잘 먹겠습니다
jal meokgessseumnida
In Korean, the phrase equivalent to 'itadakimasu' is 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgessseumnida).
This phrase is used to express gratitude to the person who prepared the meal or the person providing it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 잘 (well), 먹 (the stem for eat) and 겠습니다 (a formal future tense marker/expresses intention). Literally, it means 'I will eat well'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is the standard polite form used when eating with elders, superiors or in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
jal meokgessseumnida
Did you know?
- The verb root 먹 is so central to food culture that it is used in phrases like 욕을 먹다, which literally means 'to eat insults' or to be scolded.
- The root 먹 used in this polite phrase is the same one found in the word 먹보, which is a playful or slightly insulting way to call someone a 'glutton'.
- In very traditional households, saying 잘 먹겠습니다 may be accompanied by a slight bow toward the person who prepared the meal to show respect.
Examples in context
- 잘 먹겠습니다.jal meokgetseumnida.I will eat well (I will enjoy this meal).
- 정말 잘 먹겠습니다!jeongmal jal meokgetseumnida!I will really enjoy this meal!
- 엄마, 잘 먹겠습니다.eomma, jal meokgetseumnida.Mom, I'll enjoy the meal.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are sitting down for dinner at home.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 이제 밥 먹자.Jieuna, ije bap meokja.Jieun, let's eat now.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 잘 먹겠습니다!ne, jal meokgetseumnida!Yes, I will eat well!
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 잘 먹겠습니다.nado jal meokgetseumnida.I will eat well too.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 음식 정말 맛있네요.i eumsik jeongmal masitneyo.This food is really delicious.
