Significado
A polite phrase said after finishing a meal.
Contexto cultural
Saying this phrase is often accompanied by a slight bow of the head. It is considered rude to leave the table without saying anything, as it implies you didn't enjoy the food or don't appreciate the effort. The person who is the most senior (oldest or highest rank) usually pays. The juniors must say '잘 먹었습니다' clearly and loudly to show they acknowledge the treat. Children are taught from a very young age to say this to their parents or grandparents. It is one of the first 'etiquette' phrases a Korean child learns. On social media or YouTube, 'Mukbang' creators often start with '잘 먹겠습니다' and end their videos with '잘 먹었습니다' to maintain a sense of politeness with their audience.
The Bow
Even a tiny nod of the head while saying this makes you look 10x more fluent and culturally aware.
Don't skip it
Even if you paid for the meal yourself, saying this to the restaurant staff is a sign of high character in Korea.
Significado
A polite phrase said after finishing a meal.
The Bow
Even a tiny nod of the head while saying this makes you look 10x more fluent and culturally aware.
Don't skip it
Even if you paid for the meal yourself, saying this to the restaurant staff is a sign of high character in Korea.
Add '맛있게'
Saying '맛있게 잘 먹었습니다' (I ate well and it was delicious) is the ultimate compliment to any cook.
Coffee counts too
You can use this after someone buys you a coffee or a small snack, not just a full meal.
Ponte a prueba
You just finished a delicious dinner at your Korean friend's house. What do you say to their mother?
식사가 끝났습니다. 뭐라고 할까요?
Since the meal is finished, you must use the past tense '잘 먹었습니다'.
Complete the sentence with the correct past tense form.
정말 맛있게 잘 ________.
The adverb '맛있게' (deliciously) combined with the post-meal context requires the past tense formal form.
Match the phrase to the correct timing.
When do you say '잘 먹었습니다'?
This phrase is specifically for the conclusion of the meal.
Fill in the blank in this restaurant dialogue.
손님: (Paying at the counter) ________. 여기 카드요. 주인: 네, 감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요.
When paying at a restaurant, it is standard to tell the owner you ate well.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Formality Levels
Formal
- • 잘 먹었습니다
Polite
- • 잘 먹었어요
Informal
- • 잘 먹었어
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios식사가 끝났습니다. 뭐라고 할까요?
Since the meal is finished, you must use the past tense '잘 먹었습니다'.
정말 맛있게 잘 ________.
The adverb '맛있게' (deliciously) combined with the post-meal context requires the past tense formal form.
When do you say '잘 먹었습니다'?
This phrase is specifically for the conclusion of the meal.
손님: (Paying at the counter) ________. 여기 카드요. 주인: 네, 감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요.
When paying at a restaurant, it is standard to tell the owner you ate well.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but use the informal '잘 먹었어' (Jal meogeosseo) instead.
You should still say it. It's a social ritual of gratitude for the effort, not necessarily a review of the taste.
It's okay, but '잘 먹었습니다' is much more natural and expected in a dining context.
Both are fine! Usually, you say it to whoever is nearby as you finish, or to the cashier as you pay.
'잘 먹겠습니다' is 'I will eat well' (before), and '잘 먹었습니다' is 'I ate well' (after).
Yes, it's perfectly fine for any instance where someone provided food for you.
You can say '배부르게 잘 먹었습니다' (I ate well and am full).
You can say '잘 마셨습니다' (I drank well) for tea or coffee.
Most people don't say it out loud if they are alone, but some do it out of habit or to show respect to the food.
You can say it to the staff when you leave the restaurant.
Frases relacionadas
잘 먹겠습니다
contrastI will eat well (said before a meal).
맛있게 드세요
similarPlease eat deliciously.
배불러요
builds onI am full.
식사하셨어요?
similarHave you eaten?
잘 마셨습니다
specialized formI drank well.
