A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Bibimbap
A popular Korean mixed rice dish, pronounced with clear syllables and a distinct final 'p' sound.
bibimbap
BEE-bim-bahp
/ˈbiːbɪmbɑːp/ · bi · bim · bap
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also frequently mentioned in food blogs, travel guides, and discussions about popular international cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from Korean 'bibim' meaning 'mixed' and 'bap' meaning 'rice'. It directly describes the dish's preparation.
Common ways people get it wrong
- bih-bim-bap The first syllable is a long 'ee' sound, like in 'bee', not a short 'ih' sound. Focus on the 'BEE' sound.
- bih-bim-bah The final syllable ends with a clear 'p' sound, not just 'ah'. Make sure to close your lips for the 'p'.
Frequently asked
Is bibimbap spicy?
Bibimbap itself is not inherently spicy. The heat comes from the gochujang (Korean chili paste) served on the side, which you can add to your liking.
What are the main ingredients in bibimbap?
It typically includes rice topped with seasoned vegetables, kimchi, gochujang, soy sauce, a fried egg, and sliced meat (usually beef).
How do you eat bibimbap?
You mix all the ingredients together thoroughly with your spoon and chopsticks before eating. This ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite.
How do Koreans pronounce bibimbap?
In Korean, bibimbap is pronounced roughly as 'bee-bim-bahp'. The emphasis is generally on the first syllable.
What is the English pronunciation of bibimbap?
In English, bibimbap is commonly pronounced as 'bib-im-bap'. Some may also pronounce it as 'bee-bim-bahp'.
How do you pronounce bibimbap and bulgogi?
Bibimbap is pronounced 'bib-im-bap' or 'bee-bim-bahp'. Bulgogi is pronounced 'bool-goh-gee'.
What does bibimbap literally mean?
Bibimbap literally translates to 'mixed rice'. It refers to a Korean dish of rice mixed with various ingredients.
