야식
야식 in 30 Seconds
- Late-night snack or meal, common in Korean culture.
- Often enjoyed socially after dinner or studying.
- Popular foods include chicken, tteokbokki, and ramen.
- Key term for late-night food consumption in Korea.
In Korean, '야식' (yasik) refers to a late-night snack or meal. It's a very common and relatable term in Korean culture, often associated with comfort, social gatherings, or simply satisfying hunger after a long day. Think of it as the Korean equivalent of having a midnight snack, but with a broader cultural context.
- Literal Meaning
- '야' (ya) means 'night' and '식' (sik) means 'meal' or 'food'. So, literally, it means 'night meal'.
- Cultural Significance
- Koreans often enjoy '야식' with friends or family, especially after drinking or studying. It's a significant part of social life and is deeply ingrained in popular culture, frequently appearing in K-dramas and movies.
- Common Times
- Typically consumed after 9 PM, but it can also refer to any meal or snack eaten late into the night, often before going to bed.
- Examples of 야식
- Popular choices include fried chicken (치킨 - chikin), tteokbokki (떡볶이), ramen (라면 - ramyeon), pizza, and various delivery foods. Even a simple bowl of instant noodles can be considered '야식'.
Let's order some 야식 tonight!
I'm craving some spicy tteokbokki for 야식.
Using '야식' in sentences is straightforward. It functions as a noun and can be the subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase. The context usually makes it clear that you're referring to food consumed late at night.
- As the Object of a Verb
- This is the most common usage. You'll often see it with verbs like '먹다' (meokda - to eat), '시키다' (sikida - to order), or '하다' (hada - to do/have).
- As the Subject
- While less common, '야식' can be the subject, especially when discussing its desirability or impact.
- With Prepositions
- You might see it used with particles indicating location or purpose, such as '으로' (euro - as/with) or '을/를 위해' (eul/reul wihae - for).
What do you usually eat for 야식?
I'm too full to have 야식 tonight.
Let's order some fried chicken as 야식.
You'll encounter '야식' in numerous everyday situations in Korea, reflecting its cultural importance. It's not just a dictionary word; it's a living part of the language and social fabric.
- Social Gatherings
- When friends get together late, especially after drinking, conversations often revolve around what to order for '야식'.
- Delivery Apps
- Korean delivery apps prominently feature categories and promotions for '야식', highlighting its popularity.
- Media and Entertainment
- K-dramas, movies, and variety shows frequently depict characters enjoying '야식', making it a familiar concept to anyone consuming Korean media.
- Family Conversations
- Families might discuss having '야식' together, especially on weekends or during holidays.
- Student Life
- Students often order or prepare '야식' during late-night study sessions.
The characters in the drama were having 야식 after work.
My friend asked if I wanted to order 야식 together.
While '야식' is generally easy to use, learners might make a few common mistakes, often related to overgeneralization or misunderstanding the cultural nuance.
- Confusing with '저녁 식사' (Dinner)
- '저녁 식사' (jeonyeok siksa) specifically refers to the evening meal, which is typically eaten earlier than '야식'. Using '야식' for a regular dinner would be incorrect. '야식' implies it's eaten considerably later, often after the main dinner.
- Using it for Any Late Meal
- While '야식' generally means a late-night meal or snack, it's not typically used for a meal eaten very early in the morning, like breakfast, even if it's after a long night. It specifically denotes a meal *before* sleeping.
- Overusing it for Healthy Options
- While technically any food eaten late at night can be '야식', the term often carries connotations of more indulgent, comfort foods or delivery items. Referring to a light, healthy snack eaten late as '야식' might sound slightly unusual, though not strictly incorrect.
- Grammatical Errors with Particles
- Incorrectly attaching particles can lead to awkward phrasing. For instance, using the wrong case marker when '야식' is the object.
Incorrect: I had 야식 at 6 PM. (This is dinner time.)
Correct: I had dinner at 6 PM and ordered 야식 at 11 PM.
While '야식' is specific, other terms might be used depending on the exact context and nuance.
- 간식 (Gansik)
- Meaning: Snack.
Difference: '간식' is a general term for any snack, regardless of the time of day. It can be eaten in the morning, afternoon, or even late at night. '야식' specifically refers to a snack or meal eaten late at night, often before bed. - 저녁 식사 (Jeonyeok Siksa)
- Meaning: Dinner.
Difference: This refers to the main evening meal, typically eaten between 6 PM and 8 PM. '야식' is eaten *after* this main dinner. - 밤참 (Bamcham)
- Meaning: A late-night snack, often implying something substantial or a light meal.
Difference: '밤참' is very similar to '야식' and is often used interchangeably, especially in more traditional or rural contexts. '야식' is perhaps more commonly used in urban settings and modern media. - 새벽 식사 (Saebyeok Siksa)
- Meaning: Early morning meal.
Difference: This refers to a meal eaten very early in the morning, often before sunrise. It's distinct from '야식' which is eaten before sleeping at night.
I had a snack (간식) in the afternoon and then 야식 later.
We finished dinner (저녁 식사) at 7 PM and decided to have 야식 around 10 PM.
Fun Fact
The popularity of '야식' has led to a robust delivery culture in Korea, with many services specializing in late-night orders. This has significantly impacted the food industry and consumer habits, making '야식' a cornerstone of modern Korean lifestyle.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'i' in 'sik' too long, making it sound like 'seek'.
- Not stressing the first syllable, which can make the word sound unclear.
- Adding an unnecessary 'h' sound before 'ya'.
Examples by Level
밤에 뭐 먹어요?
What do you eat at night?
배고파요. 야식 먹고 싶어요.
I'm hungry. I want to eat a late-night snack.
치킨 야식 좋아요.
Chicken late-night snack is good.
라면 야식?
Ramen late-night snack?
오늘은 야식 안 먹어요.
I'm not eating a late-night snack today.
야식 뭐 시킬까요?
What should we order for a late-night snack?
야식 배달 돼요?
Is late-night snack delivery available?
야식 맛있어요.
The late-night snack is delicious.
늦게까지 공부해서 야식으로 라면을 먹었어요.
I studied until late, so I ate ramen for a late-night snack.
Using the past tense '먹었어요' (ate) and connecting clauses with '-서' (so/because).
친구들이랑 같이 야식 시켜 먹는 것을 좋아해요.
I like ordering and eating late-night snacks with my friends.
Using '-는 것을 좋아해요' (like doing something) and the verb '시키다' (to order).
오늘 밤에는 뭘로 야식을 해결할까 고민 중이에요.
I'm thinking about what to have for a late-night snack tonight.
Using '-ㄹ까 고민 중이에요' (I'm thinking about whether to...).
야식으로 치킨을 시키는 게 제일 흔한 것 같아요.
It seems like ordering chicken for a late-night snack is the most common.
Using '-는 게 제일 흔한 것 같아요' (It seems like... is the most common).
야식 먹고 나니 졸음이 싹 가셨어요.
After eating the late-night snack, my sleepiness completely disappeared.
Using '-고 나니' (after doing X) and '싹 가셨어요' (completely disappeared).
야식 메뉴 중에 떡볶이가 인기가 많아요.
Tteokbokki is very popular among late-night snack menus.
Using '-중에' (among) and '인기가 많아요' (is popular).
늦은 시간에 야식 주문할 수 있는 식당을 찾고 있어요.
I'm looking for a restaurant where I can order late-night snacks at a late hour.
Using '-ㄹ 수 있는' (able to do) and '찾고 있어요' (am looking for).
가끔은 너무 피곤해서 야식 생각도 못 해요.
Sometimes I'm so tired that I can't even think about a late-night snack.
Using '-어서' (because) and '-도 못 해요' (can't even do).
시험 기간에는 밤샘 공부를 하느라 야식으로 에너지 드링크와 과자를 자주 먹곤 했어요.
During exam periods, I used to often eat energy drinks and snacks for a late-night meal because I was pulling all-nighters studying.
Using '-느라' (because of doing X), '자주 ...곤 했어요' (used to often do X), and '밤샘 공부' (all-night study).
새벽까지 이어지는 술자리 후에는 꼭 얼큰한 국물 요리로 야식을 즐기곤 합니다.
After drinking sessions that continue until dawn, I always enjoy a hearty, spicy soup dish as a late-night meal.
Using '-까지 이어지는' (continuing until), '-후에는' (after), and '-곤 합니다' (tend to do/habitual action).
최근에는 건강을 생각해서 야식으로 샐러드나 과일을 먹으려고 노력하고 있어요.
Recently, thinking about my health, I am trying to eat salads or fruits for my late-night meal.
Using '-을/를 생각해서' (thinking about) and '-려고 노력하고 있어요' (am trying to do).
야식 메뉴를 고를 때면 항상 딜레마에 빠지는데, 먹고 싶은 것과 살찔까 봐 걱정되는 것 사이에서 갈등하거든요.
When choosing a late-night snack menu, I always fall into a dilemma, as I struggle between what I want to eat and what I'm worried might make me gain weight.
Using '-ㄹ 때면' (whenever), '딜레마에 빠지다' (fall into a dilemma), and '-거든요' (because/you see).
배달 앱을 보면 정말 다양한 야식 종류가 있어서 선택 장애가 올 때가 많아요.
When I look at delivery apps, there are so many different kinds of late-night snacks that I often get choice paralysis.
Using '선택 장애가 오다' (to get choice paralysis) and '-ㄹ 때가 많아요' (often happens when).
늦은 밤, 출출함을 달래기 위해 간단하게 컵라면 하나를 끓여 먹는 것이 소소한 행복입니다.
Late at night, boiling and eating a simple cup of ramen to satisfy my hunger is a small joy.
Using '출출함을 달래다' (to satisfy hunger) and '소소한 행복' (small joy).
드라마에서 주인공들이 야식으로 치킨을 먹는 장면이 나올 때마다 저도 모르게 주문하고 싶어져요.
Every time a scene appears in a drama where the main characters eat chicken for a late-night snack, I involuntarily feel like ordering it.
Using '-ㄹ 때마다' (every time) and '저도 모르게' (involuntarily/without realizing it).
야식 때문에 다음 날 아침에 늦잠을 자는 경우가 허다합니다.
It is common to oversleep the next morning because of late-night snacks.
Using '허다합니다' (is common/frequent) and '늦잠을 자다' (to oversleep).
밤늦게까지 이어지는 업무 때문에 식사를 거르고 야식으로 때우는 경우가 빈번하여 건강 관리에 비상이 걸렸습니다.
Due to work that continues late into the night, it has become frequent to skip meals and make do with late-night snacks, raising an alarm for health management.
Using '업무 때문에' (due to work), '식사를 거르다' (to skip a meal), '때우다' (to make do with/fill up on), and '비상이 걸리다' (an alarm is raised).
많은 한국인들은 스트레스 해소나 동료와의 유대감 강화를 위해 야식을 즐기는데, 이는 사회적 문화의 한 단면을 보여줍니다.
Many Koreans enjoy late-night snacks for stress relief or to strengthen bonds with colleagues, which shows a facet of their social culture.
Using '스트레스 해소' (stress relief), '유대감 강화' (strengthening bonds), and '사회적 문화의 한 단면' (a facet of social culture).
야식으로 인한 칼로리 섭취 증가는 체중 증가로 직결될 수 있으므로, 늦은 시간에는 가급적 소화가 잘 되는 음식을 선택하는 것이 현명합니다.
The increase in calorie intake due to late-night snacks can directly lead to weight gain, so it is wise to choose easily digestible foods late at night whenever possible.
Using '칼로리 섭취 증가' (increase in calorie intake), '체중 증가로 직결되다' (directly lead to weight gain), and '가급적' (whenever possible).
예전에는 주로 배달 음식이 야식의 대명사였지만, 요즘은 건강한 간편식이나 홈 쿠킹으로 대체하는 추세입니다.
In the past, delivery food was mainly synonymous with late-night snacks, but recently there is a trend to replace it with healthy convenience foods or home cooking.
Using '대명사' (synonym/representation), '건강한 간편식' (healthy convenience food), and '대체하는 추세' (a trend to replace).
밤늦게까지 영업하는 식당이나 편의점에서 판매하는 야식 메뉴들은 소비자들의 다양한 니즈를 충족시키기 위해 끊임없이 진화하고 있습니다.
Late-night snack menus sold at restaurants and convenience stores that operate until late at night are constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of consumers.
Using '영업하는' (operating), '다양한 니즈를 충족시키다' (to meet diverse needs), and '끊임없이 진화하다' (to constantly evolve).
가족과 함께 야식을 즐기는 것은 일상의 소소한 행복이자, 서로 간의 정을 나누는 중요한 의식이라고 할 수 있습니다.
Enjoying late-night snacks with family can be said to be a small everyday happiness and an important ritual for sharing affection with each other.
Using '일상의 소소한 행복' (small everyday happiness), '서로 간의 정을 나누다' (to share affection with each other), and '중요한 의식' (important ritual).
야식으로 인한 수면 부족은 다음 날 집중력 저하와 업무 효율성 감소로 이어질 수 있으므로, 자기 관리가 철저해야 합니다.
Sleep deprivation caused by late-night snacks can lead to decreased concentration and reduced work efficiency the next day, so self-management must be thorough.
Using '수면 부족' (sleep deprivation), '집중력 저하' (decreased concentration), '업무 효율성 감소' (reduced work efficiency), and '자기 관리가 철저하다' (self-management is thorough).
특히 여름철에는 시원한 맥주와 함께 먹는 야식이 더욱 각광받는데, 이는 더위를 식히면서 즐거움을 더하는 효과가 있습니다.
Especially in the summer, late-night snacks eaten with cold beer are even more popular, as they have the effect of cooling down the heat while adding enjoyment.
Using '특히' (especially), '각광받다' (to receive attention/be popular), and '더위를 식히면서 즐거움을 더하다' (to cool down the heat while adding enjoyment).
현대 사회의 빠른 생활 리듬 속에서 야식은 단순한 허기 해소를 넘어, 일종의 보상 심리나 스트레스 해소 기제로 작용하는 경우가 많습니다.
In the fast-paced rhythm of modern society, late-night snacks often function not just as a way to satisfy hunger, but as a kind of compensatory mechanism or stress-relief mechanism.
Using '빠른 생활 리듬' (fast pace of life), '허기 해소' (satisfaction of hunger), '보상 심리' (compensatory psychology), and '스트레스 해소 기제' (stress-relief mechanism).
밤늦게까지 이어지는 취업 준비 과정에서 젊은이들은 야식을 통해 잠시나마 고단함을 잊고 에너지를 재충전하려 합니다.
In the process of preparing for employment that continues late into the night, young people try to momentarily forget their fatigue and recharge their energy through late-night snacks.
Using '취업 준비 과정' (employment preparation process), '잠시나마' (even if only for a moment), '고단함을 잊다' (to forget fatigue), and '에너지를 재충전하다' (to recharge energy).
문화적으로 볼 때, 한국의 야식 문화는 공동체 의식과도 연결되어 있어, 함께 음식을 나누는 행위 자체가 친밀감을 형성하는 중요한 매개체가 됩니다.
Culturally speaking, Korea's late-night snack culture is also connected to a sense of community, and the act of sharing food itself becomes an important medium for forming intimacy.
Using '공동체 의식' (sense of community), '음식을 나누는 행위' (the act of sharing food), and '친밀감을 형성하는 중요한 매개체' (an important medium for forming intimacy).
배달 산업의 발달은 야식 문화의 지평을 넓혔으며, 이제는 시간과 장소에 구애받지 않고 다양한 음식을 즐길 수 있게 되었습니다.
The development of the delivery industry has broadened the horizons of late-night snack culture, and now it is possible to enjoy various foods without being constrained by time and place.
Using '배달 산업의 발달' (development of the delivery industry), '지평을 넓히다' (to broaden horizons), and '시간과 장소에 구애받지 않다' (to not be constrained by time and place).
건강에 대한 관심이 높아짐에 따라, 야식 선택에 있어서도 영양학적 측면을 고려하는 소비자들이 증가하는 추세입니다.
As interest in health increases, there is a growing trend of consumers considering nutritional aspects when choosing late-night snacks.
Using '관심이 높아짐에 따라' (as interest increases), '영양학적 측면' (nutritional aspect), and '고려하는 소비자들이 증가하는 추세' (a trend of consumers considering... increasing).
야식으로 인한 과도한 칼로리 섭취는 단순히 체중 증가를 넘어, 수면의 질을 저하시키고 만성 질환 발병 위험을 높이는 요인이 될 수 있습니다.
Excessive calorie intake due to late-night snacks can go beyond mere weight gain and become a factor that degrades sleep quality and increases the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Using '과도한 칼로리 섭취' (excessive calorie intake), '수면의 질을 저하시키다' (to degrade sleep quality), and '만성 질환 발병 위험' (risk of developing chronic diseases).
특히 1인 가구가 증가하면서, 혼자서도 간편하게 즐길 수 있는 다채로운 야식 메뉴들이 개발되어 소비자들의 만족도를 높이고 있습니다.
With the increase in single-person households especially, diverse late-night snack menus that can be easily enjoyed alone are being developed, increasing consumer satisfaction.
Using '1인 가구' (single-person household), '다채로운' (diverse/colorful), and '소비자들의 만족도를 높이다' (to increase consumer satisfaction).
밤늦게까지 불 꺼지지 않는 도시의 불빛처럼, 야식은 현대인의 고단한 삶 속에서 잠시나마 위안을 주는 존재로 자리매김하고 있습니다.
Like the unextinguished city lights late into the night, late-night snacks are establishing themselves as a source of temporary comfort in the weary lives of modern people.
Using '불 꺼지지 않는' (unextinguished), '고단한 삶' (weary life), and '위안을 주는 존재' (a source of comfort).
야식은 단순히 생리적 허기를 달래는 행위를 넘어, 현대인의 고독감 해소, 사회적 관계 형성, 그리고 정신적 만족감을 추구하는 복합적인 문화 현상으로 이해될 수 있습니다.
Late-night snacks can be understood not merely as an act of satisfying physiological hunger, but as a complex cultural phenomenon that pursues the alleviation of modern loneliness, the formation of social relationships, and psychological satisfaction.
Using '생리적 허기' (physiological hunger), '고독감 해소' (alleviation of loneliness), '정신적 만족감' (psychological satisfaction), and '복합적인 문화 현상' (complex cultural phenomenon).
팬데믹 이후 비대면 문화가 확산되면서, 집에서 즐기는 야식의 중요성이 부각되었고, 이는 관련 산업의 급격한 성장을 견인하는 요인이 되었습니다.
As non-contact culture has spread since the pandemic, the importance of late-night snacks enjoyed at home has been highlighted, and this has become a driving factor for the rapid growth of related industries.
Using '비대면 문화' (non-contact culture), '확산되다' (to spread), '중요성이 부각되다' (importance is highlighted), and '급격한 성장을 견인하다' (to drive rapid growth).
야식 메뉴의 다양화는 한국 음식 문화의 유연성과 창의성을 보여주는 방증이며, 전통적인 요소와 현대적인 트렌드가 융합된 결과물이라 할 수 있습니다.
The diversification of late-night snack menus is proof of the flexibility and creativity of Korean food culture, and can be said to be a result of the fusion of traditional elements and modern trends.
Using '다양화' (diversification), '유연성' (flexibility), '창의성' (creativity), '방증' (proof/evidence), and '융합된 결과물' (fused outcome).
건강에 대한 사회적 담론이 심화됨에 따라, 야식 섭취에 대한 경각심이 높아지고 있으며, 이는 보다 건강한 식습관으로의 전환을 촉구하는 계기가 되고 있습니다.
As the social discourse on health deepens, awareness of late-night snack consumption is increasing, and this is serving as an impetus for a transition towards healthier eating habits.
Using '사회적 담론' (social discourse), '경각심' (awareness/vigilance), '전환을 촉구하다' (to urge a transition), and '계기가 되다' (to serve as an impetus/opportunity).
야식은 단순히 개인의 식습관을 넘어, 지역 경제 활성화와 관련 산업의 고용 창출에 기여하는 경제적 파급 효과도 가지고 있습니다.
Late-night snacks extend beyond mere individual eating habits and also possess economic ripple effects that contribute to the revitalization of local economies and job creation in related industries.
Using '지역 경제 활성화' (revitalization of local economies), '고용 창출' (job creation), and '경제적 파급 효과' (economic ripple effect).
소셜 미디어의 발달로 야식 사진 공유가 유행하면서, 이는 시각적 즐거움을 제공하고 새로운 트렌드를 형성하는 데 일조하고 있습니다.
With the development of social media, sharing photos of late-night snacks has become a trend, and this is contributing to providing visual pleasure and forming new trends.
Using '소셜 미디어의 발달' (development of social media), '시각적 즐거움' (visual pleasure), and '일조하고 있습니다' (is contributing to).
밤늦게까지 공부하는 학생들에게 야식은 고된 학업을 버티게 해주는 '생존 음식'과도 같은 역할을 수행하며, 정신적 지지 기반이 되기도 합니다.
For students studying late into the night, late-night snacks act like 'survival food' that helps them endure their arduous studies, and they also serve as a basis of mental support.
Using '고된 학업' (arduous studies), '버티게 해주다' (to help endure), '생존 음식' (survival food), and '정신적 지지 기반' (basis of mental support).
결론적으로, 야식은 한국 사회에서 단순한 식사 행위를 넘어, 개인의 욕구 충족, 사회적 관계망 강화, 그리고 문화적 정체성 형성에 이르기까지 다층적인 의미를 내포하는 중요한 문화적 코드로 자리 잡고 있습니다.
In conclusion, late-night snacks have established themselves as an important cultural code in Korean society, embodying multi-layered meanings that range from fulfilling individual desires and strengthening social networks to shaping cultural identity, going beyond mere act of eating.
Using '결론적으로' (in conclusion), '욕구 충족' (fulfillment of desires), '사회적 관계망 강화' (strengthening social networks), '문화적 정체성 형성' (formation of cultural identity), and '다층적인 의미를 내포하다' (to embody multi-layered meanings).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— What should we eat for a late-night snack?
It's getting late. 야식 뭐 먹을까?
— Let's order and eat a late-night snack.
너무 배고프다. 야식 시켜 먹자.
— How about chicken for a late-night snack?
오늘은 좀 특별하게 야식으로 치킨 어때?
— I wasn't going to eat a late-night snack, but...
다이어트 중이라 야식 안 먹으려고 했는데, 너무 맛있어 보여서 결국 먹었어요.
— I'm craving a late-night snack. / A late-night snack comes to mind.
영화 보는데 갑자기 야식 생각나네.
— Let's skip the late-night snack today.
내일 중요한 약속 있으니까 오늘은 야식은 참자.
— It was a really delicious late-night snack.
어제 먹었던 떡볶이, 진짜 맛있는 야식이었어.
— When you want to eat a late-night snack
야식 먹고 싶을 때 자주 가는 단골집이 있어요.
— To resist the temptation of a late-night snack
건강을 위해 야식의 유혹을 이기려고 노력 중이에요.
— It's perfect for a late-night snack.
이 라면은 늦은 밤에 먹기 야식으로 딱이야.
Idioms & Expressions
— To succumb to the temptation of a late-night snack, especially when trying to diet or eat healthily.
다이어트 중이었는데, 친구들과의 모임에서 야식 앞에서 무너지고 말았어요. (I was on a diet, but I ended up succumbing to the temptation of a late-night snack at the gathering with friends.)
Informal— Someone who is exceptionally good at finding or recommending delicious late-night food, or someone who always seems to be eating late-night snacks.
그 친구는 '야식의 신'이라고 불릴 만큼 맛집을 잘 알아요. (That friend knows delicious restaurants so well that they are called the 'God of Late-Night Snacks'.)
Informal/Figurative— A phrase used humorously or seriously to describe late-night eating as something bad or unhealthy.
체중 때문에 '야식은 죄악'이라고 스스로에게 되뇌지만, 결국 또 시켜 먹고 말아요. (Because of my weight, I tell myself 'late-night snacks are a sin', but in the end, I end up ordering them again.)
Informal/Humorous— To relieve stress by eating late-night snacks.
업무 스트레스가 심할 때면, 야식으로 스트레스를 풀곤 합니다. (When work stress is severe, I tend to relieve stress by eating late-night snacks.)
Informal— To be unable to sleep because you are thinking about or craving a late-night snack.
너무 배가 고파서 야식 생각에 잠 못 이루고 결국 냉장고를 뒤졌어요. (I was so hungry that I couldn't sleep thinking about a late-night snack, and ended up rummaging through the fridge.)
InformalWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Yacht' sailing at 'Night' ('야' - ya, '식' - sik). You're on the yacht late at night, enjoying a delicious 'snack'. The yacht at night is your '야식'.
Visual Association
Picture a clock showing a very late hour (e.g., 11 PM or midnight) with a steaming bowl of ramen or a piece of fried chicken next to it. The clock signifies 'night' (야) and the food signifies 'meal' (식).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your ideal '야식' in Korean, using at least three sentences. Focus on the food, the time, and who you might share it with.
Word Origin
The word '야식' is a Sino-Korean word, meaning it is derived from Chinese characters. It is composed of two characters: '야' (夜) meaning 'night' and '식' (食) meaning 'food' or 'meal'. This combination directly translates to 'night food' or 'night meal'.
Original meaning: Literally 'night meal'.
Sino-Korean (derived from Chinese Hanja)Summary
야식 (yasik) is the Korean term for a late-night snack or meal, a culturally significant concept deeply intertwined with social gatherings, comfort, and late-night activities like studying or drinking. It commonly refers to popular foods like fried chicken and ramen, and is a frequent topic in everyday conversations and media.
- Late-night snack or meal, common in Korean culture.
- Often enjoyed socially after dinner or studying.
- Popular foods include chicken, tteokbokki, and ramen.
- Key term for late-night food consumption in Korea.
Example
밤늦게 야식을 먹으면 살쪄요.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More food words
몇 개
A2How many items?
~정도
A1Suffix meaning "about" or "approximately."
추가
A2Addition, extra (e.g., extra order).
~은/는 후에
A2After ~ing; indicates an action that occurs subsequent to another.
중에서
A2Among, out of (selection).
식욕
A2Appetite.
에피타이저
A2An appetizer.
전채
A2Appetizer.
먹음직스럽다
B2To look appetizing, delicious.
사과
A1apple