Nuance Dictionary / Taste & Texture

고소하다 go-so-ha-da

A nutty, savory flavor (like sesame oil), or feeling petty satisfaction at someone's misfortune

What does 고소하다 mean?

고소하다 (go-so-ha-da) means: A nutty, savory flavor (like sesame oil), or feeling petty satisfaction at someone's misfortune.

The delicious smell of roasting sesame seeds or butter. But psychologically, it is pure schadenfreude. If a terrible boss who bullied you gets fired in spectacular fashion, you don't just feel happy; you feel '고소하다' (a deeply satisfying, nutty revenge).

◆ Sweet, Bitter, & Sour Nuances — Also used metaphorically when someone you dislike gets what they deserve ('Serves you right!').

How it's actually used

  • 참기름을 듬뿍 넣어서 그런지 나물에서 엄청 고소한 냄새가 나.
    Cham-gi-reum-eul deum-ppuk neoh-eot-seo geu-reon-ji na-mul-eseo eom-cheong go-so-han naem-sae-ga na.
    Maybe because it has plenty of sesame oil, the greens smell super nutty and savory.
    💡 Classic food descriptor for nuts and oils.
  • 맨날 나 무시하던 팀장님, 이번에 잘린 거 보니까 진짜 고소하다.
    Maen-nal na mu-si-ha-deon tim-jang-nim, i-beon-e jal-lin geo bo-ni-kka jin-jja go-so-ha-da.
    Seeing that team leader who always ignored me get fired this time is seriously satisfying.
    💡 Expresses schadenfreude.
  • 참기름을 넣었더니 나물 무침이 훨씬 고소하다.
    chamgireumeul neoteodeoni namul muchimi hwolsin gosohada.
    Adding sesame oil makes the seasoned greens much more savory and nutty.
    💡 Describes the pleasant nutty flavor of oils, seeds, or roasted nuts.

Related words in Taste & Texture

느끼하다 neu-kki-ha-da쫄깃하다 jjol-git-ha-da퍽퍽하다 peok-peok-ha-da텁텁하다 teop-teop-ha-da칼칼하다 kal-kal-ha-da

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