간식
gansik[ˈka̠(ː)nɕʰik̚]
In Korean, 'treat' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. The default form is 간식 (gansik).
Meaning: to handle, deal with or behave towards in a specific way (verb)
Which one should you use?
사주다 is used for the act of paying for something for someone else and 대접 refers to providing hospitality.
How do you pronounce it?
gansik
Did you know?
- When someone says 내가 쏠게 to offer a treat, they are using a slang term that literally means 'I will shoot'.
- In Korea, it is common for people to alternate who treats the other in a cycle of reciprocal giving to maintain social balance.
- The word 간식 literally translates to 'between food', referring to the eating of something in the interval between main meals.
Examples in context
- 오늘 점심은 제가 대접드릴게요.I'll treat you to lunch today.
- 너무 맛있는 디저트를 먹자! 내가 사줄게.Let's have some delicious dessert! I'll treat you.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about how they interact with friends.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨는 친구들을 어떻게 대해요?Subin ssineun chingudeureul eotteoke daehaeyo?Subin, how do you treat your friends?
- 수빈 Su-bin저는 친구들을 간식처럼 소중하게 대해요.jeoneun chingudeureul gansik-cheoreom sojunghage daehaeyo.I treat my friends preciously, like snacks.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 다정하시네요.jeongmal dajeonghasineyo.You are really sweet.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨도 그렇게 대해 보세요.Jihoon ssido geureoke daehae boseyo.Jihoon, you should try treating them that way too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 간식, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 간식, CC BY-SA 4.0.
