Korean Dictionary
How to say "Squid" in Korean
“Squid” in Korean is 오징어 (pronounced "ojingeo").
오징어
ojingeo
Usage & Context
Ojingeo (squid) is widely used in Korean cuisine, whether stir-fried, grilled, dried, or in soups. It is a versatile ingredient and also a popular snack when dried and roasted.
Example Sentence
오징어볶음은 매콤달콤한 양념으로 볶은 요리다.
Ojingeo bokkeum is a dish of squid stir-fried with spicy and sweet seasoning.
How to use 오징어 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Squid” is 오징어, romanized as ojingeo.
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 오징어.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'oh-jing-eo' — 오 like 'oh', 징 like 'jing' (rhymes with 'sing'), and 어 like a short 'uh'. Three light syllables.
More Example Sentences
A friend suggesting snacks for movie night.
마른오징어는 맥주 안주로 인기가 많아요.
Dried squid is a popular beer snack.
At a seafood restaurant on the east coast.
오징어 회는 쫄깃쫄깃해서 좋아요.
Raw squid has a chewy texture that I love.
Discussing Korean content with an international friend.
오징어 게임이 세계적으로 유명해졌어요.
Squid Game became world-famous.
Cultural Context
오징어 is a staple of Korean coastal cuisine, particularly along the east coast where fresh catches are common. Dried 오징어 (마른오징어) is a classic 안주 (drinking snack) at 치킨집 and movie theaters, often toasted and served with mayo. Globally, the word shot into fame thanks to Netflix's 오징어 게임 (Squid Game), referring to a traditional Korean kids' game drawn in a squid-shaped outline on the ground.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 오징어 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
오징어 한 마리 주세요.
One squid, please.
오징어볶음 맵게 해주세요.
Please make the squid stir-fry spicy.
오징어 좋아해요?
Do you like squid?
Related Expressions
오징어볶음
ojingeo bokkeum
Spicy stir-fried squid
마른오징어
mareun ojingeo
Dried squid
낙지
nakji
Small octopus
해물
haemul
Seafood
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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