Koreans use it when tasting soups, stews, or snacks to express that something has a strong salty flavor.
Yes. The polite form "짜요 (jjayo)" is appropriate in restaurants. You can also say "너무 짜요 (neomu jjayo)" for stronger emphasis.
You can say "It's too salty" — 너무 짜요 (neomu jjayo) or "Please give me the less salty one" — 덜 짠 거로 주세요 (deol jjan georo juseyo) to request a milder version.
짜요 means "It's salty." 짜다 (jjada) = to be salty, 요 (yo) = polite. Common expression when eating soups, stews, seasoned dishes. Sharing taste opinions helps adjust seasoning and shows honest appreciation.
1. Soups & stews: Comment on saltiness.
2. Side dishes: Share taste opinion.
3. Adjust seasoning: Request milder version.
It's salty. Please give some water.
Too salty. Please give less salty one.
Salty! But delicious. (Casual)
It's okay, it's delicious.
• 너무 짜요 (neomu jjayo) - Too salty
• 덜 짜게 해 주세요 (deol jjage hae juseyo) - Please make less salty
• 싱거워요 (singgeowoyo) - Bland (opposite)