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A1 verb #5,000 most common 7 min read

씹다

ssipda Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 씹다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 씹다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '씹다' (ssip-da) is introduced as a basic action verb related to eating. You will use it to describe the simple act of chewing food. For example, '껌을 씹어요' (I chew gum) or '사과를 씹어요' (I chew an apple). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the slang or metaphorical meanings. Focus on the basic conjugation: 씹어요 (present), 씹었어요 (past), and 씹을 거예요 (future). Remember that it is a regular verb, so the 'ㅂ' at the bottom of the word stays there when you add endings like '-어요' or '-어서'. You might also see it in simple health contexts, such as '많이 씹으세요' (Chew a lot/well). The goal for A1 is to recognize the word in the context of food and basic bodily functions.

At the A2 level, you begin to see '씹다' in more descriptive contexts. You will learn to use it with adverbs like '잘' (well), '천천히' (slowly), or '꼭꼭' (thoroughly). A common phrase at this level is '꼭꼭 씹어 먹다,' which means to chew thoroughly before eating. You will also start to encounter the passive form '씹히다' (to be chewed) in the context of food texture. For instance, if meat is tough, you might say '고기가 잘 안 씹혀요' (The meat doesn't chew well). This level also introduces the idea of '씹기' (chewing) as a noun, used in sentences like '씹는 것이 불편해요' (Chewing is uncomfortable). You are starting to move from simple actions to describing the experience of those actions.

By B1, you should be comfortable with the literal meanings and start exploring the colloquial uses of '씹다.' This is where the slang meaning of 'ignoring' (particularly in text messages) becomes relevant. Phrases like '메시지를 씹다' (to ignore a message) or the noun '읽씹' (reading and ignoring) are very common in intermediate-level conversations and media. You will also learn to use '씹다' in compound structures like '씹어먹다' (to chew up and eat), which can mean literally eating something or metaphorically 'crushing' a task or performance. You'll also encounter it in the context of badmouthing: '남을 씹다' (to chew/badmouth others). Your understanding of the word shifts from a simple verb to a tool for expressing social frustration or intensity.

At the B2 level, you will refine your use of '씹다' in nuanced social situations. You will understand the subtle difference between '무시하다' (to ignore) and '씹다' (to 'chew' or ignore rudely). You'll be able to use it in complex sentences involving intent and result, such as '일부러 내 전화를 씹는 것 같아' (I think he is ignoring my calls on purpose). You will also encounter the word in more varied idiomatic expressions, such as '껌 좀 씹다' (literally 'to chew some gum,' but colloquially referring to someone who was a bit of a rebel or a 'tough kid' in school). Your grasp of the word now includes its cultural connotations and the specific 'vibe' it carries in different registers of speech.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand '씹다' in literary or highly metaphorical contexts. This includes the idea of 'chewing over' an idea or a problem (though Korean often uses other words for this, '씹다' can appear in creative writing to describe ruminating on words). You will also understand its use in media criticism or fierce debates, where '씹다' can mean to 'rip apart' someone's argument or character. You'll be familiar with specialized terms like '저작' (mastication) and how '씹다' relates to the broader concept of '식감' (mouthfeel/texture) in culinary arts. You can use the word fluently in slang, formal, and descriptive contexts, choosing the right form (active vs. passive, literal vs. metaphorical) based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of '씹다.' You understand the historical and linguistic development of the word and its various slang iterations over decades. You can identify the specific emotional subtext when a character in a movie uses '씹다'—whether it implies a lack of respect, a playful tease, or genuine anger. You are also aware of the word's role in onomatopoeic expressions and how it interacts with Korean phonology (e.g., the emphasis placed on the 'ss' sound to convey irritation). You can use the word in sophisticated wordplay or puns and understand its place in the broader landscape of Korean verbs that describe physical actions used as metaphors for social behavior. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

씹다 in 30 Seconds

씹다 primarily means 'to chew' food with your teeth.
It is a regular verb and does not follow the ㅂ-irregular pattern.
In slang, it means to ignore a message or badmouth someone.
The passive form 씹히다 is used for food texture or being gossiped about.

The Korean verb 씹다 (ssip-da) primarily functions as the direct equivalent of the English verb 'to chew.' At its most fundamental level, it describes the physical action of using one's teeth to break down food or other substances in the mouth. However, in the rich tapestry of the Korean language, its utility extends far beyond the dining table. For a beginner (A1 level), you will first encounter it in the context of eating—specifically when talking about tough foods or the basic mechanics of consumption. As you progress, you will discover that this word carries a heavy weight in colloquial speech, often used to describe social interactions where someone is 'ignored' or 'badmouthed.' Understanding the literal and metaphorical layers of 씹다 is essential for any learner wishing to sound natural in both formal and informal settings.

The Physical Act: The literal use involves the jaw and teeth. It is commonly paired with nouns like 껌 (gum), 고기 (meat), or 얼음 (ice). In Korean culture, chewing thoroughly is often emphasized for health and digestion, making this a common word in medical or parental advice contexts.

음식을 천천히 씹어 드세요. (Please chew your food slowly.)

The Social Slang (Ignoring): In modern digital communication, 'to chew' a message means to read it and not reply (leaving someone on 'read'). This is a very common slang term among younger generations. If someone says '내 메시지 씹었어?' they are asking if you ignored their text.

Furthermore, 씹다 is used to describe the act of badmouthing someone behind their back. This is often expressed as '뒤에서 씹다' (to chew someone behind their back). This metaphorical usage suggests the idea of 'grinding' someone's reputation down with words. This versatility makes the verb a fascinating study in how physical actions translate into social concepts in the Korean mindset. Whether you are at a BBQ restaurant discussing the tenderness of the galbi or complaining to a friend about a ghosting date, this verb is your go-to tool.

그 사람은 남을 씹는 것을 좋아해요. (That person likes to badmouth others.)

Grammatically, 씹다 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particles 을 or 를. Because it ends in a consonant (ㅂ), it follows standard conjugation rules for 'regular' verbs, although the 'ㅂ' does not change in the same way as 'ㅂ-irregular' adjectives like '춥다' (to be cold). For example, in the present tense, it becomes 씹어요 (polite) or 씹어 (informal).

Basic Structure: [Subject] + [Object] + 을/를 + 씹다. Example: 저는 껌을 씹어요 (I chew gum).

고기가 너무 질겨서 잘 안 씹혀요. (The meat is too tough, so it doesn't chew well/can't be chewed easily.)

Notice the use of 씹히다 in the example above. This is the passive form, used to describe the state of the food being chewed. This is particularly useful when discussing texture. In Korean culinary discussions, the 'chewiness' or 'mouthfeel' (식감) is highly valued, and you will often hear people describe how something 'chews' (literal translation) to mean how it feels in the mouth.

Imperative Forms: When telling someone to chew, use '씹으세요' (polite command) or '씹어라' (plain/informal). This is common in healthcare or when teaching children manners.

In the context of slang, the sentence structure remains the same but the nuance shifts entirely. '너 왜 내 문자 씹어?' (Why are you ignoring my text?) uses the object '문자' (text message). Here, 씹다 acts as a metaphor for 'consuming' the message but not 'releasing' a response. It is a vivid, somewhat aggressive way to describe being ignored.

내 말을 씹지 말고 대답해! (Don't ignore what I'm saying and answer me!)

You will encounter 씹다 in a variety of everyday environments. From the mundane sounds of a cafeteria to the dramatic tension of a K-drama, this word is ubiquitous. In a restaurant, especially one serving Korean BBQ (Galbi or Samgyeopsal), you might hear patrons discussing the quality of the meat. If the meat is high quality, it might be 'soft and easy to chew' (부드러워서 잘 씹혀요). Conversely, if it is low quality, it might be 'tough to chew' (질겨서 씹기 힘들어요).

At the Dentist: Dentists frequently use this word. They might ask, '씹을 때 아프세요?' (Does it hurt when you chew?) or instruct you, '이쪽으로 씹지 마세요' (Don't chew on this side).

어금니로 씹는 게 불편해요. (It is uncomfortable to chew with my molars.)

In the world of social media and KakaoTalk (Korea's primary messaging app), the term '읽씹' (ik-ssip) is a common abbreviation for '읽고 씹다' (read and chew/ignore). You will hear friends complaining to each other, '걔가 내 카톡 읽씹했어' (He/She read my Kakao and ignored it). This is a vital piece of modern Korean vocabulary for anyone navigating the social scene in Seoul.

Lastly, in entertainment and variety shows, you'll hear the term '씹어먹다' (to chew up and eat). While it sounds aggressive, it is often used as a compliment for performers who 'devour' the stage or 'crush' a performance. A singer who performs perfectly might be said to have 'chewed up the CD' (CD를 씹어먹었다), meaning they sound exactly like the studio recording.

가수가 라이브로 무대를 씹어먹었어. (The singer totally crushed the live performance.)

Learning 씹다 involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing it with other similar-sounding verbs or failing to recognize its non-literal meanings. Because Korean has many words for 'mouth-related' actions, precision is key.

Confusing 씹다 with 씻다: The verb 씻다 (ssit-da) means 'to wash.' To an untrained ear, the double consonant 'ㅆ' in both words followed by 'ㅣ' can sound similar. Saying '발을 씹다' (chew your feet) instead of '발을 씻다' (wash your feet) would be a comical but embarrassing error.

손을 씻으세요 (Correct) vs 손을 씹으세요 (Incorrect/Weird)

Another mistake involves the passive form. English speakers often say 'It is hard to chew' using the active form, but in Korean, it is more natural to use the passive 씹히다 when the focus is on the food's quality. For example, '고기가 안 씹혀요' (The meat isn't being chewed/is too tough) is more common than '고기를 못 씹어요' (I can't chew the meat), unless you are specifically referring to a problem with your own teeth.

Finally, watch out for the conjugation of the 'ㅂ' consonant. As mentioned before, 씹다 is a regular verb. Many students who have just learned irregular verbs like '고맙다' (to be thankful) try to change '씹다' into '씹워요' or '씹와요'. This is incorrect. It always remains 씹어, 씹으니, 씹고.

Wrong Conjugation Example: Incorrect: 껌을 씹워요. Correct: 껌을 씹어요.

While 씹다 is the most common word for chewing, there are several alternatives depending on the level of formality or the specific action you want to describe. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Korean from basic to advanced.

저작하다 (Jeojak-hada): This is a formal, medical, or scientific term for mastication (chewing). You will see this in biology textbooks or medical reports. It is rarely used in casual conversation.
질겅질겅 (Jil-gyeong-jil-gyeong): This is an onomatopoeic adverb often used with 씹다. It describes the sound and action of chewing something tough or rubbery (like gum or dried squid) repeatedly and somewhat mindlessly.

껌을 질겅질겅 씹고 있어요. (He is chewing gum over and over/rubbery-ly.)

When it comes to the slang meaning of 'ignoring,' the most direct synonym is 무시하다 (musi-hada). While 씹다 is visceral and informal, 무시하다 is the standard word for 'to ignore' or 'to disregard.' If you want to say someone ignored your advice, 무시하다 is much more appropriate than 씹다.

가루로 만들다 (Garu-ro mandeulda): Literally 'to make into powder.' This is sometimes used metaphorically similarly to 'chewing someone up' in a criticism context, meaning to completely dismantle or crush someone's argument.

Finally, consider 삼키다 (sam-kida), which means 'to swallow.' This is the natural logical successor to 씹다. In Korean, the phrase '씹고 삼키다' (chew and swallow) is used to describe the full process of eating. If you can't chew something, you certainly can't swallow it!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The slang meaning of 'ignoring' messages is a relatively new phenomenon, emerging with the rise of instant messaging services like KakaoTalk in the early 2010s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /s͈ip̚.t͈a/

US /s͈ip̚.t͈a/

Primary stress is on the first syllable '씹'.

Rhymes With

입다 (ip-da - to wear) 집다 (jip-da - to pick up) 집다 (jip-da - to point) 깁다 (gip-da - to sew) 밉다 (mip-da - to be hateful) 쉽다 (swip-da - to be easy) 좁다 (jop-da - to be narrow) 뽑다 (ppop-da - to pull out)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ㅆ' as a soft 's'. It must be tensed.
Releasing the final 'ㅂ' sound. It should be a silent stop.
Failing to tense the 'ㄷ' in '다' into 'ㄸ'.
Confusing the pronunciation with '씻다' (wash).
Pronouncing it like 'ship' in English.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word itself is short and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Conjugation is regular, but learners must avoid the ㅂ-irregular mistake.

Speaking 2/5

The tensed 'ss' sound (ㅆ) requires practice for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with '씻다' (wash) in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

먹다 (to eat) 입 (mouth) 이 (teeth) 껌 (gum) 문자 (text message)

Learn Next

삼키다 (to swallow) 무시하다 (to ignore) 식감 (texture) 맛 (taste) 소화 (digestion)

Advanced

저작 (mastication) 비난 (criticism) 반추 (rumination) 풍자 (satire) 질감 (texture/quality)

Grammar to Know

Regular Verb Conjugation

씹다 + 어요 -> 씹어요 (Not 씹워요)

Passive Suffix -히-

씹다 -> 씹히다 (To be chewed)

Simultaneous Action -으면서

껌을 씹으면서 공부해요. (I study while chewing gum.)

Nounizing Suffix -기

씹기 (Chewing) - 씹기가 힘들어요.

Compound Verb Construction -어 먹다

씹어 먹다 (To chew and eat)

Examples by Level

저는 껌을 씹어요.

I chew gum.

Simple present tense using the -어요 ending.

사과를 꼭꼭 씹으세요.

Chew the apple thoroughly.

Imperative form -으세요 used for polite commands.

밥을 천천히 씹어 먹어요.

I chew and eat rice slowly.

The -어 먹다 structure means to do an action then eat.

아기가 과자를 씹어요.

The baby is chewing a snack.

Subject '아기' (baby) with object '과자' (snack).

이 고기를 씹으세요.

Chew this meat.

Demonstrative '이' (this) modifying '고기' (meat).

저는 얼음을 안 씹어요.

I don't chew ice.

Negative '안' placed before the verb.

강아지가 신발을 씹었어요.

The dog chewed the shoe.

Past tense using the -었어요 ending.

천천히 씹는 것이 좋아요.

Chewing slowly is good.

-는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase (chewing).

고기가 너무 질겨서 잘 안 씹혀요.

The meat is too tough, so it's hard to chew.

Passive form '씹히다' describes how the object is chewed.

껌을 씹으면서 길을 걸어요.

I walk the street while chewing gum.

-으면서 indicates two actions happening simultaneously.

치아가 아파서 음식을 못 씹겠어요.

My tooth hurts, so I can't chew food.

Modal '-겠어' expresses a state or intention.

아이에게 음식을 잘 씹으라고 했어요.

I told the child to chew the food well.

Indirect command form -(으)라고 하다.

젤리가 쫄깃쫄깃해서 씹는 맛이 있어요.

The jelly is chewy, so it has a nice 'chewing taste' (mouthfeel).

'씹는 맛' is a common phrase for texture/mouthfeel.

이 음식은 부드러워서 씹기 편해요.

This food is soft, so it is easy to chew.

-기 편하다 means 'it is easy/comfortable to [verb].'

껌을 너무 오래 씹지 마세요.

Don't chew gum for too long.

Prohibitive form -지 마세요.

무언가를 씹고 있는 것 같아요.

It looks like they are chewing something.

-고 있다 (present progressive) + 것 같다 (looks like).

친구가 내 문자를 또 씹었어.

My friend ignored my text message again.

Slang usage of 씹다 meaning to ignore a message.

뒤에서 남을 씹는 행동은 나빠요.

Badmouthing others behind their back is bad.

Metaphorical usage for badmouthing.

그 가수는 라이브에서 무대를 씹어먹었어요.

That singer totally crushed the live performance.

Compound verb '씹어먹다' used as a compliment for a great performance.

왜 내 말을 씹고 그냥 가?

Why are you ignoring my words and just leaving?

Using 씹다 to mean ignoring spoken words.

어제 읽씹 당해서 기분이 안 좋아.

I'm in a bad mood because I was left on read yesterday.

'읽씹' is the noun form of 'read and ignore,' used with '당하다' (to suffer/be subjected to).

오징어를 질겅질겅 씹으며 영화를 봤어요.

I watched a movie while chewing on dried squid.

'질겅질겅' is an onomatopoeia for repetitive chewing.

이 약은 씹어서 복용해야 합니다.

This medicine must be taken by chewing.

Formal ending -아/어 야 합니다 (must do).

그는 내 제안을 단번에 씹어버렸다.

He flatly ignored my proposal.

-어 버리다 indicates the completion of an action, often with a sense of regret or finality.

그는 학창 시절에 껌 좀 씹었던 것 같아.

It seems like he was a bit of a rebel back in school.

Idiom '껌 좀 씹다' refers to being a delinquent or rebel.

입안에 상처가 있어서 씹을 때마다 아파요.

I have a sore in my mouth, so it hurts every time I chew.

-을 때마다 means 'every time [verb] happens.'

그 배우는 대사를 씹는 실수를 했다.

That actor made a mistake by fumbling (chewing) the lines.

Metaphorical use for tripping over words or mispronouncing.

상사에게 무시당하는 것보다 메시지를 씹히는 게 더 기분 나빠.

Getting my message ignored is more annoying than being ignored by my boss.

Comparative structure -보다 ... -게 더.

음식의 맛도 중요하지만 씹는 식감도 중요해요.

The taste of food is important, but the chewing texture is also important.

Contrastive particle -도 (also) used with '맛' and '식감'.

그 소문은 사람들 사이에서 씹히기 딱 좋은 주제였다.

That rumor was a perfect topic to be 'chewed over' (gossiped about) by people.

Passive '씹히다' used for being the subject of gossip.

단단한 것을 씹다가 치아가 깨졌어요.

I broke my tooth while chewing something hard.

-다가 indicates an action interrupted by another event.

메시지를 씹지 말고 제때 답장 좀 해.

Stop ignoring my messages and reply on time.

-지 말고 (don't do X, but do Y).

그 평론가는 감독의 신작을 아주 처참하게 씹어 놓았다.

That critic completely tore the director's new work to pieces.

Metaphorical use for harsh criticism.

그는 분노를 씹어 삼키며 평정심을 유지하려 애썼다.

He tried to maintain his composure while swallowing (suppressing) his anger.

Literary expression '분노를 씹어 삼키다' (suppress anger).

단순히 먹는 행위를 넘어, 저작 과정은 소화의 핵심이다.

Beyond simply eating, the process of mastication is the core of digestion.

'저작' (mastication) is the formal/academic term for chewing.

그녀의 말 한마디 한마디를 씹어 볼수록 의미가 깊었다.

The more I 'chewed over' (reflected on) every word she said, the deeper the meaning became.

-어 보다 (to try/experience) used metaphorically for reflection.

대중은 정치인의 실언을 씹고 뜯으며 즐거워했다.

The public enjoyed 'chewing and tearing' (relentlessly criticizing) the politician's slip of the tongue.

Idiomatic phrase '씹고 뜯다' for relentless criticism.

그는 상대의 논리를 하나하나 씹어 가며 반박했다.

He refuted the opponent's logic while 'chewing' (deconstructing) it piece by piece.

-어 가며 indicates doing one action while progressing through another.

이 소설은 문장을 씹어 읽는 재미가 있다.

This novel has the pleasure of 'chewing' (slowly savoring) the sentences.

Metaphor for savoring literature.

권력자들의 횡포를 씹어 대는 풍자 만화가 인기다.

Satirical cartoons that 'chew out' (criticize) the tyranny of those in power are popular.

-어 대다 indicates doing an action repeatedly and intensely.

언어의 질감을 씹어 내는 시인의 감각이 탁월하다.

The poet's sense of 'chewing out' (extracting the essence of) the texture of language is excellent.

High-level metaphorical usage in literary criticism.

그는 과거의 영광을 씹으며 현재의 초라함을 견디고 있다.

He is enduring his current misery by 'chewing on' (ruminating on) his past glory.

Metaphor for obsession with the past.

정치권의 야합을 씹어 돌리는 여론의 화살이 매섭다.

The arrows of public opinion, 'chewing around' (harshly attacking) the political collusion, are fierce.

Complex metaphorical construction.

그는 죽음의 공포를 씹어 삼킨 채 전장으로 향했다.

He headed to the battlefield, having 'swallowed' (suppressed) the fear of death.

Intense literary expression of emotional control.

인간의 욕망을 노골적으로 씹어 파헤친 수작이다.

It is a masterpiece that explicitly 'chews and digs into' human desire.

Using '씹다' to describe artistic deconstruction.

그의 연기는 캐릭터의 고뇌를 온전히 씹어 낸 듯했다.

His acting seemed to have fully 'chewed out' (expressed the essence of) the character's agony.

Metaphor for deep artistic interpretation.

사회적 모순을 씹어 뱉는 듯한 그의 발언은 파격적이었다.

His remarks, which seemed to 'chew and spit out' social contradictions, were unconventional.

Metaphor for blunt and forceful social critique.

고전의 가르침을 씹어 자기 것으로 만드는 과정이 필요하다.

A process of 'chewing' (internalizing) the teachings of the classics and making them one's own is necessary.

Metaphor for deep learning and internalization.

Common Collocations

껌을 씹다

꼭꼭 씹다

문자를 씹다

뒤에서 씹다

대사를 씹다

입술을 씹다

얼음을 씹다

고기를 씹다

말을 씹다

잘 안 씹히다

Common Phrases

읽고 씹다 (읽씹)

— To read a message and not reply. Very common slang.

읽씹은 정말 예의가 아니지.

안 읽고 씹다 (안읽씹)

— To ignore a message without even opening it.

안읽씹 당하는 게 더 기분 나빠.

씹어 먹다

— To chew up and eat; also used to mean mastering something perfectly.

그는 책 한 권을 씹어 먹을 정도로 공부했다.

껌 좀 씹다

— To have been a juvenile delinquent or a 'tough kid.'

형은 옛날에 껌 좀 씹었나 봐요?

질겅질겅 씹다

— To chew repeatedly and noisily, often something rubbery.

오징어를 질겅질겅 씹고 있어.

꼭꼭 씹어라

— A common command to children to chew their food well.

얘야, 밥 좀 꼭꼭 씹어라.

대사를 씹다

— To fumble or trip over one's lines (acting).

오늘 무대에서 대사를 씹어서 아쉬워요.

남을 씹다

— To badmouth or gossip about someone.

우리는 모여서 상사를 씹었다.

씹는 맛

— The texture or 'mouthfeel' of food when chewing.

이 회는 씹는 맛이 일품이네요.

잘 씹히다

— To be easy to chew (passive).

이 스테이크는 정말 부드러워서 잘 씹혀요.

Often Confused With

씹다 vs 씻다 (ssit-da)

Means 'to wash.' Easy to confuse due to the similar initial sound.

씹다 vs 집다 (jip-da)

Means 'to pick up.' Also ends in 'ㅂ다'.

씹다 vs 밉다 (mip-da)

Means 'to be hateful.' It is an adjective and follows ㅂ-irregular rules.

Idioms & Expressions

"껌 좀 씹다"

— To be a delinquent or a rebel during youth. It implies someone had a tough reputation.

그 아저씨는 젊었을 때 껌 좀 씹었대.

Informal/Slang

"CD를 씹어 먹다"

— To perform a song live so perfectly that it sounds like the recorded CD.

이번 라이브 공연은 정말 CD를 씹어 먹은 수준이었어.

Slang/Compliment

"뒤에서 씹다"

— To talk behind someone's back or criticize them when they aren't there.

친구들끼리 모여서 걔를 씹고 있더라고.

Informal

"말을 씹다"

— To ignore what someone is saying completely.

내 말을 씹는 거야? 왜 대답이 없어?

Informal/Aggressive

"문자를 씹다"

— To ignore a text message (leaving someone on read).

바빠서 의도치 않게 문자를 씹었어.

Slang

"대사를 씹다"

— To make a mistake in speaking lines, often by stuttering or mispronouncing.

첫 공연이라 긴장해서 대사를 씹었어요.

Professional/Acting

"씹고 뜯고 맛보고 즐기고"

— A famous advertising catchphrase for a dental medicine, now used to mean enjoying food thoroughly.

오늘 회식은 씹고 뜯고 맛보고 즐기자!

Playful/Pop Culture

"분노를 씹다"

— To suppress or 'chew on' one's anger.

그는 분노를 씹으며 참았다.

Literary

"입술을 짓씹다"

— To bite one's lips hard, usually out of intense emotion or determination.

그는 입술을 짓씹으며 결심을 굳혔다.

Literary

"책을 씹어 먹다"

— To study a book so intensely that you know every detail.

그는 시험 합격을 위해 기본서를 씹어 먹었다.

Informal/Exaggeration

Easily Confused

씹다 vs 무시하다

Both can mean 'to ignore.'

무시하다 is neutral and general, while 씹다 is informal and specifically refers to ignoring communication or words.

상사가 내 의견을 무시했다 (Neutral). 친구가 내 문자를 씹었다 (Informal).

씹다 vs 저작하다

Both mean 'to chew.'

저작하다 is a technical/medical term, while 씹다 is used in everyday life.

저작 기능에 문제가 있다 (Medical). 껌을 씹다 (Daily).

씹다 vs 삼키다

Both are eating actions.

씹다 is the breaking down of food; 삼키다 is moving it down the throat.

잘 씹고 나서 삼키세요.

씹다 vs 험담하다

Both mean talking badly about someone.

험담하다 is a formal word for 'to slander,' whereas 씹다 is a common slang metaphor.

남을 험담하지 마세요 (Formal). 남 좀 그만 씹어 (Slang).

씹다 vs 물다

Both involve teeth.

물다 is 'to bite' or 'to hold in the mouth,' whereas 씹다 is the repeated action of chewing.

사과를 한 입 베어 물다 (Bite). 껌을 씹다 (Chew).

Sentence Patterns

[Object]를 씹어요.

껌을 씹어요.

[Object]가 잘 안 씹혀요.

고기가 잘 안 씹혀요.

내 [Object]를 씹었어.

내 문자를 씹었어.

남을 뒤에서 씹다.

친구들이 나를 뒤에서 씹어.

껌 좀 씹다.

그는 젊었을 때 껌 좀 씹었대.

씹는 맛이 있다.

이 사과는 씹는 맛이 있어요.

[Object]를 씹어먹다.

그 가수는 무대를 씹어먹었다.

[Emotion]을 씹어 삼키다.

슬픔을 씹어 삼키며 웃었다.

Word Family

Nouns

씹기 (chewing/mastication)

저작 (mastication - formal)

읽씹 (read and ignore)

안읽씹 (unopened ignore)

Verbs

씹히다 (to be chewed - passive)

짓씹다 (to chew hard)

되씹다 (to ruminate/chew over)

씹어먹다 (to devour/crush)

입 (mouth)

치아 (teeth)

음식 (food)

껌 (gum)

무시 (ignore)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily conversation and social media contexts.

Common Mistakes

Conjugating as 씹워요. → 씹어요.
씹다 is a regular verb. The 'ㅂ' does not change to '우'.
Using '씹다' for 'ignoring' in a formal email. → 제 요청을 무시하셨습니다 (or more politely) 아직 답장을 받지 못했습니다.
The slang usage of 씹다 is too informal and aggressive for professional settings.
Saying '손을 씹으세요' when you mean 'Wash your hands'. → 손을 씻으세요.
Confusing 씹다 (chew) with 씻다 (wash).
Using '씹다' instead of '물다' for a single bite. → 사과를 한 입 베어 물었다.
씹다 refers to the repeated action of chewing, not the act of taking a bite (물다).
Using the active form when the food is the subject. → 고기가 잘 안 씹혀요.
In Korean, it's more natural to use the passive '씹히다' when describing the quality of the food.

Tips

Master the Double S

The 'ㅆ' in 씹다 is a tensed sound. Put more pressure in your throat and make it sharp. If you say it too softly, it might sound like a different word.

Regular Verb Alert

Remember that 씹다 is regular! Don't let the 'ㅂ' confuse you into thinking it's like '춥다' (cold). It's always 씹어, 씹어서, 씹으니.

Use '읽씹' Carefully

While '읽씹' is common, it's very informal. Only use it with close friends when complaining about someone ignoring your KakaoTalk messages.

Chewing Manners

In Korea, making loud chewing noises (쩝쩝) is generally considered impolite. Use the word '천천히' (slowly) when telling someone to enjoy their meal.

Texture Talk

If you want to describe something as 'chewy' in a good way, use '쫄깃쫄깃하다'. If it's 'chewy' in a bad/tough way, use '질기다' with '씹다'.

Dental Context

At a dentist, you'll often hear '씹어 보세요' (Try chewing/biting). This is used to check if your bite (교합) is correct after a procedure.

Crushing the Stage

Use '무대를 씹어먹다' when you are really impressed by a singer's live performance. It's a very modern and cool way to give a compliment.

Badmouthing

The phrase '남을 씹다' is very common. If you hear someone say '걔 또 씹히고 있어,' it means that person is being gossiped about again.

Journaling Idea

Write a short paragraph about your favorite chewy food (like tteokbokki or squid) using '씹는 맛' (mouthfeel).

Distinguish from 'Wash'

Focus on the final consonant. 씹다 (ssip-da) ends in a 'p' sound, while 씻다 (ssit-da) ends in a 't' sound. Context is your best friend here!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'ss' sound in '씹다' as the sound of teeth 'slicing' through food. Or imagine 'Sipping' a drink is easy, but 'Ssipping' (chewing) requires teeth.

Visual Association

Imagine a person chewing a huge piece of bubblegum (껌) while looking at their phone and 'chewing' (ignoring) a text message.

Word Web

Food Teeth Gum Ignore Message Gossip Mouth Swallow

Challenge

Try to use '씹다' in two different ways today: once when eating and once when talking about your phone notifications.

Word Origin

Native Korean word (Pure Korean). It has been used since Middle Korean to describe the physical act of chewing.

Original meaning: To crush or grind food with the teeth.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful with the slang usage; it is informal and can be perceived as aggressive if used in the wrong context.

The English equivalent of 'chewing someone out' means to scold them, but in Korean, '씹다' means to ignore or gossip about them.

The phrase '씹고 뜯고 맛보고 즐기고' from the Igatan dental medicine commercial. Various K-pop songs use '씹다' in the context of ignoring haters. K-dramas often feature scenes where characters are upset over being '읽씹' (ignored).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

고기가 잘 안 씹혀요.
꼭꼭 씹어 드세요.
씹는 맛이 좋아요.
천천히 씹으세요.

Texting Friends

왜 내 카톡 씹어?
읽씹 하지 마.
미안, 바빠서 씹었어.
안읽씹은 너무해.

At the Dentist

씹을 때 아파요?
이쪽으로 씹지 마세요.
양쪽으로 골고루 씹으세요.
씹는 게 불편해요.

Talking about Others

남을 뒤에서 씹지 마.
걔는 상사 씹는 걸 좋아해.
우리 어제 걔 엄청 씹었어.
남 씹는 건 나쁜 습관이야.

Performance/Talent

무대를 씹어먹었어.
대사를 씹으면 안 돼.
라이브 실력이 CD를 씹어먹었네.
연기가 캐릭터를 씹어먹었다.

Conversation Starters

"이 고기 너무 질겨서 잘 안 씹히지 않아요? (Isn't this meat too tough to chew?)"

"평소에 껌 씹는 거 좋아하세요? (Do you usually like chewing gum?)"

"친구가 내 문자를 씹으면 기분이 어때요? (How do you feel when a friend ignores your text?)"

"음식을 천천히 씹어 먹는 편인가요? (Do you tend to chew your food slowly?)"

"최근에 무대를 씹어먹은 가수를 본 적 있어요? (Have you seen a singer who crushed the stage recently?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 먹은 음식 중에서 씹는 맛이 가장 좋았던 것은 무엇인가요? (What was the food with the best texture that you ate today?)

누군가 내 메시지를 씹었을 때의 기분을 써 보세요. (Write about how you feel when someone ignores your message.)

남을 씹는 것(험담)에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요. (Write about your thoughts on badmouthing others.)

건강을 위해 꼭꼭 씹어 먹는 습관을 어떻게 기를 수 있을까요? (How can we develop the habit of chewing thoroughly for health?)

내가 무언가를 '씹어먹을' 정도로 열심히 했던 경험이 있나요? (Is there an experience where you worked hard enough to 'devour' something?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a regular verb. Unlike many Korean words ending in 'ㅂ' (like 춥다 or 돕다), the 'ㅂ' in 씹다 does not change when conjugated with vowels. You say 씹어요, not 씹워요.

Use '씹히다' (passive) when you want to describe how the food is being chewed or its texture. For example, '고기가 잘 안 씹혀요' means 'The meat doesn't chew well.' Use '씹다' when the person is the subject: '저는 고기를 씹어요.'

'읽씹' is an abbreviation for '읽고 씹다,' which means 'reading a message and ignoring it.' It's a very common slang term in Korea and is considered quite rude.

Its literal meaning (chewing food) is perfectly fine. However, using it to mean 'ignoring someone' or 'badmouthing' is informal and can be rude depending on who you are talking to. Use '무시하다' in formal situations.

Yes, that is the most common literal use. '껌을 씹다' is the standard phrase for chewing gum.

You use the adverb '꼭꼭' (kkok-kkok). The phrase is '꼭꼭 씹어 먹다' (chew thoroughly and eat).

No. In English, 'chewing someone out' means scolding them. In Korean, '씹다' means ignoring them or talking about them behind their back.

It stands for '안 읽고 씹다,' which means ignoring a message without even opening it to avoid the 'read' receipt.

Yes, for example, '강아지가 뼈를 씹고 있어요' (The dog is chewing a bone).

It's a high compliment for a performer, meaning they totally dominated or 'crushed' the performance.