to boil vs to steam in Korean

끓다vs찌다

to boil

끓다to boil

끓다 means "to boil." We use it when water, soup, or another liquid gets very hot and makes bubbles. You often hear it in the kitchen, for example when cooking ramen or making tea.

When to use to boil
to steam

찌다to steam

찌다 means to cook food with hot steam. It is used for foods like dumplings, eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. You can use it when someone cooks food in a steamer or in a pot with steam.

When to use to steam

How they differ

to boil (끓다) and to steam (찌다) are nearby Korean vocabulary items learners often meet together. Use “to boil” when 끓다 means "to boil." We use it when water, soup, or another liquid gets very hot and makes bubbles. You often hear it in the kitchen, for… Use “to steam” when 찌다 means to cook food with hot steam. It is used for foods like dumplings, eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. You can use it…