Guide: How to Say “Go Eat” in Korean

Learning how to say “go eat” in Korean is a useful phrase to add to your vocabulary if you’re planning a trip to South Korea or if you want to communicate with Korean-speaking friends or family. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing this phrase, as well as provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.

Formal Way:

The formal way to say “go eat” in Korean is often used when speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or when addressing someone you want to show respect to. The phrase you can use is:

밥(을) 먹으러 가세요 (Bap(-eul) meogeureo gaseyo)

This phrase can be broken down as follows:

밥 (bap) – Rice/Food

먹으러 (meogeureo) – To go eat

가세요 (gaseyo) – Please go

So, when using the formal phrase, you would essentially be saying “Please go eat.” Remember, the 을 (pronounced eul) is optional and can be omitted.

Here are a few examples of how to use the formal phrase:

• 밥(을) 먹으러 가세요 (Bap(-eul) meogeureo gaseyo) – Please go eat
• 밥(을) 먹으러 가십시오 (Bap(-eul) meogeureo gasipsio) – Please go eat (more polite)
• 밥(을) 드실 시간이에요 (Bap(-eul) deushil sigan-ieyo) – It’s time for you to go eat

Informal Way:

The informal way to say “go eat” in Korean is suitable when speaking to friends, peers, or people of the same age group. The phrase you can use is:

밥(을) 먹으러 가자 (Bap(-eul) meogeureo gaja)

Let’s break down the components of this phrase:

밥 (bap) – Rice/Food

먹으러 (meogeureo) – To go eat

가자 (gaja) – Let’s go

So, the informal phrase could be translated as “Let’s go eat.” Similarly to the formal phrase, the 을 (pronounced eul) can be omitted.

Here are some examples of how to use the informal phrase:

• 밥(을) 먹으러 가자 (Bap(-eul) meogeureo gaja) – Let’s go eat
• 언제 밥 먹으러 갈 거야? (Eonje bap meogeureo gal geoya?) – When are you going to go eat?
• 밥 먹으러 갈 때 나한테 말해줘 (Bap meogeureo gal ttae nahante malhaejwo) – Let me know when you’re going to go eat

Tips and Regional Variations:

When traveling, it’s always beneficial to be aware of regional variations in language. While the phrases mentioned above are generally understood throughout South Korea, there might be slight variations in different regions or dialects.

• In some areas, instead of 밥 (bap), the word 식사 (siksa) can be used. Both words mean “meal” or “food.”
• In Busan dialect, instead of 먹으러 (meogeureo), you might hear 먹무르띠 (meokmudeutdi) or 먹모르라 (meokmoreura).
• When addressing someone older, it’s always respectful to use the formal expressions mentioned earlier, regardless of regional variations.

Remember, these are mere regional variations, and using the phrases mentioned initially will allow you to be understood by the vast majority of Koreans.

In conclusion, knowing how to say “go eat” in Korean can come in handy during your travels or when interacting with Korean-speaking individuals. Whether you choose to use the formal or informal expressions, being able to communicate basic needs like this will enhance your experience and help you build connections with people you meet along the way. So, give it a try and enjoy exploring the delicious culinary delights of Korea!