Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tofu" in Korean
“Tofu” in Korean is 두부 (pronounced "dubu").
두부
dubu
Usage & Context
A protein-rich food made from soybeans, essential in Korean cuisine. Tofu is versatile and used in soups, stews, and stir-fries. It has a mild flavor and absorbs seasonings well.
Example Sentence
두부는 부드러워요.
Tofu is soft.
How to use 두부 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tofu” is 두부, romanized as dubu.
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 두부.
What learners usually mean by “Tofu in Korean”
This is usually a food or menu query, especially for Korean dishes like sundubu-jjigae or dubu-kimchi.
Real usage
두부 means tofu. In Korean restaurants, you will often see it inside dish names: 순두부찌개 for soft tofu stew, 두부김치 for tofu with kimchi, and 두부부침 for pan-fried tofu.
Avoid this mistake
Do not assume every tofu dish is vegetarian. Korean tofu stews may contain seafood, beef broth, or pork unless marked vegetarian.
Better pattern
Use 두부 for tofu, 순두부 for soft tofu, and 고기 안 들어가요? to ask whether a tofu dish contains meat.
restaurant order
순두부찌개 하나 주세요.
One soft tofu stew, please.
dietary question
이 두부 요리에 고기 들어가요?
Does this tofu dish contain meat?
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'doo-boo' — two short, even syllables, both with the 'oo' sound in 'boot.' Don't stretch the vowels; the word should sound quick, like 'doo-boo,' not 'doooh-booo.'
More Example Sentences
explaining a Korean cultural quirk from dramas
출소한 사람한테 두부 먹이는 풍습이 있어요.
There's a tradition of feeding tofu to someone who's just been released from prison.
recommending a restaurant the morning after drinks
순두부찌개는 매콤하고 부드러워서 해장으로 최고예요.
Soft-tofu stew is spicy and smooth — the best hangover food.
texting a family member heading to the market
두부 한 모 사다 줘, 김치찌개 끓일 거야.
Grab a block of tofu for me — I'm making kimchi stew.
Cultural Context
Tofu in Korea comes in a surprising number of textures, each with its own name: 순두부 (sundubu, silken), 연두부 (yeondubu, soft), and 모두부 (modubu, firm block-style). It's measured with a special counter — 한 모 (han-mo, 'one block') — at markets. Culturally, tofu carries a famous superstition: when someone is released from prison, family members give them 두부 to eat so they 'stay white and clean,' i.e., don't return to crime. You'll see this scene in countless K-dramas and films, right down to the character eating a cold, plain block straight out of the packaging.
Editorial note
We review entries like 두부 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
두부 한 모 주세요.
One block of tofu, please.
두부 부침 해 먹자.
Let's pan-fry some tofu.
두부 먹고 새 출발해.
Eat tofu and start fresh. (post-prison superstition)
Related Expressions
순두부
sundubu
silken tofu
두부김치
dubu-kimchi
tofu with sautéed kimchi (popular anju)
콩
kong
soybean (what tofu is made from)
두유
duyu
soy milk
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce the Korean word "두부" (dubu) for tofu?+
The Korean word "두부" (dubu) is pronounced with two syllables. The first syllable, "두" (du), sounds like "doo" in "doorknob," with a rounded lip position. The second syllable, "부" (bu), sounds like "boo" in "book," also with rounded lips. Ensure a soft 'b' sound, not a hard 'p'. The emphasis is generally even on both syllables, creating a smooth flow. Practice saying "doo-boo" clearly.
What traditional Korean dishes commonly feature "두부" (dubu) as a main ingredient?+
"두부" (dubu) is a staple in many Korean dishes. Popular examples include "순두부찌개" (sundubu jjigae), a spicy soft tofu stew, and "김치찌개" (kimchi jjigae), where firm tofu adds texture and protein. "두부조림" (dubu jorim) features pan-fried tofu simmered in a savory sauce. It's also often found in "비빔밥" (bibimbap) and various stir-fries, demonstrating its versatility as a protein source.
Are there different varieties or textures of "두부" (dubu) used in Korean cooking?+
Yes, Korean cuisine utilizes different textures of "두부" (dubu). The most common are "부침용 두부" (buchim-yong dubu), a firm tofu ideal for pan-frying, and "찌개용 두부" (jjigae-yong dubu), which is slightly softer and perfect for stews. "순두부" (sundubu) is an extra-soft, silken tofu, often sold in tubes, used specifically for "순두부찌개." Each type serves a distinct culinary purpose.
Is "두부" (dubu) considered a healthy food in Korea, and why?+
Absolutely, "두부" (dubu) is highly regarded as a healthy food in Korea. It's an excellent source of plant-based protein, low in fat, and cholesterol-free, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and those seeking nutritious options. Rich in essential amino acids, iron, and calcium, "두부" is believed to support heart health and bone strength. Its mild flavor also makes it a versatile ingredient.
Can "두부" (dubu) be eaten raw in Korean cuisine, or is it always cooked?+
While "두부" (dubu) is most commonly cooked in Korean cuisine, such as in stews or pan-fried, it can certainly be eaten raw. Fresh, firm "두부" (dubu) is sometimes served simply with a light soy sauce dressing ("간장 양념장," ganjang yangnyeomjang) as a refreshing side dish or snack. "순두부" (sundubu) is also occasionally enjoyed raw, especially when very fresh, for its creamy texture.
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