Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “What are you eating?” in Korean. Whether you’re visiting Korea, have Korean friends, or simply have an interest in the Korean language and culture, knowing how to ask about food is always valuable. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to inquire about someone’s meal. You’ll also find tips, examples, and a brief mention of regional variations. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Way: “What Are You Eating?”
When addressing someone in a formal setting or showing respect, you can use the following phrase:
“무엇을 드시고 계세요?” (mueos-eul deusi-go gyeseyo?)
This phrase consists of two parts: “무엇을” (mueos-eul), meaning “what,” and “드시고 계세요” (deusi-go gyeseyo), which is a formal form of “are you eating.” Together, it translates to “What are you eating?”
Here’s an example of how to use this phrase:
나: 존경하는 교수님, 무엇을 드시고 계세요? (na: jongyeonghaneun gyosunim, mueos-eul deusi-go gyeseyo?)
Professor: 저는 혼자서 밥을 먹고 있어요. (jeoneun honjaseo bapeul meokgo isseoyo.)
In this example, “나” (na) is the speaker referring to themselves, and “교수님” (gyosunim) means “professor.” The professor responds by saying, “I’m eating alone.”
Informal Way: “What Are You Eating?”
When talking to friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can use the informal phrase:
“뭐 먹고 있어?” (mwo meokgo isseo?)
This phrase is a shortened form that still translates to “What are you eating?” in Korean. Here’s an example:
친구: 언니, 뭐 먹고 있어? (chingu: eonni, mwo meokgo isseo?)
Sister: 아빠랑 함께 고기를 먹고 있어요. (appa rang hamkke gogireul meokgo isseoyo.)
In this informal conversation, “친구” (chingu) means “friend,” and “언니” (eonni) means “sister.” The sister replies by saying, “I’m eating meat with dad.”
Additional Tips and Examples
1. Be Mindful of Politeness Levels
In Korean culture, politeness is highly valued. It’s crucial to use the appropriate level of formality based on the relationship and social context. If unsure, it’s better to err on the side of politeness.
2. Substitute “먹고 있어” with “먹어?” for a Casual Tone
In informal settings, you can further simplify the phrase by using “먹어?” (meogeo?) instead of “먹고 있어?” (meokgo isseo?). This change adds a more casual tone.
3. Add Food-specific Vocabulary
If you want to ask about a specific type of food, you can include food-related vocabulary in your question. For example:
- “뭐 드시고 계세요? 고기 먹고 있어요?” (mwo deusi-go gyeseyo? gogi meokgo isseoyo?) – “What are you eating? Are you eating meat?”
- “뭐 먹고 있어? 김치 반찬 먹고 있어?” (mwo meokgo isseo? kimchi banchan meokgo isseo?) – “What are you eating? Are you eating kimchi side dishes?”
4. Regional Variations
While there are no significant variations in how to ask “What are you eating?” among regions in Korea, it’s worth noting that local dialects or accents may slightly alter the pronunciation of certain words.
5. Context Matters
Remember that context is essential in any language. Asking about food can change depending on the situation. For instance, if you’re in a restaurant, you may ask:
“무엇을 주문하셨어요?” (mueos-eul jumunhasyeosseoyo?) – “What did you order?”
While this question doesn’t specifically refer to what someone is currently eating, it’s common when dining out.
Congratulations! You now have the knowledge to ask the question “What are you eating?” in formal and informal settings in Korean. Remember to consider politeness levels, utilize context-specific vocabulary, and always keep learning. Enjoy exploring the delicious world of Korean cuisine!
