and wasabi, hoe is typically enjoyed with a spicy-sweet vinegar gochujang sauce (초장, chojang) or a savory soybean paste (쌈장, ssamjang). It's common to wrap the raw fish in lettuce or perilla leaves with garlic and chili, making it a communal and interactive dining experience, often paired with soju.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 회 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
회 한 접시
a plate of hoe
광어회
flounder hoe (a popular type)
회 먹으러 가다
to go eat hoe
Related Expressions
사시미
sasimi
sashimi (Japanese raw fish)
초장
chojang
spicy-sweet vinegar gochujang sauce
쌈장
ssamjang
spicy dipping sauce (often with soybean paste)
해산물
haesanmul
seafood
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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