Etymology

From Middle Korean 고쵸 (kwochyo, "black pepper"). Two hypotheses exist regarding its origin:

1. From Japanese 胡椒 (こしょう) ‎(koshō), in turn from Chinese 胡椒 [호초 (hocho)].
2. From 고초 (苦草, gocho, “bitter vegetable”), acquiring its current meaning after the introduction of chili peppers in the 17th century.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ko̞t͡ɕʰu/
• Phonetic hangeul: 고추