이 음식 맛있어요
i eumsik masisseoyo
The phrase "this food is good" is translated into Korean as 이 음식 맛있어요 (i eumsik masisseoyo).
This phrase is used to express that food has a pleasant taste. While English speakers might say food is "good" to describe its general quality, the Korean expression focuses specifically on the fact that the food is delicious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 이 음식 맛있어요 is composed of 이 (this), 음식 (food) and 맛있어요 (is delicious).
Which one should you use?
Adding 진짜 to the informal 맛있어 creates 진짜 맛있어, which emphasizes the deliciousness of the food.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the 요 at the end of 이 음식 맛있어요 results in the informal form 이 음식 맛있어. In professional settings or when speaking to someone of much higher status, the formal/polite version 맛있습니다 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
i eumsik masisseoyo
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific word 손맛 (hand taste) to describe the unique, delicious flavor a person adds to food through their skill and touch, regardless of the recipe.
- When expressing that food is incredibly delicious, Koreans often use the word 꿀 (honey) as an adverb, such as in 꿀맛 (honey taste).
- When eating in Korea, it is common to say 맛있어요 to the chef or host as a gesture of respect, as failing to comment on the taste can sometimes be interpreted as the food being mediocre.
Examples in context
- 이 음식 정말 맛있습니다.This food is really delicious.
- 이 음식 정말 맛있네요.This food is truly delicious.
- 이거 정말 맛있어!This is really delicious!
- 이게 진짜 맛있어!Wow, this is really delicious!
- 이 음식 맛있어요.i eum-sik mas-is-seo-yo.This food is good.
- 정말 이 음식 맛있어요!jeong-mal i eum-sik mas-is-seo-yo!This food is really good!
- 여기 이 음식 맛있어요?yeo-gi i eum-sik mas-is-seo-yo?Is this food good here?
Example conversation
Two friends are eating lunch at a local restaurant.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 이 음식 맛있어요?do-hyeon ssi, i eum-sik mas-is-seo-yo?Dohyun, is this food good?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 정말 맛있어요!ne, jeong-mal mas-is-seo-yo!Yes, it's really good!
- 서연 Seo-yeon다행이네요. 저도 먹어볼게요.da-haeng-i-ne-yo. jeo-do meok-eo-bol-ge-yo.That's a relief. I'll try some too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨도 맛있게 드세요.seo-yeon ssi-do mas-is-ge deu-se-yo.Enjoy your meal too, Seoyeon.
