Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 맛있게 드세요 | masitge deuseyo | [ma̠ɕʰit̚k͈e̞ tɯsʰe̞jo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ma̠dit̚k͈e̞ tɯsʰe̞jo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 맛있게 드십시오 | masitge deusipsio | formal, honorific | |
| 많이 드세요 | mani deuseyo | ||
| 맛있게 먹어요 | masitge meogeoyo | informal | |
| 잘 먹어 | jal meogeo | ||
| 많이 먹어 | mani meogeo |
These phrases are used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat. In Korean culture, the host or the person serving the food typically says these phrases to the guests.
What does it mean word for word?
The default form 맛있게 드세요 literally translates to "eat deliciously".
Which one should you use?
While 맛있게 드세요 focuses on eating deliciously, you can also use 많이 드세요, which means "eat a lot" or "help yourself", as an alternative way to wish someone a good meal. For the English sense of "eat deliciously", 맛있게 드세요 uses an honorific verb, whereas 맛있게 먹어요 uses the standard verb and is less formal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several levels of formality to consider. For very formal or polite situations involving people of higher social status or older than you, use 맛있게 드십시오 or 맛있게 드세요. The version 맛있게 먹어요 is less formal. For casual settings, you can use the informal versions 잘 먹어, 많이 먹어 or 맛있게 먹어.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 드세요 is the honorific form of "eat", which should be used when speaking to someone older or of higher social status.
How do you pronounce it?
masitge deuseyo
When do people say it?
Instead of a direct translation of "bon appétit", the person serving the meal or the host typically says 맛있게 드세요 to the guests to wish them a good meal.
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is customary to wait for the oldest person at the table to pick up their utensils before anyone else starts eating.
- The word 맛있게 comes from 맛 meaning 'taste' and 있다 meaning 'to exist', literally describing food where 'taste exists'.
- When a guest finishes a meal, they may say 잘 먹었습니다 to express gratitude, which is the past-tense version of the phrase used before eating.
Examples in context
- 맛있게 드세요.masitge deuseyo.Enjoy your meal.
- 준비했으니 맛있게 드세요.junbihaesseuni masitge deuseyo.I prepared this, so please enjoy it.
Example conversation
A woman serves a home-cooked meal to a man at a dining table.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 맛있게 드세요.hyeonu ssi, masitge deuseyo.Hyunwoo, please enjoy your meal.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo감사합니다, 서연 씨.gamsahamnida, seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 맛있어 보이네요.jeongmal masisseo boineyo.It looks really delicious.
- 서연 Seo-yeon천천히 맛있게 드세요.cheoncheonhi masitge deuseyo.Please take your time and enjoy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon appétit” translations and entries 맛있게 드세요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
