Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use '이거 맛없어요' to politely but clearly express that a dish does not taste good.
- Means: This food is not tasty or does not have a good flavor.
- Used in: Restaurants, home cooking, or when declining food politely.
- Don't confuse: '맛없어요' (tasteless/bad) with '맛있어요' (delicious).
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
Used to describe food that does not taste good.
Cultural Background
Directly saying food is bad can be seen as a critique of the cook's effort. People often use 'bimyō' (subtle) to avoid saying something is bad.
Politeness
If you are at a friend's house, say '배가 불러요' (I'm full) instead of '맛없어요'.
Politeness
If you are at a friend's house, say '배가 불러요' (I'm full) instead of '맛없어요'.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct way to say 'This is not tasty'?
이거 ____.
맛없어요 is the correct formal form.
🎉 Score: /1
Practice Bank
2 exercises이거 ____.
맛없어요 is the correct formal form.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is too direct. Use a softer phrase.
Related Phrases
맛있어요
contrastIt is delicious.
입맛에 안 맞아요
similarIt doesn't suit my taste.
Where to Use It
At a restaurant
Customer: 이거 맛없어요. 바꿔주세요.
With a friend
Friend: 이거 맛없어?
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Mat' (mat) that is 'Up' (upside down) and 'Soyo' (so-so). It's not tasty!
Visual Association
A person pushing away a plate with a frown.
Story
Min-su went to a new cafe. He took one bite of the cake. He frowned and said, '이거 맛없어요.' The waiter looked sad.
In Other Languages
Similar to 'It's not good' in English or 'No me gusta' in Spanish.
Word Web
Challenge
Say this phrase when you eat something you don't like today.
Review in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days.
Pronunciation
The 'ㅅ' in '맛' links to the '없' sound.
Formality Spectrum
이거 맛없습니다. (General)
이거 맛없어요. (General)
이거 맛없어. (General)
이거 노맛이야. (General)
The word '맛' (taste) has been used since the Middle Korean period. '없다' (to not exist) is a foundational verb.
Fun Fact
The opposite '맛있어요' is one of the first words tourists learn.
Cultural Notes
Directly saying food is bad can be seen as a critique of the cook's effort.
“이거 맛없어요.”
People often use 'bimyō' (subtle) to avoid saying something is bad.
“微妙ですね。”
Conversation Starters
이 식당 음식 어때요?
Common Mistakes
이거 맛이 없어요
이거 맛없어요
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Esto no sabe bien
Korean is more direct.
Ce n'est pas bon
French is slightly more common in daily use.
Das schmeckt nicht
German is structurally very similar.
これ、美味しくないです
Japanese is slightly more polite.
هذا ليس لذيذاً
Arabic is more formal.
Spotted in the Real World
“이거 진짜 맛없어요!”
A food challenge segment.
Easily Confused
Sounds similar to 맛없어요.
Listen for the '없' (eop) sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
No, it is too direct. Use a softer phrase.
usage contexts
