맛있게 드세요
masitge deuseyo[ma̠ɕʰit̚k͈e̞ tɯsʰe̞jo]
The Korean phrase for "happy eating" is 맛있게 드세요 (masitge deuseyo).
This phrase is used by a host, a server or a person who is not eating to wish those who are eating a pleasant meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 맛있게 (deliciously) and 드세요 (please eat/consume).
Which one should you use?
The phrase 맛있게 드세요 is the polite version, whereas 맛있게 먹어 is the casual, non-honorific version used with close friends or younger people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 드세요 is the honorific form of 먹다 (to eat), making this phrase polite and respectful.
How do you pronounce it?
masitge deuseyo
When do people say it?
When someone says 맛있게 드세요 to you, a common polite response before starting the meal is 잘 먹겠습니다. The phrase 잘 먹겠습니다 is used when someone starts their meal to show a polite and humble attitude toward food.
Did you know?
- If you are eating with someone much older or of higher status, you might not say 맛있게 드세요 at all, as it can sound like you are giving them a command. Instead, you might simply wait for them to begin or use more formal honorifics.
- The root word for delicious, 맛, also means 'taste' or 'flavor'. In Korean, this single syllable can be used to describe the 'soul' or 'true essence' of an art form or a performance.
- Because Korean culture emphasizes the group, saying 맛있게 드세요 is often a signal that it is now socially acceptable for everyone at the table to begin eating.
Examples in context
- 맛있게 드세요.masitge deuseyo.Enjoy your meal.
- 자, 맛있게 드세요!ja, masitge deuseyo!Now, enjoy your meal!
- 준비 다 됐어요. 맛있게 드세요.junbi da dwaesseoyo. masitge deuseyo.Everything is ready. Enjoy your meal.
Example conversation
Dohyun serves dinner to Jieun at home.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 여기 음식 있어요. 맛있게 드세요.Jieun ssi, yeogi eumsik isseoyo. Masissge deuseyo.Jieun, here is the food. Enjoy your meal.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 맛있어 보여요. 고마워요, 도현 씨.Wa, jeongmal masisseo boyeoyo. Gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Wow, it looks delicious. Thank you, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon천천히 맛있게 드세요.Cheoncheonhi masissge deuseyo.Please take your time and enjoy.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 잘 먹겠습니다!Ne, jal meokgetseumnida!Yes, I will eat well!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 맛있게 드세요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
