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Nuance Dictionary / Taste & Texture

얼큰하다 eol-keun-ha-da

A savory, rich spiciness that clears the throat and warms the stomach

What does 얼큰하다 mean?

얼큰하다 (eol-keun-ha-da) means: A savory, rich spiciness that clears the throat and warms the stomach.

Koreans don't just say 'spicy' (매우다). '얼큰하다' is the specific, deeply satisfying heat of a good stew (like Kimchi Jjigae) that makes you sweat slightly and feel like your soul is being detoxified. It is the ultimate hangover cure flavor.

◆ The 50 Shades of Spicy — The holy grail of hangover cures. It physically hurts but mentally heals.

How it's actually used

  • 어제 술을 마셨더니 이런 얼큰한 국물이 당기네.
    eoje sureul masyeotdeoni ireon ekeunhan gukmuri danggine.
    After drinking yesterday, I'm craving a nice, spicy soup like this.
    💡 Often used when talking about hangover cures.
  • 이 집 매운탕 진짜 얼큰하고 맛있다.
    i jip maeuntang jinjja ekeunhago masitda.
    This place's spicy fish stew is really rich and satisfyingly spicy.
    💡 Describes deep, comforting heat in stews.
  • 어제 술을 마셨더니 이 얼큰한 콩나물국이 속을 확 풀어주네.
    eoje sureul masyeotdeoni i eolkeunhan kongnamulgugi sogeul hwak pureojune.
    Since I drank yesterday, this rich and spicy bean sprout soup really clears out my stomach.
    💡 Used for deeply satisfying, warming spice.

Related words in Taste & Texture

쌉쌀하다 ssap-ssal-ha-da매콤하다 mae-kom-ha-da짭짤하다 jjap-jjal-ha-da달달하다 dal-dal-ha-da삼삼하다 sam-sam-ha-da

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