When it comes to expressing your admiration for the scrumptious flavors of Korean cuisine, learning how to say “it is delicious” in Korean is a must! Whether you want to praise your favorite Korean dish in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with various ways to express your appreciation for the delectable flavors. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “It is Delicious” in Korean
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business dinner or an official event, it’s important to use polite expressions. Here are a few formal phrases to express that something is delicious in Korean:
- “맛있습니다” (mas-iss-seum-ni-da): This phrase is the most straightforward and commonly used way to say “it is delicious” in formal Korean. Employed in formal situations, it is well-suited for compliments at a business dinner or when dining with someone of higher status.
- “아주 맛있어요” (a-ju mas-iss-eo-yo): Adding “아주” (a-ju), which means “very,” intensifies the compliment and expresses an even greater degree of deliciousness. It is perfect for conveying your enthusiasm for the exceptional taste of a dish.
- “정말 맛있어요” (jeong-mal mas-iss-eo-yo): Using “정말” (jeong-mal), meaning “really,” emphasizes your genuine appreciation for the dish. This phrase goes beyond mere politeness, conveying your sincere enjoyment of the food.
Informal Ways to Say “It is Delicious” in Korean
In informal settings, such as when dining with friends or family, you can use more casual expressions to describe food. Here are a few informal phrases to express that something is delicious:
- “맛있어” (mas-iss-eo): This phrase is the informal counterpart of “맛있습니다” and is commonly used among friends and peers. Its casual tone reflects the informal setting and is perfect for expressing your enjoyment of the food in a relaxed atmosphere.
- “엄청 맛있어” (eom-cheong mas-iss-eo): The addition of “엄청” (eom-cheong), meaning “really” or “very,” significantly amplifies the compliment. This phrase is ideal for heartily praising the flavors of a dish in an informal gathering.
- “진짜 맛있어” (jin-jja mas-iss-eo): Using “진짜” (jin-jja), which translates to “seriously” or “really,” adds a genuine and authentic sentiment to your compliment. It conveys a strong appreciation for the deliciousness of the food.
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that you know a range of phrases to express how delicious Korean food is, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your Korean culinary vocabulary:
1. Expand Your Vocabulary:
While saying “it is delicious” is a great start, exploring new vocabulary will enrich your descriptions. Allow yourself to learn and use specific words for flavors, such as “spicy,” “savory,” “sweet,” or “sour.” This way, you can express your thoughts more precisely. For example:
“이 음식은 매콤해서 맛있습니다” (i-eum-shik-eun mae-kom-hae-seo mas-iss-seum-ni-da) – This dish is delicious because it is spicy.
2. Be Expressive:
Don’t limit yourself to saying something is simply “delicious.” Expand your language skills by using adjectives or adverbs that describe flavors. Here are a few examples:
“이 음식은 신선하게 맛있어요” (i-eum-shik-eun shin-seon-ha-ge mas-iss-eo-yo) – This dish is delicious, fresh, and tasty.
“이 탕은 부드럽고 기름지지 않아서 좋아요” (i-tang-eun bu-deu-reop-go gi-reum-ji-ji anh-a-seo jo-a-yo) – This stew is good because it is tender and not oily.
3. Compliment Specific Dishes:
Instead of using general phrases, complimenting specific Korean dishes or ingredients further demonstrates your appreciation for the cuisine. Here are a couple of examples:
“비빔밥은 정말 맛있어요” (bi-bim-bap-eun jeong-mal mas-iss-eo-yo) – Bibimbap is really delicious.
“김치찌개는 한국음식 중에서 제일 좋아해요” (kim-chi-jji-gae-neun han-guk-eum-sik jung-e-seo je-il jo-a-hae-yo) – Among Korean dishes, kimchi jjigae is my favorite.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned various ways to say “it is delicious” in Korean. Whether you find yourself in formal or informal situations, these phrases will enable you to express your admiration for the tantalizing flavors of Korean cuisine. Remember to expand your vocabulary, be expressive, and compliment specific dishes to enhance your language skills and impress your Korean friends or hosts. Now it’s time to enjoy the delightful flavors and share your newfound appreciation for Korean food!
