What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb 오다 (to come) and 먹다 (to eat), connected by the conjunctive particle -어서 which indicates a sequence of actions, meaning "come and eat".
Which one should you use?
While 와서 먹어 is the default, you can use 먹자 to informally suggest eating or 같이 먹어 to specifically invite someone to eat with you. For higher levels of respect, use 식사하러 오세요 or 와서 드세요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 와서 먹어 is in banmal (informal speech) and should only be used with close friends, siblings or people younger than you. For a polite way to invite acquaintances or people you are not close with, use 와서 먹어요. When inviting someone older or of higher social status than you, use the polite form 와서 드세요. In formal situations, the phrase 식사하러 오세요 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the polite ending -어요 to the base form, you get 와서 먹어요, which is a standard polite way to say "come eat".
How do you pronounce it?
waseo meogeo
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common to invite someone to 'come eat' 와서 먹어 even if you have no intention of them actually accepting. It functions as a social gesture of warmth and hospitality rather than a literal request.
- If you are invited with 와서 먹어, it is common to politely decline once or twice before accepting, as accepting immediately can sometimes be seen as too eager.
- When using the polite version 와서 드세요, the verb 먹다 is replaced by the honorific 'to eat' 드시다. This change is not just adding a polite suffix, but switching to an entirely different verb root.
Examples in context
- 사장님, 식사하러 오세요.Boss, please come eat.
- 친구야, 먹자!Hey friend, let's eat!
- 오빠/언니/동생, 같이 먹어!Brother/Sister, let's eat together!
- 음식 식기 전에 와서 먹어.eumsik sikgi jeone waseo meogeo.Come eat before the food gets cold.
- 준비 다 됐으니까 와서 먹어.junbi da dwaesseunikka waseo meogeo.Everything is ready, so come eat.
- 얼른 와서 먹어.eolleun waseo meogeo.Come eat quickly.
Example conversation
Minji calls Dohyun to the dining table in their house.
- 민지 Min-ji도현아, 밥 다 됐어. 와서 먹어.Dohyeon-a, bap da dwaesseo. Waseo meogeo.Dohyun, the meal is ready. Come eat.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지금 바로 갈게.jigeum baro galge.I'll be right there.
- 민지 Min-ji빨리 와서 먹어, 맛있어.ppalli waseo meogeo, masisseo.Come eat quickly, it's delicious.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 민지야.gomawo, Minji-ya.Thanks, Minji.
