Nuance Dictionary / Sweet, Bitter, & Sour Nuances

시큼하다 si-keum-ha-da

Sour in a strong, fermented, or sometimes slightly spoiled way

What does 시큼하다 mean?

시큼하다 (si-keum-ha-da) means: Sour in a strong, fermented, or sometimes slightly spoiled way.

Perfect for aged Kimchi stews, but a warning sign if you smell it in milk.

How it's actually used

  • 김치가 잘 익어서 찌개 끓이기 딱 시큼한 맛이야.
    gimchiga jal ik-eoseo jjigae kkeurig-i ttak sikeumhan masiya.
    The kimchi is aged to perfection, giving it that ideal sour kick for stew.
    💡 Appetizing sourness, especially for aged kimchi.
  • 우유에서 이상한 냄새가 나고 시큼한 걸 보니 상한 것 같아.
    uyueseo isanghan naemsega nago sikeumhan geol boni sanghan geot gata.
    The milk smells weird and tastes a bit sour, so I think it's gone bad.
    💡 A warning sign of spoilage in dairy.
  • 냉장고에 오래 둔 우유에서 시큼한 냄새가 나는데 상한 것 같아.
    naengjaggoe orae dun uyueseo sikeumhan naemsaega naneun-de sanghan geot gata.
    There's a sour smell coming from the milk left in the fridge too long, I think it's spoiled.
    💡 Use as a warning sign for spoiled dairy or over-fermented food.

Related words in Sweet, Bitter, & Sour Nuances

새콤하다 sae-kom-ha-da달짝지근하다 dal-jjak-ji-geun-ha-da달큼하다 dal-keum-ha-da짭짜름하다 jjap-jja-reum-ha-da새콤달콤하다 sae-kom-dal-kom-ha-da

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