In Korean cuisine, spices play a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of dishes. However, whether due to personal preference or a sensitive palate, you may want to request your dish to be less spicy. To help you navigate this nuanced request, we will guide you through various ways to say “less spicy” in Korean, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Less Spicy” in Korean
When speaking in formal situations or with people you are less familiar with, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are several ways to convey your desire for a milder taste:
1. 적게 매운 맛으로 해주세요. (jeok-ge ma-eun mat-eu-ro hae-ju-se-yo)
Please make it less spicy.2. 매운 맛을 좀 덜 넣어주세요. (ma-eun mat-eul jom deol neo-eo-ju-se-yo)
Please put less spiciness.3. 매운 맛을 낮춰주세요. (ma-eun mat-eul nat-chwo-ju-se-yo)
Please reduce the spiciness.
Remember to always end your sentences politely by adding “주세요” (ju-se-yo), which means “please.”
Informal Ways to Say “Less Spicy” in Korean
In casual settings, with friends or family, or when speaking to someone younger, you can use more informal expressions. Here are a few ways to ask for less spiciness:
1. 좀 덜 맵게 해줘. (jom deol maep-ge hae-jwo)
Make it less spicy.2. 조금 덜 매워 주세요. (jo-geum deol mae-wo ju-se-yo)
Please make it a little less spicy.3. 매운 맛을 줄여 줄래? (ma-eun mat-eul jul-yeo jul-lae)
Could you reduce the spiciness?
Remember to use these phrases when you are in a comfortable and informal setting.
Common Phrases Regarding Spice Level
Here are a few additional phrases related to spice levels that may be helpful to know:
- 맵지 않아요. (maep-ji a-na-yo) – It’s not spicy.
- 조금 매워요. (jo-geum mae-wo-yo) – It’s a little spicy.
- 너무 매워요. (neo-mu mae-wo-yo) – It’s too spicy.
- 매운 거 싫어해요. (ma-eun geo shilh-eo-hae-yo) – I don’t like spicy food.
These phrases can be useful when describing your spice preferences to others or discussing the level of spiciness in a dish.
Additional Tips for Communicating Spice Preference
While knowing how to ask for “less spicy” is essential, here are some bonus tips to effectively communicate your spice preference:
- Use Hand Gestures: If you’re unsure if your request was understood, you can use hand gestures to indicate “less” by mimicking a pinch between your fingers or making a downward motion to imply reducing the spice level.
- Specify Degree of Spice: If you have a specific preference, you can express it by using words like “a little,” “moderate,” or “very” in combination with the phrases we’ve discussed. For example, “조금 매워주세요” (jo-geum mae-wo-ju-se-yo) means “Make it a little spicy.”
- Ask for Recommendations: If you are unsure about the spiciness level of the dish, you can ask the server or the person preparing the food for recommendations by saying, “매운 거 추천해 주세요” (ma-eun geo chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo) meaning “Please recommend something spicy.”
Remember, it’s always acceptable to politely ask questions and seek guidance when ordering food in Korean restaurants, as it shows your genuine interest and respect for the cuisine.
Regional Variations
While Korean cuisine is generally consistent across regions, it’s worth noting a slight variation in dialect when it comes to requesting less spicy food. In Busan, for example, people may use the word “조매” (jo-mae) instead of “조금” (jo-geum) as a regional preference. However, you can still use the standard phrases we mentioned earlier confidently, as they are widely understood throughout Korea.
With this guide, you now have the necessary tools to navigate requesting “less spicy” dishes in Korean. Remember to always be polite and considerate, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek recommendations when dining out. Enjoy your journey into the flavorful world of Korean cuisine!
