Korean Dictionary
How to say "Marinate" in Korean
“Marinate” in Korean is 재운다 (pronounced "jaewunda").
재운다
jaewunda
Usage & Context
A preparation method where food is soaked in a seasoned liquid. Marinating is essential for Korean dishes like galbi and bulgogi. The process infuses flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Example Sentence
고기를 재운다.
We marinate meat.
How to use 재운다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Marinate” is 재운다, romanized as jaewunda.
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 재운다.
Pronunciation Guide
To say "jae-wun-da," think "jay-woon-dah." "Jae" is like 'jay' in 'Jay-Z'. "Wun" sounds like 'woon' in 'moon' but with a 'w' sound. "Da" is like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
재웁니다
jaeumnida
This is the polite declarative form, used when speaking formally or to elders/superiors.
Casual (반말)
재워
jaewo
This is the informal imperative/suggestive form. The input '재운다' is the plain declarative form, often used in casual speech or writing.
More Example Sentences
Preparing a traditional Korean dish
갈비를 양념에 하룻밤 재운다.
We marinate the galbi in sauce overnight.
Giving cooking advice
고기를 잘 재워야 부드럽고 맛있어져요.
You have to marinate the meat well for it to become tender and delicious.
Sharing a family cooking secret
엄마가 불고기 재울 때 배를 갈아 넣으세요.
Mom grates pear and adds it when marinating bulgogi.
Cultural Context
Marinating (재우다) is a cornerstone of Korean meat dishes like galbi (grilled short ribs) and bulgogi (marinated beef). The marinade often includes soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and sometimes grated fruit (like pear or kiwi) to tenderize the meat. This process is crucial for achieving the distinctive sweet and savory flavors that Koreans love.
Editorial note
We review entries like 재운다 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
고기 재우다
To marinate meat
양념에 재우다
To marinate in sauce
하룻밤 재우다
To marinate overnight
Related Expressions
재우다
jaeuda
To marinate (infinitive form)
양념하다
yangnyeomhada
To season/flavor
숙성시키다
sukseongsikida
To age/mature (similar concept of preparing food over time)
절이다
jeorida
To salt/pickle (e.g., kimchi cabbage)
More Food Words
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