Meaning
A polite offering of food or drink.
Cultural Background
The 'Spoon First' Rule: In formal settings, you should not pick up your utensils or start eating until the eldest person at the table has said '드세요' or has taken their first bite. Sharing is Caring: Korean meals are often communal. Offering the best piece of meat to an elder while saying '이것 좀 드셔 보세요' is a sign of great filial piety. The 'Service' Culture: In restaurants, if a waiter brings free food, they will almost always say '서비스예요, 드셔 보세요' (It's service, please try it). Drinking Etiquette: When an elder offers you a drink and says '드세요', you should turn your head away slightly while drinking as a sign of respect.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that the root is 들다. When you add the honorific -시-, the 'ㄹ' disappears. This happens to all verbs ending in 'ㄹ' (like 살다 -> 사세요).
Wait for the Elder
Even if you say '드세요', don't start eating yourself until they actually pick up their spoon. It's the ultimate polite move.
Meaning
A polite offering of food or drink.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that the root is 들다. When you add the honorific -시-, the 'ㄹ' disappears. This happens to all verbs ending in 'ㄹ' (like 살다 -> 사세요).
Wait for the Elder
Even if you say '드세요', don't start eating yourself until they actually pick up their spoon. It's the ultimate polite move.
Self-Honorifics
Never say '저 비빔밥 드세요' (I am eating bibimbap). It makes you sound like you think you are a king/queen!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to say to your boss when the food arrives.
부장님, 비빔밥 _______.
You must use the honorific '드세요' for a superior like a '부장님' (Manager).
Fill in the blank to wish someone a good meal.
_______ 드세요.
'맛있게 드세요' is the standard way to say 'Enjoy your meal'.
Match the phrase to the person you are speaking to.
Who would you say '드세요' to?
Honorifics are for elders and people you respect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 커피 좀 드릴까요? B: 네, 감사합니다. A: 여기 있습니다. _______.
When handing a drink to someone politely, '드세요' is the correct invitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises부장님, 비빔밥 _______.
You must use the honorific '드세요' for a superior like a '부장님' (Manager).
_______ 드세요.
'맛있게 드세요' is the standard way to say 'Enjoy your meal'.
Who would you say '드세요' to?
Honorifics are for elders and people you respect.
A: 커피 좀 드릴까요? B: 네, 감사합니다. A: 여기 있습니다. _______.
When handing a drink to someone politely, '드세요' is the correct invitation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! In Korean, '드세요' is the honorific for both 'eat' and 'drink'.
'잡수세요' is a higher honorific, usually reserved for very elderly people like grandparents. '드세요' is more common for general polite use.
You should say '네, 잘 먹겠습니다' (Yes, I will eat well/thank you for the meal).
Yes, '드셔요' is the original form, but '드세요' is much more common in modern Seoul speech.
No, it would sound very strange. Use '먹어' (meok-eo) instead.
Use '드세요' when offering coffee or snacks to clients or superiors. It's perfectly professional.
Yes, '가방을 드세요' means 'Please lift the bag'. Context is key!
Absolutely. It's very common to text '점심 맛있게 드세요' to friends or colleagues.
It's a standard service phrase. They are wishing you a good meal as they leave the table.
Yes, '약 드세요' is the polite way to tell someone to take their medicine.
Related Phrases
잡수시다
specialized formTo eat (higher honorific)
먹다
synonymTo eat (plain)
마시다
synonymTo drink (plain)
식사 {食事|식사} 하시다
similarTo have a meal
맛있게 드세요
builds onEnjoy your meal
