A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Bulgogi
A popular Korean grilled meat dish, pronounced with a clear 'g' sound and emphasis on the first syllable.
bulgogi
BOOL-goh-gee
/ˈbuːlˌɡoʊɡi/ · BOOL · goh · gee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular dish featured in food blogs and cooking shows focusing on Korean cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from Korean: 'bul' meaning 'fire' and 'gogi' meaning 'meat'. It literally translates to 'fire meat'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- BULL-go-gee The first syllable sounds like 'bool' as in 'pool', not 'bull' as in 'bullfight'.
- BUL-go-ghee The final syllable rhymes with 'key' or 'gee', not 'guy'.
Frequently asked
What is bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a classic Korean dish made from thinly sliced marinated meat, usually beef, grilled on a barbecue or other grill-cooking appliance. It's known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Is bulgogi spicy?
Traditional bulgogi is not typically spicy, as the marinade is usually soy sauce-based with sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. However, variations exist, and some recipes might include gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick.
How is bulgogi typically served?
Bulgogi is often served with rice and various Korean side dishes called banchan. It can also be served in a lettuce wrap with rice and ssamjang (a dipping sauce).
How do you say bulgogi in Korean?
Bulgogi is written as 불고기 in Korean. It is pronounced roughly as 'bool-go-gee'.
What does bulgogi literally mean?
The Korean word 'bulgogi' literally translates to 'fire meat'. This refers to the way it is traditionally cooked.
How to pronounce bulgogi bibimbap?
Bulgogi is pronounced 'bool-go-gee' and bibimbap is pronounced 'bee-bim-bap'. Together, it's 'bool-go-gee bee-bim-bap'.
