Meaning
To remove dishes and clean a table after a meal.
Cultural Background
In traditional Korean homes, the youngest person usually clears the table. It is considered a sign of respect to the elders. Similar to Korea, tidying up immediately after a meal is highly valued as a sign of consideration for others. Clearing the table is often a shared chore, but in formal dinner parties, the host usually handles it to allow guests to keep relaxing. With the rise of 'Hon-bap' (eating alone), clearing the table has become a symbol of self-care and maintaining a clean living space in small apartments.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (jom) makes the request '식탁 좀 치워 주세요' sound much softer and more natural.
Don't forget the marker
While '을' can be dropped in casual speech, keep it in formal writing to be safe.
Meaning
To remove dishes and clean a table after a meal.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (jom) makes the request '식탁 좀 치워 주세요' sound much softer and more natural.
Don't forget the marker
While '을' can be dropped in casual speech, keep it in formal writing to be safe.
Cultural Wit
If you are the guest, wait for the host to start moving before you offer to 'chiuda' so you don't seem like you're rushing to leave.
The 'Maknae' Rule
In a group of Koreans, if you are the youngest, clearing the table without being asked will earn you a lot of 'points'!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '치우다'.
밥을 다 먹었으면 (______) 주세요.
The sentence asks for a polite request: '치워 주세요'.
Which sentence is the most natural for offering help?
A: 음식이 맛있었어요. B: ______.
'치울게요' is the standard way to offer to clear the table.
Match the Korean phrase with its English meaning.
1. 식탁을 치우다, 2. 설거지를 하다, 3. 식탁을 닦다
These are three distinct steps of post-meal cleanup.
Complete the dialogue.
가: 식탁이 너무 지저분해요. 나: 그럼 제가 지금 (______).
The speaker is offering to help in response to a problem.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Siktak vs. Sang
Practice Bank
4 exercises밥을 다 먹었으면 (______) 주세요.
The sentence asks for a polite request: '치워 주세요'.
A: 음식이 맛있었어요. B: ______.
'치울게요' is the standard way to offer to clear the table.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three distinct steps of post-meal cleanup.
가: 식탁이 너무 지저분해요. 나: 그럼 제가 지금 (______).
The speaker is offering to help in response to a problem.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! '책상을 치우다' means to tidy up your desk.
'치우다' focuses on removing mess, while '정리하다' focuses on organizing things neatly.
The phrase itself is neutral. To be polite, use the '-어 주세요' or '-어 드릴까요' endings.
Yes, '테이블' (table) is a common loanword used in cafes and restaurants.
You say '이미 식탁을 치웠어요.'
Sometimes, but usually it means to move something to its proper place. Use '버리다' for throwing away.
Use '식탁을 닦다.'
Use '식탁을' because the table is the object you are acting upon.
Yes, it's a very common word for children to learn early on.
Not really, but '치워!' can be used as a blunt way to tell someone to 'get lost' in a very different context.
Related Phrases
상을 차리다
contrastTo set the table
설거지하다
builds onTo wash dishes
식탁을 닦다
similarTo wipe the table
자리를 정리하다
specialized formTo tidy up one's spot
