Korean Dictionary
How to say "Protein" in Korean
“Protein” in Korean is 단백질 (pronounced "danbaekjil").
단백질
danbaekjil
Usage & Context
Protein is an essential nutrient for muscle building and recovery. Athletes consume adequate protein to support their training and performance.
Example Sentence
단백질을 먹어야 해요.
I need to eat protein.
How to use 단백질 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Protein” is 단백질, romanized as danbaekjil.
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 단백질.
Pronunciation Guide
'단' (dan) sounds like 'dawn.' '백' (baek) is like 'back' but with a slightly softer 'b' and a shorter 'ae' sound. '질' (jil) is like 'jill' but with a very quick, light 'l' sound at the end, almost like 'jil' in 'jilt' without the 't'.
More Example Sentences
Giving advice on muscle building.
근육을 키우려면 단백질 섭취가 중요해요.
To build muscle, protein intake is important.
Discussing healthy food options.
닭가슴살은 좋은 단백질 공급원이에요.
Chicken breast is a good source of protein.
Describing post-workout routine.
운동 후에 단백질 쉐이크를 마셨어요.
I drank a protein shake after my workout.
Cultural Context
Protein is a huge topic in Korean fitness culture. '단백질' is frequently mentioned in gyms, health food stores, and even on TV shows discussing diet. Protein shakes (단백질 쉐이크) and chicken breast (닭가슴살) are staples for many Koreans trying to stay fit or build muscle. You'll often see K-pop idols or actors talking about their protein-rich diets, reflecting its importance in maintaining a healthy physique.
Editorial note
We review entries like 단백질 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
단백질 보충제
protein supplement
고단백
high protein
식물성 단백질
plant-based protein
Related Expressions
탄수화물
tansuhwamul
carbohydrates
지방
jibang
fat
영양소
yeongyangso
nutrient
아미노산
aminosan
amino acid
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