먹어요
Meogeoyo
In Korean, "I eat" is expressed as 먹어요 (Meogeoyo).
This phrase is a statement used to say that you are consuming food. In Korean, the subject "I" (나/저) is often omitted from the sentence when it is clear from the context that you are talking about yourself.
How does it change in a sentence?
All conjugated forms are derived from the dictionary form of the verb, which is 먹다. While 먹어요 can mean "I eat" or "I am eating", the form 먹어 is the casual version of the same expression. The phrase 제가 식사를 합니다 is a formal and polite way to express "I eat" while specifically emphasizing a proper meal.
How do you pronounce it?
Meogeoyo
Did you know?
- The phrase 나이 먹다 literally means 'to eat age', which is the standard way to say someone is getting older.
- The expression 밥 먹었어? ('Did you eat?') is frequently used as a common greeting similar to 'How are you?', rather than a literal inquiry into your recent nutrition.
- The verb 먹다 is used to describe 'taking' medicine, whereas English speakers use 'take' or 'have'.
Examples in context
- 점심에 뭐 먹어?What are you eating for lunch?
- 나는 고기를 먹어I eat meat
- 저는 아침을 먹어요.jeoneun achimeul meogeoyo.I eat breakfast.
- 지금 밥을 먹어요.jigeum babeul meogeoyo.I am eating a meal now.
- 저는 사과를 먹어요.jeoneun sagwareul meogeoyo.I eat an apple.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about lunch at the office.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 점심 먹었어요?Jieun-ssi, jeomsim meogeosseoyo?Jieun, did you eat lunch?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 지금 밥을 먹어요.aniyo, jigeum babeul meogeoyo.No, I am eating a meal now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맛있게 먹어요!masitge meogeoyo!Enjoy your meal!
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 현우 씨.gomawoyo, Hyunwoo-ssi.Thank you, Hyunwoo.
