What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 맛있는 식사 is composed of 맛있는, which means delicious and 식사, which means meal.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, you might use different forms: 맛있는 식사 is a standard way to describe a good meal, whereas 맛있는 밥 is a more casual way to refer to a good meal by using the word for cooked rice, which is often used colloquially for a meal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
맛있는 식사 is a relatively formal or standard way to describe a good meal. For formal situations, you can use 잘 먹었습니다 (I have eaten well) or the very respectful 정말 훌륭한 식사였습니다 (It was a really excellent meal) to compliment the cook. In informal settings with friends or peers, you can use 맛있게 먹었어 (I ate well and deliciously) or the casual 밥 잘 먹었어 (I ate rice well).
How do you pronounce it?
masinneun siksa
When do people say it?
When expressing thanks after a meal, it is customary to say 잘 먹었습니다 and bow slightly to show sincerity and respect.
Did you know?
- In many Korean social settings, asking 'Did you eat rice?' (밥 먹었어?) is a common way to say 'How are you?', rather than an actual inquiry about a good meal.
- To express a 'good meal' in a very casual way, Koreans often use the phrase 꿀맛, which literally translates to 'honey taste'.
- The phrase 식사 (meal) can be written with different Hanja (Chinese characters), one of which involves the character for 'ceremony' or 'formula' (式), showing how deeply structured the concept of a meal is in formal contexts.
Examples in context
- 정말 맛있는 식사였어요.jeongmal masissneun siksayeosseoyo.It was a really good meal.
- 맛있는 식사 대접하고 싶어요.masissneun siksa daejeophago sipeoyo.I want to treat you to a good meal.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are finishing dinner at a restaurant.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연 씨, 오늘 정말 맛있는 식사였어요.Seoyeon ssi, oneul jeongmal masineun siksayeosseoyo.Seoyeon, it was a really good meal today.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 정말 만족스러워요.jeodo jeongmal manjokseureowoyo.I am really satisfied too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo다음에도 여기로 와요.daeume-do yeogiro wayo.Let's come here again next time.
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요, 같이 가요!joayo, gachi gayo!Sounds good, let's go together!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 식사, CC BY-SA 4.0.
