Korean Dictionary
How to say "Yaksik" in Korean
“Yaksik” in Korean is 약식 (pronounced "yaksik").
약식
yaksik
Usage & Context
Yaksik is a sweet glutinous rice dessert mixed with jujubes, chestnuts, pine nuts, and sesame oil. It is traditionally made and shared on Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the lunar year.
Example Sentence
정월 대보름에 약식을 만들어 이웃과 나눈다.
Yaksik is made and shared with neighbors on Jeongwol Daeboreum.
How to use 약식 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Yaksik” is 약식, romanized as yaksik.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
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 약식.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "Yak-sik." "Yak" sounds like "yack" (as in "yakking"), with the 'a' like the 'a' in "father." "Sik" is pronounced like "sick."
More Example Sentences
Family celebrating a traditional holiday.
할머니가 정월 대보름에 약식을 만드셔서 온 가족이 나눠 먹었어요.
Grandma made yaksik on Jeongwol Daeboreum, and the whole family shared it.
Describing a popular snack for children.
약식은 달콤하고 쫀득해서 아이들도 정말 좋아해요.
Yaksik is sweet and chewy, so even kids really like it.
Purchasing a traditional gift.
선물용으로 예쁘게 포장된 약식을 샀어요.
I bought beautifully packaged yaksik as a gift.
Cultural Context
Yaksik, also known as yakbap, is a traditional sweet glutinous rice dessert. Its name literally means 'medicinal food' (약 'yak' = medicine, 식 'sik' = food), reflecting the belief in the health benefits of its ingredients like jujubes, chestnuts, and pine nuts. It's especially significant during Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar year), where it's traditionally made and shared to wish for good health and fortune. It's a popular snack or dessert, often enjoyed for its unique sweet and savory flavor.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 약식 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
약식 만들다
to make yaksik
달콤한 약식
sweet yaksik
정월 대보름 약식
Yaksik for Jeongwol Daeboreum
Related Expressions
약밥
yakbap
medicinal rice (alternative name for yaksik)
식혜
sikhye
sweet rice punch (another traditional sweet rice drink)
떡
tteok
rice cake (general category of Korean rice-based sweets)
한과
hangwa
traditional Korean confectionery (broader category)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Yaksik and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
