A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Kimchi
A spicy Korean fermented cabbage dish, pronounced with a clear 'k' and 'ch' sound.
kimchi
KIM-chee
/ˈkɪm.tʃi/ · kim · chee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a staple in Korean households and increasingly common in American kitchens.
Where the word comes from
The word 'kimchi' comes from Korean, where it is derived from 'kimchi' (김치), which itself is thought to originate from Old Korean 'kimchi' (菹), meaning 'fermented vegetables'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- KIM-kee Some people might substitute a 'k' sound for the 'ch' because it's a common consonant cluster in English, but the Korean pronunciation clearly uses a 'ch' sound like in 'cheese'.
- KIM-shee The 'c' in 'kimchi' is pronounced with a hard 'k' sound, not an 's' sound. Remember the first syllable sounds like the name 'Kim'.
Frequently asked
What is kimchi?
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It's seasoned with a variety of spices, including gochugaru (chili powder), scallions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (salted seafood).
Is kimchi spicy?
Kimchi is typically spicy due to the inclusion of chili powder (gochugaru). However, the level of spiciness can vary greatly depending on the recipe and the ingredients used. Some varieties are mild, while others are quite fiery.
How do you eat kimchi?
Kimchi can be eaten as a side dish with almost any meal, especially rice dishes like bibimbap or alongside grilled meats. It's also a key ingredient in many Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (stew) and kimchi fried rice.
