Meaning
To consume a meal at a commercial eating establishment.
Cultural Background
In Korea, it is common for the person who invited others to pay for the entire meal. Splitting the bill (Dutch pay) is becoming more common among younger generations, but the 'one person pays' culture is still strong in professional and family settings. Many Korean restaurants specialize in only one type of dish (e.g., a Galbi-tang place, a Naengmyeon place). This is different from the 'general menu' style common in many Western restaurants. The concept of 'Service' (서비스) in Korean restaurants refers to free food or drinks given by the owner to show hospitality, especially if you are a regular or ordered a lot. Calling the server is often done by shouting 'Yeogiyo!' (Over here!) or pressing a call button on the table, which can be surprising to those from cultures where this is considered rude.
Use '에서' for Action
Remember: If you are doing something (eating, sleeping, studying), use '에서'. If you are just there, use '에'.
Honorifics Matter
Never say '먹다' to your boss or grandparents. Use '드시다' to avoid sounding rude.
Meaning
To consume a meal at a commercial eating establishment.
Use '에서' for Action
Remember: If you are doing something (eating, sleeping, studying), use '에서'. If you are just there, use '에'.
Honorifics Matter
Never say '먹다' to your boss or grandparents. Use '드시다' to avoid sounding rude.
The 'Mat-jib' Shortcut
Instead of just saying '식당', use '맛집' (delicious house) to sound more like a native speaker when talking about a place you like.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle.
저는 오늘 식당____ 먹었어요.
The particle '에서' is used to indicate the location where an action (eating) takes place.
Choose the most polite way to say 'My grandfather eats at a restaurant.'
할아버지께서...
'드시다' is the honorific form of '먹다', which must be used for elders.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 오늘 저녁에 요리할 거야? B: 아니, 귀찮아서 그냥 ____.
The context implies the speaker doesn't want to cook, so eating at a restaurant is the logical choice.
Match the phrase to the situation: '외식하다'
Which situation best fits '외식하다'?
'외식하다' implies a more formal or planned event of dining out.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 오늘 식당____ 먹었어요.
The particle '에서' is used to indicate the location where an action (eating) takes place.
할아버지께서...
'드시다' is the honorific form of '먹다', which must be used for elders.
A: 오늘 저녁에 요리할 거야? B: 아니, 귀찮아서 그냥 ____.
The context implies the speaker doesn't want to cook, so eating at a restaurant is the logical choice.
Which situation best fits '외식하다'?
'외식하다' implies a more formal or planned event of dining out.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, Korean requires particles. Without '에서', the sentence is grammatically incomplete and confusing.
'식당' is the common word for restaurant. '음식점' is a more formal/legal term often seen on signs or in official documents.
Yes, it is neutral and applies to all restaurants, but for very fancy places, you might say '레스토랑' instead of '식당'.
Use the present progressive: '식당에서 먹고 있어요'.
Related Phrases
외식하다
synonymTo eat out
밥을 먹다
builds onTo eat a meal
집밥을 먹다
contrastTo eat home-cooked food
배달시키다
similarTo order delivery
