Korean Dictionary
How to say "Weaning" in Korean
“Weaning” in Korean is 이유 (pronounced "Iyu").
이유
Iyu
Usage & Context
The process of gradually introducing solid food and reducing breastfeeding or formula. Korean parents typically start weaning around six months of age.
Example Sentence
이유는 아기의 발달 단계입니다.
Weaning is a developmental stage for babies.
How to use 이유 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Weaning” is 이유, romanized as Iyu.
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 이유.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ee-yoo' — 'ee' like 'ee' in 'see', 'yoo' like the English word 'you'. Note: 이유 has homonyms — it can also mean 'reason/cause', so context is essential.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
이유식
iyusik
이유식 (weaning food / baby food) is what Koreans usually say in daily conversation when talking about weaning, since they're really talking about the solid food stage.
More Example Sentences
A pediatrician advising on a 6-month-old
이유식을 시작할 때예요.
It's time to start weaning foods.
A parent explaining their routine to a friend
이유식을 직접 만들어요.
I make baby food myself.
Reminiscing about a successful transition
우리 아기는 이유 시기에 잘 먹었어요.
Our baby ate well during the weaning period.
Cultural Context
In Korean parenting culture, '이유' rarely appears alone — it almost always shows up as 이유식 (baby weaning food), which is a massive industry and topic of conversation among new parents. Typical Korean 이유식 includes 쌀미음 (rice porridge), 소고기 미음, and various vegetable purees, often homemade by moms following strict texture progression stages. 이유식 typically starts around 6 months and transitions to 유아식 (toddler food) by 12-18 months.
Editorial note
We review entries like 이유 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
이유식 시작했어요?
Have you started weaning foods?
이유식을 잘 먹어요.
The baby eats weaning food well.
이유 단계가 중요해요.
The weaning stage is important.
Related Expressions
이유식
iyusik
weaning food / baby food
모유 수유
moyu suyu
breastfeeding
분유
bunyu
baby formula
유아식
yuasik
toddler food
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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