How to Say “Enjoy the Meal” in Korean

When visiting Korea or dining at a Korean restaurant, knowing how to express your enjoyment of the meal is a great way to connect with the local culture. In Korean, a common phrase to convey this sentiment is “enjoy the meal.” In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “enjoy the meal” in Korean, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Expressions:

When speaking in formal situations or addressing people who are older or of higher social status, it is essential to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are a few ways to say “enjoy the meal” formally in Korean:

1. 식사를 즐겨주세요 (shik-sa-reul jeul-gyeo-ju-se-yo)

This is the standard formal expression for “enjoy the meal” in Korean. It is a polite and respectful way to wish someone a pleasant dining experience. Remember to use this phrase when talking to your superiors, elders, or other respected individuals.

2. 식사 맛있게 하십시오 (shik-sa ma-sit-ge ha-ship-si-yo)

This phrase is another formal way to say “enjoy your meal” in Korean. Using this expression shows respect and politeness towards the person you’re addressing. It can be used in professional settings or more formal occasions.

Informal Expressions:

In casual settings or when speaking with friends, family, or peers, it is more appropriate to use informal expressions. Here are a couple of ways to say “enjoy the meal” informally in Korean:

1. 맛있게 드세요 (ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo)

This is the most commonly used casual expression to wish someone to enjoy their meal. It can be used when talking to friends, colleagues, or anyone who is of a similar or younger age. It’s a friendly way to convey your well-wishes for their dining experience.

2. 잘 먹어요 (jal meo-geo-yo)

While not explicitly saying “enjoy the meal,” this expression is a common way for Koreans to show they hope you have a good meal. It’s widely used among friends and family members, or when you want to wish someone a satisfying dining experience.

Tips for Using the Phrases:

Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal expressions for “enjoy the meal” in Korean, here are a few additional tips to help you use them correctly:

• Level of Formality: Assess the situation and the respect you’d like to convey before deciding which expression to use. Remember to express formalities appropriately.
• Tone and Intonation: While the phrases themselves convey the message, the delivery is equally essential. Maintain a warm and sincere tone to genuinely wish someone a delightful dining experience.
• Add Polite Endings: To enhance politeness in formal settings, you can add 사 (sa) or 요 (yo) at the end of the expressions. For example, “식사를 즐겨주세요요 (shik-sa-reul jeul-gyeo-ju-se-yo-yo)” or “식사 맛있게 하십시오사 (shik-sa ma-sit-ge ha-ship-si-yo-sa).”
• Body Language: Accompany your well-wishes with a smile and other appropriate gestures to show your genuine intention.

Examples:

Here are a few examples of how you can use these phrases in sentences:

1. 선생님, 식사를 즐겨주세요. (Seon-saeng-nim, shik-sa-reul jeul-gyeo-ju-se-yo.)

Teacher, enjoy your meal.

2. 친구들, 맛있게 드세요. (Chin-gu-deul, ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo.)

Friends, enjoy your meal.

3. 엄마, 잘 먹어요. (Eom-ma, jal meo-geo-yo.)

Mom, have a good meal.