Signification
A polite encouragement to enjoy food at a leisurely pace.
Contexte culturel
The 'Pali-pali' (hurry-hurry) culture is a hallmark of modern Korea, but the dinner table is where this is traditionally resisted. '천천히 드세요' is a linguistic attempt to preserve a space for relaxation. Korean dining etiquette is heavily influenced by Confucianism, where the order of eating and the pace are determined by age. The senior person usually starts the meal. In Korea, indigestion (체하다) is a common cultural concern. Eating slowly is seen as a primary way to prevent this, making the phrase both a social and a health-related wish. In Korean service culture, the 'customer is king' mentality means that waitstaff use highly honorific language. '천천히 드세요' is part of a script designed to show maximum respect.
Pair it up
Combine it with '맛있게 드세요' (Enjoy your meal) to sound like a native pro. '맛있게 천천히 드세요!'
Watch the Hierarchy
If you are the youngest at the table, wait for others to start or for the host to say this before you dig in too aggressively.
Signification
A polite encouragement to enjoy food at a leisurely pace.
Pair it up
Combine it with '맛있게 드세요' (Enjoy your meal) to sound like a native pro. '맛있게 천천히 드세요!'
Watch the Hierarchy
If you are the youngest at the table, wait for others to start or for the host to say this before you dig in too aggressively.
The 'Jeong' Factor
Saying this shows you are looking out for the other person's well-being, which is the core of Korean social bonding.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate phrase for a waiter to say to a customer after serving food.
주문하신 김치찌개 나왔습니다. ________.
'천천히 드세요' is the standard polite way for service staff to encourage customers to enjoy their meal.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her child.
아이: 엄마, 배고파요! (Starts eating very fast) 엄마: 아이고, ________. 체하겠다.
A mother speaking to her child uses the informal '먹어' rather than the honorific '드세요.'
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match '천천히 잡수세요' to its best context.
'잡수시다' is a high honorific used for elders like grandparents.
Fill in the blank with the correct adverb.
음식이 아주 뜨거워요. _______ 드세요.
Since the food is hot, the most logical advice is to eat 'slowly' (천천히).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Honorific Levels of 'Eat Slowly'
Banque d exercices
4 exercices주문하신 김치찌개 나왔습니다. ________.
'천천히 드세요' is the standard polite way for service staff to encourage customers to enjoy their meal.
아이: 엄마, 배고파요! (Starts eating very fast) 엄마: 아이고, ________. 체하겠다.
A mother speaking to her child uses the informal '먹어' rather than the honorific '드세요.'
Match '천천히 잡수세요' to its best context.
'잡수시다' is a high honorific used for elders like grandparents.
음식이 아주 뜨거워요. _______ 드세요.
Since the food is hot, the most logical advice is to eat 'slowly' (천천히).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's better if the boss says it to you. If you say it, make sure it sounds like a warm wish for their comfort, not an instruction.
Only if said to someone older or a stranger. To a friend or child, it is perfectly warm and normal.
'드세요' is the standard polite form. '잡수세요' is a higher honorific used for the elderly.
You say it as the food is being served or just as everyone is about to pick up their chopsticks.
Yes! Since '드시다' covers both eating and drinking, you can say it when serving tea or coffee.
The best response is '네, 감사합니다' (Yes, thank you) or '잘 먹겠습니다' (I will eat well).
Yes, if you are sending a gift icon (like a Starbucks coupon) or if you know someone is about to have a meal.
Not necessarily. It's a social cue to relax. However, if the food is very hot, it might be a literal warning!
It's a mix of traditional etiquette (showing you aren't greedy) and health (preventing indigestion).
Yes, this is also very polite and common. It literally means 'Please have your meal slowly.'
Expressions liées
맛있게 드세요
similarEnjoy your meal (lit. Eat deliciously).
많이 드세요
similarEat a lot.
잘 먹겠습니다
builds onI will eat well.
편하게 드세요
synonymEat comfortably.
