안 매워요
an maewoyo
The Korean phrase for "not spicy" is 안 매워요 (an maewoyo).
Used to describe food that does not have a hot or pungent taste.
What does it mean word for word?
The word '안' (an) means 'not' and '매워요' (maewoyo) means 'is spicy'.
How do you pronounce it?
an maewoyo
Did you know?
- The word 맵다 (maepda), the root of 매워요, can also describe a 'sharp' or 'stinging' sensation, such as the feeling of a cold winter wind on the skin.
- The root word for spicy is used in the expression 맵다 to describe someone who is very strict or has a 'sharp' personality.
- In Korea, some foods labeled as 안 매워요 (not spicy) may still be too hot for English speakers because the baseline for 'spicy' is higher in Korean cuisine.
Examples in context
- 맵지 않게 해주세요.Please make it not spicy.
- 조금 맵지 않게 해 주실 수 있나요?Could you make it a little less spicy, please?
- 조금 맵지 않게 해 줄래?Could you make it a little less spicy?
- 얼마나 매워요?How spicy is it?
- 이 음식은 안 매워요.i eumsigeun an maewoyo.This food is not spicy.
- 걱정 마세요, 전혀 안 매워요.geokjeong maseyo, jeonnyeo an maewoyo.Don't worry, it's not spicy at all.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are eating lunch together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨, 이거 매워요?Subin ssi, i-geo mae-wo-yo?Subin, is this spicy?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 안 매워요.a-ni-yo, an mae-wo-yo.No, it's not spicy.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo다행이네요. 저도 먹어볼게요.da-haeng-i-ne-yo. jeo-do meok-eo-bol-ge-yo.That's a relief. I'll try some too.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 정말 맛있어요.ne, jeong-mal ma-si-sseo-yo.Yes, it's really delicious.
