What does it mean word for word?
점심 literally means 'lunch' and 먹었어요? is the past tense polite form of the verb 'to eat', meaning 'did (you) eat?'
Which one should you use?
While 점심 먹었어요? is a standard polite way to ask the question, you can use 점심 먹었어? when speaking informally or 점심을 드셨어요? for a more formal and honorific approach.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For close friends or younger people, you should use the informal 점심 먹었어? To show respect to elders or superiors, use the honorific form 점심 드셨어요? or 점심을 드셨어요?
How does it change in a sentence?
The term 밥 specifically refers to rice, but it is used as a general term for a meal in Korean culture. For example, one might ask 밥 먹었어? informally.
How do you pronounce it?
Jeomsim meogeosseoyo?
When do people say it?
When someone asks if you have eaten, a standard polite response is 네, 먹었어요. (Yes, I ate.) or, if you have not eaten yet, 아니요, 아직 안 먹었어요. (No, I haven't eaten yet.).
Did you know?
- The word 점심 is a linguistic relative of the Cantonese word for 'dim sum' (딤섬), as both originate from the same Chinese characters meaning 'to touch the heart'.
- Because eating is so central to care in Korea, the phrase 밥 먹었어? can be used as a way to say 'I missed you' or 'I am worried about you' without ever mentioning feelings.
- In many social situations, answering 'no' to the question 밥 먹었어? might actually invite the person asking to treat you to a meal.
Examples in context
- 점심 먹었어요?jeomsim meogeosseoyo?Had your lunch?
- 혼자 점심 먹었어요?honja jeomsim meogeosseoyo?Had your lunch alone?
Example conversation
At the office during the afternoon break.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 점심 먹었어요?Subin ssi, jeomsim meogeosseoyo?Subin, had your lunch?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 먹었어요.Ne, meogeosseoyo.Yes, I had it.
- 도현 Do-hyeon맛있게 먹었어요?Masitge meogeosseoyo?Did you enjoy it?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 정말 맛있었어요.Ne, jeongmal masisseosseoyo.Yes, it was really delicious.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 점심, CC BY-SA 4.0.
