What it means
삼겹살 is Korea's most beloved meat dish — thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table over charcoal or gas. 삼 = three, 겹 = layers, 살 = meat/flesh. Named for the three layers of fat and meat.
Nuance & when to use
삼겹살 is the centerpiece of Korean social dining. You eat it by wrapping it in 상추 (lettuce) or 깻잎 (perilla leaves) with 된장 (soybean paste), garlic, and 쌈장. Always eaten with 소주 or 맥주 in social settings. The phrase "삼겹살 먹으러 가자" (let's go have samgyeopsal) is a universal invitation to friendship.
⚠ Common mistake
삼겹살 is pork belly specifically. 고기구이 = grilled meat in general. 갈비 = ribs (beef or pork). Don't use them interchangeably.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
삼겹살 is the centerpiece of Korean social dining. You eat it by wrapping it in 상추 (lettuce) or 깻잎 (perilla leaves) with 된장 (soybean paste), garlic, and 쌈장. Always eaten with 소주 or 맥주 in social settings. The phrase "삼겹살 먹으러 가자" (let's go have samgyeopsal) is a universal invitation to friendship.
What's a common mistake?
삼겹살 is pork belly specifically. 고기구이 = grilled meat in general. 갈비 = ribs (beef or pork). Don't use them interchangeably.
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