Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gochujang sauce" in Korean
“Gochujang sauce” in Korean is 양념 (pronounced "Yangnyeom").
양념
Yangnyeom
Usage & Context
A general term for seasoning or marinade in Korean cooking. Yangnyeom refers to flavored sauces combining gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and other ingredients. Used as the base for many Korean dishes. The quality of yangnyeom often determines the dish's overall flavor.
Example Sentence
닭에 양념을 잘 발라줘야 맛있어요.
You need to coat the chicken well with the yangnyeom for it to be delicious.
How to use 양념 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gochujang sauce” is 양념, romanized as Yangnyeom.
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 양념.
Pronunciation Guide
양 (yang) sounds like 'yahng' as in 'fang'. 념 (nyeom) sounds like 'nyum' as in 'yum'. Put it together for 'yahng-nyum'.
More Example Sentences
Praising marinated meat at a BBQ restaurant.
이 갈비는 양념이 잘 배어서 정말 부드러워요.
This galbi is really tender because the marinade has soaked in well.
Discussing popular Korean food culture.
양념치킨은 한국에서 가장 인기 있는 치킨 종류 중 하나예요.
Yangnyeom chicken is one of the most popular chicken types in Korea.
Asking for a recipe from a friend or family member.
김치 양념 만드는 법 좀 알려주세요.
Please tell me how to make kimchi seasoning.
Cultural Context
Yangnyeom is a fundamental concept in Korean cooking, referring to the seasoning or marinade that gives many dishes their distinctive flavor. It's not just a sauce; it's the heart of the dish, often a complex blend of gochujang (chili paste), ganjang (soy sauce), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, sugar, and more. The term is so prevalent that 'Yangnyeom Chicken' (양념치킨) refers specifically to fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, distinct from plain fried chicken. Mastering yangnyeom is key to authentic Korean flavors.
Editorial note
We review entries like 양념 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
양념이 맛있어요.
The seasoning is delicious.
양념치킨 주세요.
Please give me yangnyeom chicken.
양념 좀 더 주세요.
Please give me a little more sauce/seasoning.
Related Expressions
고추장
Gochujang
Korean chili paste (a common ingredient in yangnyeom)
간장
Ganjang
Soy sauce (another common ingredient)
소스
Soseu
Sauce (general term, often for Western-style sauces)
재료
Jaeryo
Ingredients (general term)
More Food Words
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