Whether you’re visiting Korea or simply enjoying Korean cuisine in your own country, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with basic Korean food vocabulary. One important phrase to know is how to say “not spicy” in Korean. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal expressions for “not spicy” and provide examples for better understanding. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
In formal settings, such as restaurants or when speaking to someone older or of higher social status, it’s respectful to use more polite language. Here are some phrases to help you communicate that you want your food to be “not spicy” formally:
1. 맵지 않게 해주세요. (Maepji anhke haeyo) – Please make it not spicy.
This expression is a polite request to make the food less spicy. When ordering, you can use this sentence to kindly ask for a milder option that suits your taste.
2. 조금 맵지 않게 해 주실 수 있나요? (Jogeum maepji anhke hae jusil su innayo?) – Could you make it a little less spicy, please?
If you prefer your dish to have only a slight reduction in spice levels, this phrase is perfect. It politely asks if the kitchen staff can accommodate your request.
Informal Expressions
In casual settings or when speaking with close friends or peers, it’s common to use more relaxed language. Here are informal expressions to use when you want to say “not spicy” in Korean:
1. 맵지 않아 줘. (Maepji anha jwo) – Make it not spicy.
This informal expression removes the formalities found in the previous phrase but still conveys the same meaning. You can often use this when speaking with friends or in a casual restaurant setting.
2. 조금 맵지 않게 해 줄래? (Jogeum maepji anhke hae jullae?) – Could you make it a little less spicy?
This friendly request is similar to its formal counterpart but follows an informal tone. It can be used when you want to ask someone you are comfortable with to make your food less spicy.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you navigate these phrases and understand their context:
Tips:
- Always be polite when speaking to waitstaff or people you’re unfamiliar with.
- If you want to emphasize your request, you can add “정말로” (jeongmallo) before the phrase. This means “really” or “truly.” For example, “정말로 맵지 않게 해주세요” (jeongmallo maepji anhke haeyo) means “Please make it really not spicy.”
- If you’re unsure about the level of spiciness, you can ask “얼마나 매워요?” (eolmana maewoyo?), which means “How spicy is it?” This will give you an idea of the dish’s spiciness before you make your request.
Examples:
Formal:
Waiter: 안녕하세요, 주문하시겠어요? (Annyeonghaseyo, jumunhasigesseoyo?) – Hello, are you ready to order?
You: 맵지 않게 해주세요. (Maepji anhke haeyo) – Please make it not spicy.
Informal:
Friend: 뭐 먹을래? (Mwo meogeullae?) – What do you want to eat?
You: 맵지 않아 줘. (Maepji anha jwo) – Make it not spicy.
Considering spice levels:
You: 얼마나 매워요? (Eolmana maewoyo?) – How spicy is it?
Waiter: 조금 매워요. (Jogeum maewoyo) – It’s a little spicy.
You: 조금 맵지 않게 해 주실 수 있나요? (Jogeum maepji anhke hae jusil su innayo?) – Could you make it a little less spicy, please?
Now armed with these phrases, you’ll be able to confidently communicate your preference for “not spicy” dishes in Korean. Remember to always maintain a friendly and respectful tone, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or use the examples provided. Have a great time exploring Korean cuisine without the heat!
