Korean Dictionary
How to say "Umami" in Korean
“Umami” in Korean is 감칠맛 (pronounced "gamchilmat").
감칠맛
gamchilmat
Usage & Context
Fifth basic taste, savory and satisfying. Essential in Korean cooking. Found in fermented foods and broths.
Example Sentence
국에 감칠맛이 있어요.
The soup has umami flavor.
How to use 감칠맛 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Umami” is 감칠맛, romanized as gamchilmat.
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 감칠맛.
Pronunciation Guide
감 (gam) sounds like 'gahm'. 칠 (chil) sounds like 'chill'. 맛 (mat) sounds like 'maht' with a soft, unreleased 't' at the end. Together, it's 'gahm-chill-maht'.
More Example Sentences
Enjoying a delicious soup at a restaurant.
이 국물은 정말 감칠맛이 나네요.
This broth really has an umami flavor.
Explaining the appeal of kimchi to a friend.
김치에는 특유의 감칠맛이 있어서 계속 먹게 돼요.
Kimchi has a unique umami flavor that makes you keep eating it.
Discussing a home-cooked meal.
멸치 육수로 끓인 된장찌개는 깊은 감칠맛이 일품이에요.
Doenjang-jjigae made with anchovy broth has an excellent deep umami flavor.
Cultural Context
감칠맛 is the Korean equivalent of 'umami,' the savory fifth taste. It's a highly valued quality in Korean cuisine, often achieved through fermentation (e.g., kimchi, gochujang, doenjang) and long-simmered broths (육수, yuksu) made from ingredients like anchovies, kelp, or beef. Koreans often describe food as having '깊은 감칠맛' (deep umami flavor) when it's particularly satisfying and rich, making you crave more.
Editorial note
We review entries like 감칠맛 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
감칠맛이 나다
To have an umami flavor
감칠맛을 더하다
To add umami flavor
깊은 감칠맛
Deep umami flavor
Related Expressions
깊은 맛
gipeun mat
Deep flavor
풍미
pungmi
Rich flavor, aroma
짭짤한
jjapjjaghan
Savory (often accompanies umami)
맛있는
masinneun
Delicious (broader term)
More Cooking Words
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