Welcome to your guide on how to express your appreciation for a tasty meal in Korean! When it comes to complimenting someone’s cooking or expressing your satisfaction with a dish, it’s always nice to know the appropriate phrases and variations to use. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “That was delicious” in Korean, without forgetting to mention any regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “That Was Delicious” in Korean
If you find yourself in a formal setting or want to show respect to the person who prepared the meal, these expressions will suit you perfectly:
“Mashita.”
The most common and straightforward phrase is “Mashita” (맛있었습니다) which literally translates to “It was delicious.” This polite expression is appropriate to use when dining at a fancy restaurant or enjoying a meal at someone’s home. By using this phrase, you are showing your respect and gratitude to the cook or the establishment where the food was prepared.
“Jeil Mashita.”
To express an even deeper level of appreciation, you can use “Jeil Mashita” (제일 맛있었습니다) which means “It was the most delicious.” By using this phrase, you are emphasizing that the dish was exceptionally tasty and memorable. This is a great way to let the cook know that their meal truly stood out.
Informal Ways to Say “That Was Delicious” in Korean
When you are in a casual setting, dining with friends or close acquaintances, you can use these less formal phrases:
“Mashiseo.”
A popular informal expression that people use to say “That was delicious” is “Mashiseo” (맛있어). This phrase is casual and can be used among friends or family members. It’s a simple yet effective way to show your satisfaction and enjoyment of the food you just ate.
“Mashiketda.”
Another way to say “That was delicious” informally is “Mashiketda” (맛있었다), which is more commonly used in spoken conversations. This phrase conveys a high level of satisfaction and is perfect to use when you are enjoying a home-cooked meal at a close friend’s place or in a laid-back environment.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and can be used throughout Korea, it’s worth noting that there might be minor variations based on different regional dialects. However, these variations are not necessary for daily conversation, so we’ll focus on the standard variations mentioned earlier.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the art of saying “That was delicious” in Korean:
1. Tone and Expression
Remember that when expressing appreciation in Korean, your tone and facial expression play a vital role. Combining the words with a warm smile and a genuine compliment will make your appreciation even more heartfelt.
Example:
“Pada isseumyeon jeil mashita!” (파다 있으면 제일 맛있었습니다!) – “It was the most delicious when paired with green onions!”
2. Complimenting the Cook
It’s customary to direct your compliment either to the person who cooked the meal or to address the restaurant staff if you are dining out. This shows your appreciation and respect for the chef’s culinary skills.
Example:
“Gajang joh-eun jibbapieossda.” (가장 좋은 집밥이었어요.) – “It was the best homemade meal.”
3. Be Specific
Avoid simply saying “That was delicious” and try to add more specific adjectives or phrases to describe the taste or highlight a particular ingredient. This adds depth to your compliment and shows your attention to detail.
Example:
“Hwega meokgo jjang matseupnida!” (회가 먹고 창 맞습니다!) – “The raw fish was so fresh and flavorful!”
4. Beyond “That Was Delicious”
While complimenting the taste of the food is important, don’t forget to appreciate the overall dining experience. Consider praising the restaurant’s ambiance, presentation, or service, especially if it significantly enhanced your enjoyment of the meal.
Example:
“Eomi rogeo mannaseo jeongmal haengbokhaesseoyo.” (어미 로거 만남서 정말 행복했어요.) – “I was really happy with the warm atmosphere and hospitality.”
Now armed with these valuable expressions, you are ready to impress your Korean friends, hosts, or restaurant staff by showering them with heartfelt compliments about their delicious food!
