How to Say "Thank You for the Meal" in Korean

잘 먹었습니다

jal meogeotseumnida

In Korean, "thank you for the meal" is said as 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseumnida).

This phrase is used specifically after finishing a meal to express gratitude to the host or cook. It can mean "I ate well" or "It was delicious."

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase 잘 먹었습니다 literally translates to "I ate well."

Do not confuse the post-meal expression 잘 먹었습니다 with 잘 먹겠습니다, which is said before starting a meal to mean "I will eat well."

The informal version is 잘 먹었어.

jal meogeotseumnida

If you are eating with a superior or elder, it is customary to wait for them to put down their utensils or finish their meal before you say 잘 먹었습니다 and leave the table.
The word 잘 used in this phrase is of native Korean origin.
In many Korean households, if you are a guest, you might say 잘 먹었습니다 while making a slight bow towards the kitchen or the host to show respect.

오늘 저녁 식사 정말 잘 먹었어요. 특히 김치찌개가 너무 맛있었어요
I really enjoyed tonight's meal. Especially the kimchi stew was so delicious.
잘 먹었습니다.
jal meogeossseumnida.
Thank you for the meal.
정말 잘 먹었습니다.
jeongmal jal meogeossseumnida.
I really enjoyed the meal.

Jieun and Minjun have finished a delicious dinner at Minjun's house.

지은 Ji-eun

민준 씨, 정말 잘 먹었습니다.
Minjun ssi, jeongmal jal meogeossseumnida.
Minjun, thank you so much for the meal.
민준 Min-jun

아니에요, 지은 씨도 맛있게 드셨다니 다행이에요.
anieyo, Jieun ssi-do masissge deusyeotdani dahaeng-ieyo.
Not at all, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jieun.
지은 Ji-eun

정말 맛있었어요.
jeongmal masisseosseoyo.
It was truly delicious.
민준 Min-jun

다음에 또 초대할게요.
da-eume tto chodae-halgeyo.
I will invite you again next time.

Sources

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