Significado
A polite phrase said before a meal, expressing gratitude for the food.
Contexto cultural
Table manners are a reflection of one's character. Saying '잘 먹겠습니다' loudly and clearly is seen as a sign of a healthy, energetic, and well-mannered person. You should wait for the eldest person at the table to pick up their spoon before you say '잘 먹겠습니다' and start eating. Koreans use this phrase frequently in text messages when receiving digital gift cards for food or coffee. In temple stays, the phrase is replaced by a more complex chant, but the sentiment of 'not wasting a single grain' is the same.
The Bow Factor
A small 15-degree bow while saying this will make you look like a pro at Korean etiquette.
Don't be too quiet
Mumbling this phrase can seem insincere. Say it with a bright, clear voice!
Significado
A polite phrase said before a meal, expressing gratitude for the food.
The Bow Factor
A small 15-degree bow while saying this will make you look like a pro at Korean etiquette.
Don't be too quiet
Mumbling this phrase can seem insincere. Say it with a bright, clear voice!
The 'Treat' Rule
If someone older is paying, you MUST say this. It's the 'payment' they expect in return for the meal.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to show polite gratitude before a meal.
어머니, _____ 먹겠습니다!
'잘' (well) is the necessary adverb to complete this set expression.
Match the phrase to the correct timing.
When do you say '잘 먹겠습니다'?
This phrase is specifically for the moment before you begin eating.
Choose the most natural response for a business dinner where the boss is paying.
Boss: '자, 많이들 들게.' (Here, everyone eat a lot.) You: '_________________'
You must use the formal form and address the boss to show proper respect.
Which of these is the informal version used with close friends?
Select the casual form:
The '-게' ending is used for casual promises or intentions among equals.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Who are you eating with?
Boss/Elder
- • 잘 먹겠습니다 (Formal)
Friend
- • 잘 먹을게 (Informal)
Colleague
- • 잘 먹을게요 (Polite)
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios어머니, _____ 먹겠습니다!
'잘' (well) is the necessary adverb to complete this set expression.
When do you say '잘 먹겠습니다'?
This phrase is specifically for the moment before you begin eating.
Boss: '자, 많이들 들게.' (Here, everyone eat a lot.) You: '_________________'
You must use the formal form and address the boss to show proper respect.
Select the casual form:
The '-게' ending is used for casual promises or intentions among equals.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasUsually, no. It's a social phrase. However, some people say it to themselves or to the food out of habit or mindfulness.
Yes! It's very polite to say it when they place the food on the table.
No, it is a secular cultural expression, though it serves a similar social function to 'saying grace'.
You still say it! It's about the effort of the person who provided it, not your personal taste.
Yes, you can say '잘 마시겠습니다' (I will drink well), but '잘 먹겠습니다' is also commonly used for snacks and drinks.
It's '잘 먹을게' (Jal meok-eul-ge). Use this only with people younger than you or very close friends.
Say it once you are seated and the food is in front of you, just before you pick up your utensils.
If they are treating you, you should still use a polite form like '잘 먹을게요' to show appreciation for the treat.
It's less common but still a nice gesture to the person behind the counter.
If you are the host, you can say '네, 많이 드세요' (Yes, please eat a lot).
Frases relacionadas
잘 먹었습니다
contrastI ate well / Thank you for the meal (Past tense)
맛있게 드세요
similarPlease eat deliciously / Enjoy your meal
식사 하셨어요?
builds onHave you eaten?
많이 드세요
similarPlease eat a lot
