Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pan-fry" in Korean
“Pan-fry” in Korean is 지지다 (pronounced "jijida").
지지다
jijida
Usage & Context
A lighter frying method using minimal oil. Commonly used for cooking fish, meat, and pancakes. Creates a golden crust while maintaining moisture inside.
Example Sentence
생선을 지져요.
I pan-fry fish.
How to use 지지다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pan-fry” is 지지다, romanized as jijida.
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 지지다.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ji-ji-da' — both 'ji' sounds like English 'jee' but softer, and 'da' is a short 'dah'. The word has a light, almost musical repetition.
More Example Sentences
describing a Chuseok tradition
명절에는 전을 지져요.
We pan-fry jeon during holidays.
following a recipe
기름에 노릇노릇 지지세요.
Pan-fry it until golden brown.
asking family about dinner
호박전을 지져 먹을까요?
Shall we pan-fry some zucchini pancakes?
Cultural Context
지지다 specifically refers to pan-frying with a thin layer of oil, most famously used for '전' (savory Korean pancakes) made during 명절 (major holidays). While '굽다' (grill/bake) and '부치다' (fry flat) overlap in meaning, 지지다 often implies gentler heat. It's also used metaphorically — '속 지지다' means to be frustrated inside.
Editorial note
We review entries like 지지다 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
전을 지져요.
I'm pan-frying jeon.
생선을 약한 불에 지지세요.
Pan-fry the fish on low heat.
기름 두르고 지져요.
Add oil and pan-fry it.
Related Expressions
부치다
buchida
to fry flat (similar to 지지다)
전
jeon
Korean savory pancake
굽다
gupda
to grill/bake
프라이
peurai
fry (loanword)
More Cooking Words
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