Are you hungry right now and want to get food with someone? Maybe the person you’re with now? Or is there a friend or a crush you’d like to have a meal with? Then it may be the time to learn how to say ‘let’s eat’ in Korean! And that’s what we’ll cover in this lesson! So no more waiting, LET’S EAT!
‘Let’s Eat’ in Korean
Now, let’s learn how to say ‘let’s eat’ in Korean. As it’s a phrase rather than simply one word, you may be nervous about remembering it, but it’s actually quite easy!
The most used version for how to say let’s eat in Korean is 먹자 (meokja). The part 먹 (meok) is the stem of the verb 먹다 (meokda) which translates to ‘to eat’. The part 자 (ja), on the other hand, is the expression of suggestion for doing something. In other words 자 (ja) means ‘let’s’. It is important to note that 자 (ja) is rather informal and should only be used with people that you are at least somewhat closely acquainted with. That is, you should not say this to your boss, or your significant other’s parents, or someone you’ve just met.
If you wish to use the phrase ‘let’s eat’ in a more formal setting, you should replace 자 (ja)with (으)ㅂ시다 ((eu) ㅂ sida). In this case, the correct phrase in Korean would be 먹읍시다 (meogeupsida). You would be most likely to use this phrase in a professional or a business setting. However, you may also use it with an acquaintance you are not close with.
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This video shows How to Say “Let’s Eat” in Korean
A word of caution about Romanization
While it is possible for you to study the words in this article simply by reading their romanized versions, it will come in handy for you to be able to read Hangeul if you ever wish to come to Korea. Hangeul is the Korean alphabet, and not difficult to learn. In fact, you can learn it in just 90 minutes.
After you’ve familiarized yourself with Hangeul, life in Korea will suddenly seem so much easier and the country won’t appear so foreign for you. So, if you’re serious about learning Korean, why not learn Hangeul today?
Sample Sentences
Standard:
배고파요? 저도 배고파요. 지금 뭐 좀 먹읍시다. (baegophayo? Jeodo baegophayo. Jigeum mwo jom meogeupsida.)
Are you hungry? I’m also hungry. Let’s eat something now.
다음주쯤이나 같이 점심 좀 먹읍시다. (daeumjujjeumina kathi jeomshim jom meogeupsida.)
Let’s eat lunch together around next week.
Informal:
내일 저녁으로 고기 먹자! (naeil jeonyeokeuro gogi meokja!)
Let’s eat meat for dinner tomorrow!
So now that you know how to say ‘let’s eat’ in Korean, head on to your favorite Korean restaurant and order the best food! Or maybe you’re hungry for more Korean knowledge? Let us know what Korean you’d like to learn next in the comments below!
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