delicious in korean
How to Say "Delicious" in Korean (맛있어 / 맛있어요): Casual & Polite
맛있어요
masisseoyo
Quick answer
Say 맛있어 (masisseo) to a close friend or 맛있어요 (masisseoyo) politely — both mean delicious or 'it tastes good' in Korean.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 맛있어 | masisseo | Between friends or family when eating together — totally natural. |
| polite | 맛있어요 | masisseoyo | Polite form — use this with hosts, parents-in-law, or anyone you want to thank. |
| formal | 맛있습니다 | masitseumnida | Formal — used in food broadcasts, presentations, or formal dining occasions. |
| really delicious | 진짜 맛있어 | jinjja masisseo | 진짜 (really) is the most natural intensifier for food compliments. |
How it changes by relationship
와, 진짜 맛있어! 어떻게 만들었어?
Wa, jinjja masisseo! Eotteoke mandeureosseo?
at a friend's place: Wow, this is really delicious! How did you make it?
어머니, 정말 맛있어요!
Eomeoni, jeongmal masisseoyo!
at a family dinner (polite to elder): Mom, this is really delicious! — a warm and appreciated compliment.
음식이 진짜 맛있어요, 감사합니다.
Eumsigi jinjja masisseoyo, gamsahamnida.
in a restaurant (to staff): The food is really delicious, thank you.
맛있다~ 😋
masitda~
casual reaction while eating: 맛있다 as a self-exclamation is very natural while enjoying food alone or with friends.
Examples
이 김치찌개 너무 맛있어!
I gimchijjigae neomu masisseo!
This kimchi stew is so delicious!
잘 먹겠습니다! 맛있어 보여요.
Jal meokgesseumnida! Maisseo boyeoyo.
정말 맛있습니다, 요리 잘 하시네요.
Jeongmal masitseumnida, yori jal hasineyo.
It's truly delicious, you cook really well.
Usage note
Koreans almost always say 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida, I will eat well) before starting a meal and 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseumnida, I ate well) after — these expressions of gratitude are more central to Korean food culture than saying 'delicious,' which is the compliment you add on top.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "delicious" here?
FAQ
What do Koreans say before eating?
잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida) — literally 'I will eat well' — is said before eating as a thank-you to the cook or host. It's expected and polite.
What's the opposite — how do I say 'not tasty'?
맛없어 (maseo-bseo) casually or 맛이 없어요 (masi eopseoyo) politely. Be careful — saying this directly can sound blunt.
What does 맛집 mean?
맛집 (matjip) = a place (집) with great taste (맛) — a popular restaurant or go-to spot for good food. You'll see this in K-drama episode descriptions and food vlogs.