Korean Dictionary
How to say "Shrimp" in Korean
“Shrimp” in Korean is 새우 (pronounced "saeu").
새우
saeu
Usage & Context
A small crustacean widely used in Korean cooking and seafood dishes. Shrimp is a staple protein in Korean cuisine and appears in many traditional recipes. It is also an important export product.
Example Sentence
새우는 작아요.
The shrimp is small.
How to use 새우 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Shrimp” is 새우, romanized as saeu.
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 새우.
Pronunciation Guide
"새우" is pronounced "sa-eu". "새" sounds like "sae" in "sae-ty" (similar to the 'sa' in 'sad' but with a slightly more open 'a' sound, followed by a soft 'e' sound). "우" is like the "oo" in "moon".
More Example Sentences
Ordering street food or a side dish at a restaurant.
새우튀김이 바삭하고 맛있어요.
The fried shrimp is crispy and delicious.
Commenting on a dish while eating at an Italian restaurant.
이 파스타에 새우가 많이 들어있네요.
This pasta has a lot of shrimp in it.
Explaining dietary restrictions to a friend or server.
새우 알레르기가 있어서 못 먹어요.
I have a shrimp allergy, so I can't eat it.
Cultural Context
Shrimp is incredibly versatile in Korean cuisine, from being a key ingredient in Kimchi (새우젓, saeujeot - salted fermented shrimp) to a popular topping for stir-fried rice and noodles. Grilled shrimp (새우구이, saeugu-i) is a common dish at seafood restaurants, especially during summer. Many Koreans enjoy peeling shrimp for others as a gesture of care.
Editorial note
We review entries like 새우 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
새우 먹고 싶다.
I want to eat shrimp.
새우 까줄까?
Shall I peel the shrimp for you?
새우튀김 주세요.
Please give me fried shrimp.
Related Expressions
대하
daeha
jumbo shrimp / prawn
새우젓
saeujeot
salted fermented shrimp (used in kimchi)
새우깡
saeukkang
a popular shrimp-flavored snack
갑각류
gapgangnyu
crustacean
More Animals Words
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