Signification
A polite phrase said before starting a meal.
Contexte culturel
Table manners are very important. You should wait for the oldest person to start eating before you say '잘 먹겠습니다' and pick up your spoon. In business, the person with the highest rank usually pays. The subordinates must say '잘 먹겠습니다' clearly to acknowledge the favor. On social media, people often post photos of their food with the caption '잘 먹겠습니다' or the hashtag #잘먹겠습니다. In school cafeterias, students often say this to the cafeteria workers as they receive their trays.
Say it with a nod
A small nod or bow while saying this phrase makes you look much more natural and polite.
Don't be too quiet
In a group, it's better to say it clearly so the host can hear your gratitude.
Signification
A polite phrase said before starting a meal.
Say it with a nod
A small nod or bow while saying this phrase makes you look much more natural and polite.
Don't be too quiet
In a group, it's better to say it clearly so the host can hear your gratitude.
The 'Treat' Rule
If someone says '내가 낼게' (I'll pay), respond immediately with '잘 먹겠습니다!' to show you accept the favor graciously.
Wait for the elders
Even after saying the phrase, don't take the first bite until the eldest person at the table does.
Teste-toi
Which phrase should you say BEFORE you start eating at a friend's house?
식사 전에 뭐라고 말해요?
잘 먹겠습니다 is the correct phrase for before a meal. 잘 먹었습니다 is for after.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: 오늘 점심은 내가 살게요. (I'll buy lunch today.) Employee: 와! ________.
When someone treats you, it is polite to say thank you and then '잘 먹겠습니다'.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who says '맛있게 드세요' (Enjoy your meal)?
The host or cook says '맛있게 드세요', while the eater says '잘 먹겠습니다'.
Fill in the missing part of the casual version of the phrase.
친구야, 잘 ______.
'잘 먹을게' is the casual (banmal) version used with friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices식사 전에 뭐라고 말해요?
잘 먹겠습니다 is the correct phrase for before a meal. 잘 먹었습니다 is for after.
Boss: 오늘 점심은 내가 살게요. (I'll buy lunch today.) Employee: 와! ________.
When someone treats you, it is polite to say thank you and then '잘 먹겠습니다'.
Who says '맛있게 드세요' (Enjoy your meal)?
The host or cook says '맛있게 드세요', while the eater says '잘 먹겠습니다'.
친구야, 잘 ______.
'잘 먹을게' is the casual (banmal) version used with friends.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say '감사합니다' (Thank you) to a waiter. '잘 먹겠습니다' is usually directed at the group or the person paying/cooking.
Not really for the formal version. For friends, you can just say '잘 먹을게'.
You don't have to, but some Koreans do it as a habit or a way to appreciate the food.
You should still say it! It's about the effort of the provider, not your personal taste.
No, it is a secular social expression, though it serves a similar social function to 'saying grace'.
Yes! Adding '맛있게' (deliciously) makes it sound like you are even more excited about the food.
-겠습니다 is more formal and sounds like a declaration. -을게요 is more casual and sounds like a promise to the listener.
Yes, you can say it to your table companions before everyone starts eating their first plate.
Saying 'I will eat well' in English sounds a bit strange. It's better to use the Korean phrase or say 'This looks great, thank you!'
Don't worry too much, but try to make up for it by saying '잘 먹었습니다' (I ate well) very enthusiastically at the end!
Expressions liées
잘 먹었습니다
contrastI ate well / Thank you for the meal (past tense)
맛있게 드세요
similarPlease eat deliciously / Enjoy your meal
많이 드세요
similarPlease eat a lot
식사 하셨어요?
builds onHave you had a meal?
한턱 쏘다
specialized formTo treat someone to a meal
