kimchi Meaning

  • casual

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It is seasoned with a variety of ingredients, including chili powder, scallions, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood, creating a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously spicy, salty, and tangy. It is considered a staple in Korean cuisine and is served at almost every meal. Beyond its role as a side dish, kimchi is a highly versatile ingredient used in soups, stews, fried rice, and pancakes. Because it is a fermented food, it is widely celebrated for its probiotic health benefits.

A WordDream illustration of kimchi
A picture makes kimchi easier to remember than a definition alone.

kimchi in Conversation

Ordering lunch

  • A: Should we get the kimchi jjigae?Should we get the kimchi stew?
  • B: Yes, I love how spicy their kimchi is!Yes, I love how spicy their kimchi is!

'Kimchi jjigae' is a very popular stew made with aged kimchi.

Home cooking

  • A: Do we have enough kimchi for the fried rice?Do we have enough kimchi for the fried rice?
  • B: We have half a jar left, that should be plenty.We have half a jar left, that should be plenty.

Using older, more fermented kimchi is preferred for cooking dishes like fried rice.

Examples

  1. I eat kimchi every day.

    I eat kimchi every day.

  2. This kimchi is perfectly fermented and has a great crunch.

    This kimchi is perfectly fermented and has a great crunch.

  3. Many Korean households have a dedicated refrigerator specifically for storing kimchi.

    Many Korean households have a dedicated refrigerator specifically for storing kimchi.