What it means
김치 is Korea's national dish — fermented vegetables (usually cabbage) seasoned with chili paste, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood). A staple at every Korean meal and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Nuance & when to use
배추김치 (napa cabbage) is the most common, but there are over 200 types. 김치찌개 (kimchi stew), 김치볶음밥 (kimchi fried rice), and 김치전 (kimchi pancake) are essential dishes. 익은 김치 (aged kimchi) is more sour and used for cooking. Koreans feel incomplete without 김치 at a meal.
⚠ Common mistake
김치 is not always spicy — 백김치 (white kimchi) has no chili. And it's 김치 not 기무치 (the Japanese pronunciation).
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
배추김치 (napa cabbage) is the most common, but there are over 200 types. 김치찌개 (kimchi stew), 김치볶음밥 (kimchi fried rice), and 김치전 (kimchi pancake) are essential dishes. 익은 김치 (aged kimchi) is more sour and used for cooking. Koreans feel incomplete without 김치 at a meal.
What's a common mistake?
김치 is not always spicy — 백김치 (white kimchi) has no chili. And it's 김치 not 기무치 (the Japanese pronunciation).
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