What does 라면 (ramyeon) mean?
- 라면ramyeon
Instant noodles
Fine in most situations
라면 (ramyeon) means instant noodles, the packaged kind you cook in a few minutes, usually with a spicy soup. Korean ramyeon is a staple snack and quick meal.
Where it comes from
The word was borrowed from Japanese ramen, but in Korea it almost always means instant noodles rather than fresh restaurant noodles.
How to use 라면
Koreans usually say 라면을 끓이다 ("to boil ramyeon") for making it. Adding an egg, green onion or cheese is common, and eating it straight from the pot lid is a familiar habit.
The line 라면 먹고 갈래? ("Want to have some ramyeon before you go?") is well known in Korean pop culture as a flirty way to invite someone in at the end of a date, so use it with care.
The word is neutral and fine with anyone. 컵라면 is cup noodles from the convenience store.
Examples
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Offering to cook for a friend
At a convenience store
At the end of an evening, with a smile
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 라면 끓이다 | To make ramyeon | Literally "to boil ramyeon". |
| 컵라면 | Cup noodles | The kind you add hot water to. |
| 라면 먹고 갈래? | Want some ramyeon before you go? | Famous flirty invitation. Can be taken romantically. |
Questions learners ask
Is ramyeon the same as ramen?
They are related, but Korean 라면 usually means instant noodles, often spicy, while Japanese ramen is usually a fresh noodle dish from a restaurant.
What does "ramyeon meokgo gallae" mean?
라면 먹고 갈래? means "Want to have some ramyeon before you go?" It is a well-known flirty line suggesting someone come inside at the end of a date.
How do you spell ramyun in Korean?
It is written 라면. Ramyun, ramyeon and ramyon are all spellings of the same word.