Nuance Dictionary / Taste & Texture
칼칼하다 kal-kal-ha-da
A sharp, slightly dry spiciness that catches the back of the throat
What does 칼칼하다 mean?
칼칼하다 (kal-kal-ha-da) means: A sharp, slightly dry spiciness that catches the back of the throat.
If '얼큰하다' is a rich, heavy stew, '칼칼하다' is a clear soup loaded with spicy green chilies. It has a sharp, clean kick that hits your throat immediately. It's often exactly what Koreans crave on a rainy day.
◆ The Soul of Korean Broth — Not overwhelmingly hot, but pleasantly stinging and refreshing.
◆ The Soul of Korean Broth — Not overwhelmingly hot, but pleasantly stinging and refreshing.
How it's actually used
- 국물이 칼칼해서 해장용으로 딱이다.
gukmuri kalkalhaeseo haejang-yong-euro ttakida.
The soup has a sharp, spicy kick, so it's perfect for a hangover cure.
💡 Describes a clean, throat-catching spiciness in soups. - 미세먼지가 많아서 그런지 목이 칼칼하다.
misemunjiga manhaseo geureonji mogi kalkalhada.
Maybe because of the fine dust, my throat feels dry and scratchy.
💡 Can also describe a throat irritated by dust or weather. - 목이 칼칼한 걸 보니 오늘 미세먼지가 심한가 봐.
mogi kalkalhan geol boni oneul misemwonjiga simhanga bwa.
My throat feels scratchy and sharp, so the fine dust must be bad today.
💡 Used when the throat feels dry, irritated, or slightly spicy.
Related words in Taste & Texture
얼큰하다 eol-keun-ha-da쌉쌀하다 ssap-ssal-ha-da매콤하다 mae-kom-ha-da짭짤하다 jjap-jjal-ha-da달달하다 dal-dal-ha-da