Koreans say it when enjoying food at restaurants, street food stalls, or home-cooked meals to show appreciation to the cook or host.
Yes! Use the casual form "맛있어" with close friends. The polite "맛있어요" is safe in most situations.
Yes, Koreans often compliment food this way. It is considered good manners and makes the host happy.
맛있어요 means "It's delicious." 맛있다 (masitda) = to be delicious, 어요 (eoyo) = polite ending. Most common compliment when eating in Korea. Shows respect and gratitude to the cook. Use after first bite, during meal, and at end.
1. Restaurants: Praise food to staff/cook.
2. Home-cooked: Thank host.
3. Street food: Show enjoyment.
It's delicious. Really the best!
Wow, delicious! We should come often. (Casual)
It's delicious. I will eat well. (Formal)
Really delicious. Please give me more.
• 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida) - I will eat well (before eating)
• 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeosseumnida) - I ate well (after eating)
• 진짜 맛있어요 (jinjja masisseoyo) - Really delicious