What does 소주 (soju) mean?
- 소주soju
Korean distilled liquor
Fine in most situations
소주 (soju) is Korea's most popular alcoholic drink, a clear liquor usually sold in small green bottles. It is cheap, fairly strong and served in tiny shot glasses with meals, especially grilled meat.
Where it comes from
The word comes from Chinese characters meaning "burned liquor", a reference to how it was originally made by distilling.
How to use 소주
Soju is drunk with food, not on its own, and it is shared. Friends pour for each other rather than for themselves, so keep an eye on your neighbor's glass and refill it when it is empty.
With someone older or senior, hold the bottle with two hands (or one hand supporting the other arm) when you pour, receive their pour with your glass in two hands, and turn your head slightly away when you drink. Among close friends of the same age, these rules relax.
The word itself is neutral and fine with anyone. Saying 소주 한잔해요 ("Let's have a drink of soju") is a common, friendly way to invite someone out after work.
Examples
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Ordering at a barbecue restaurant
Texting a friend in the evening
Trying soju for the first time
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 소주 한잔 | A drink of soju | Often means "a drink" in general, as in 소주 한잔하자 ("Let's grab a drink"). |
| 소주 한 병 | One bottle of soju | How you order it at a restaurant. |
| 소맥 | Soju mixed with beer | Short for 소주 + 맥주 (beer). A very popular mix. |
| 소주잔 | Soju glass | The small shot glass soju is served in. |
Questions learners ask
How strong is soju?
Most green-bottle soju today is around 16 to 17 percent alcohol, roughly between wine and vodka. Traditional soju can be much stronger.
How do you drink soju politely?
Pour for others instead of yourself, use two hands when pouring for or receiving from someone older, and turn your head a little away from them when you drink.
What does soju taste like?
Plain soju tastes clean and slightly sweet with a sharp alcohol bite. Many Koreans describe it as 쓰다 (bitter). Flavored versions are fruitier.