Korean Dictionary
How to say "Shellfish" in Korean
“Shellfish” in Korean is 조개 (pronounced "jogae").
조개
jogae
Usage & Context
Mollusks and crustaceans used in Korean cooking. Shellfish are used in soups, stir-fries, and as banchan. They're prized for their tender texture and briny flavor.
Example Sentence
조개는 맛있어요.
Shellfish is delicious.
How to use 조개 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Shellfish” is 조개, romanized as jogae.
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 조개.
Pronunciation Guide
조 (jo) sounds like 'joe' as in the name 'Joe'. 개 (gae) sounds like 'geh' as in 'get' without the 't'. Combine them as 'joe-geh', with similar emphasis on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Suggesting a fun outing to a coastal area.
조개구이 먹으러 바닷가에 갈까요?
Shall we go to the beach to eat grilled shellfish?
Commenting on the quality or preparation of shellfish.
이 조개는 해감이 잘 돼서 깨끗해요.
These shellfish are well-purged, so they're clean.
Explaining why a dish tastes good or what makes it special.
칼국수에 조개가 들어가면 국물 맛이 시원해요.
When shellfish are added to kalguksu, the broth tastes refreshing.
Cultural Context
Shellfish are highly valued in Korean cuisine for their ability to impart a deep umami flavor and create refreshing broths. Popular dishes include 'jogae-gui' (grilled shellfish), 'jogae-jjim' (steamed shellfish), and various soups. A crucial step in preparing shellfish is 'haegam' (해감), where they are soaked in saltwater to purge sand and impurities, ensuring a clean and enjoyable eating experience.
Editorial note
We review entries like 조개 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
조개구이
grilled shellfish
조개탕
shellfish soup
조개찜
steamed shellfish
Related Expressions
굴
gul
oyster
새우
saeu
shrimp
게
ge
crab
바지락
bajirak
short-necked clam (common in soups)
More Food Words
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