Korean Dictionary
How to say "Soju" in Korean
“Soju” in Korean is 소주 (pronounced "Soju").
소주
Soju
Usage & Context
Korea's most popular alcoholic beverage, a clear distilled spirit typically made from rice, wheat, or sweet potatoes. The world's best-selling liquor brand (Jinro) is a soju brand. Often drunk straight in small glasses. Always pour for others before yourself in Korean etiquette.
Example Sentence
한국에서는 소주를 많이 마셔요.
In Korea, people drink a lot of soju.
How to use 소주 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Soju” is 소주, romanized as Soju.
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 소주.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 소 (so), sounds like 'so' in 'soda'. The second syllable, 주 (ju), sounds like 'joo' in 'juice'. Put it together as 'So-joo', with even stress on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
Offering a drink to a colleague or friend.
소주 한 잔 하실래요?
Would you like a shot of soju?
Stating a personal preference for alcoholic beverages.
저는 소주보다 맥주를 더 좋아해요.
I prefer beer over soju.
Asking for recommendations for food to pair with soju.
소주 안주로 뭐가 좋을까요?
What would be good as a soju snack?
Cultural Context
Soju is arguably Korea's most iconic alcoholic beverage, often recognized by its signature green bottle. It's a clear, distilled spirit, typically consumed neat in small shot glasses. Korean drinking culture involves specific etiquette, such as pouring for others before yourself, using two hands when receiving a drink from an elder, and turning your head away when drinking in front of them. Soju is almost always accompanied by 'anju' (drinking snacks), ranging from grilled meats to stews.
Editorial note
We review entries like 소주 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
소주 한 잔
A shot of soju
소주 마실래?
Wanna drink soju?
소주 주세요
Please give me soju
Related Expressions
맥주
Maekju
Beer (common alternative)
막걸리
Makgeolli
Korean rice wine (another traditional drink)
안주
Anju
Drinking snacks (food eaten with alcohol)
소맥
Somaek
Soju and beer mix (popular cocktail)
More Food Words
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