[Learn][Korean] "잘 먹겠습니다" & "잘 먹었습니다" – Korean Mealtime Expressions Explained

잘 먹겠습니다 & 잘 먹었습니다

In Korean culture, food is not just something you eat—it’s something you share, appreciate, and show respect for. That’s why Koreans say special phrases before and after meals, even in casual settings. Two of the most commonly used expressions are "잘 먹겠습니다" and "잘 먹었습니다."

Let’s take a closer look at what these phrases mean, when to use them, and how they reflect Korean culture.

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1. What Does "잘 먹겠습니다" Mean?

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• 잘 (jal) – well
• 먹겠습니다 (meokgetseumnida) – I will eat (formal, future tense)

So, "잘 먹겠습니다" literally means "I will eat well."
But culturally, it’s a polite and respectful way to say:

• "Thank you for the meal (in advance)."
• "I appreciate this food."

When to Say It?

Before eating any meal, especially:

• When someone prepared or bought the food for you
• At a restaurant, even when ordering for yourself
• In group settings (home, school, company, etc.)

Example

You sit down to eat lunch with coworkers. Just before you start eating, you say:
"잘 먹겠습니다!"
It shows gratitude toward the person who prepared the food or paid for it.

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2. What Does "잘 먹었습니다" Mean?

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• 잘 (jal) – well
• 먹었습니다 (meogeotseumnida) – I ate (formal past tense)

"잘 먹었습니다" means "I ate well."
This is a polite way of saying:

• "Thank you for the meal."
• "That was delicious."
• "I’m done eating."

When to Say It?

After finishing your meal, especially:

• To show appreciation to the cook or the person who paid
• At home, to thank parents or hosts
• In restaurants or cafeterias, as a polite gesture

Example

You’ve finished your dinner at a Korean friend’s house. Before getting up from the table, you say:
"잘 먹었습니다!"
This makes your host feel respected and appreciated.

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3. Casual and Formal Variations

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Formal (존댓말)

• 잘 먹겠습니다 – I will eat well (before eating)
• 잘 먹었습니다 – I ate well (after eating)

Casual (반말)

• 잘 먹을게! – I’ll eat well (informal)
• 잘 먹었어! – I ate well (informal)

Use casual forms with friends, siblings, or close peers. Use formal versions in public, with elders, or in professional settings.

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4. Why Do Koreans Say This?

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These expressions reflect respect, gratitude, and humility in Korean culture.

• It acknowledges the effort of the cook or the person paying
• It creates a shared sense of appreciation at the table
• It’s part of everyday etiquette, just like saying "hello" or "thank you"

Even if you made or paid for the food yourself, Koreans still say these phrases, often out of habit and cultural courtesy.

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5. Related Phrases to Know

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• 맛있게 드세요! – Enjoy your meal!
• 배불러요. – I’m full.
• 진짜 맛있었어요! – It was really delicious!
• 또 먹고 싶어요. – I want to eat this again.

These expressions can be used alongside "잘 먹겠습니다" and "잘 먹었습니다" to sound even more natural and polite.

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Final Thoughts

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"잘 먹겠습니다" and "잘 먹었습니다" are simple but meaningful phrases that go beyond just saying "I’m eating" or "I’m done." They reflect the heart of Korean hospitality, gratitude, and respect.

If you’re visiting Korea, eating with Korean friends, or simply learning the language, using these phrases will help you connect more deeply with Korean culture and leave a great impression.

Next time you eat a meal with Koreans, try saying:
"잘 먹겠습니다!" before eating, and "잘 먹었습니다!" after finishing.
It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference!