Korean Dictionary
How to say "Korean dumplings" in Korean
“Korean dumplings” in Korean is 만두 (pronounced "Mandu").
만두
Mandu
Usage & Context
Korean dumplings filled with pork, tofu, vegetables, or kimchi. Can be steamed, fried, or boiled in soup (만둣국). A popular street food and home cooking staple. Families often gather to make mandu together during the holidays—a cherished tradition.
Example Sentence
명절에 온 가족이 모여 만두를 빚어요.
During the holidays, the whole family gathers to make mandu together.
How to use 만두 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Korean dumplings” is 만두, romanized as Mandu.
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 만두.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "Mandu" sounds like "mahn-doo." "Man" is like "mahn" in "mankind." "Du" is like "doo" in "do." The stress is slightly heavier on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Asking for a preference when ordering or sharing food.
김치만두랑 고기만두 중에 뭐 드실래요?
Between kimchi mandu and meat mandu, which would you like to eat?
Talking about seasonal comfort food.
겨울에는 뜨끈한 만둣국이 최고죠.
In winter, hot mandu soup is the best.
Praising the texture of mandu.
만두피가 쫄깃쫄깃해서 맛있어요.
The mandu wrapper is chewy and delicious.
Cultural Context
Mandu are Korean dumplings, a versatile and beloved food. They can be steamed (찐만두), fried (군만두), or boiled in soup (만둣국). Making mandu together is a cherished family tradition, especially during holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year), symbolizing togetherness and good fortune. They're a popular street food and a comforting home-cooked meal, often filled with various ingredients like pork, kimchi, or vegetables.
Editorial note
We review entries like 만두 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
만두 먹으러 갈까요?
Shall we go eat mandu?
만두 속이 꽉 찼어요.
The mandu filling is packed full.
만두 빚는 법 아세요?
Do you know how to make mandu?
Related Expressions
만둣국
Mandutguk
Mandu soup.
찐만두
Jjinmandu
Steamed mandu.
군만두
Gunmandu
Fried mandu.
빚다
Bitda
To make/빚다 mandu (a specific verb for shaping dumplings).
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