Korean Dictionary
How to say "Enjoy your meal" in Korean
“Enjoy your meal” in Korean is 맛있게 드세요 (pronounced "Masitge deuseyo").
맛있게 드세요
Masitge deuseyo
Usage & Context
Wishing someone to enjoy their food, said before or when serving a meal. Shows hospitality and care. Often said by restaurant staff when bringing food. The casual version among friends is 맛있게 먹어요. Equivalent to 'bon appétit' in French dining culture.
Example Sentence
요리 완성했어요! 맛있게 드세요.
The cooking is done! Enjoy your meal.
How to use 맛있게 드세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Enjoy your meal” is 맛있게 드세요, romanized as Masitge deuseyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 맛있게 드세요.
Pronunciation Guide
맛있게 (Ma-shit-geh): "Ma" like in "mama". "Shit" like "sheet" but with a softer 'sh' and the 't' almost silent, blending into the next syllable. "Geh" like "get" without the 't'. 드세요 (Deu-seh-yo): "Deu" like "dew" but with a flatter 'eu' sound. "Seh" like "say" but with an 'eh' sound. "Yo" like "yo-yo". Overall, the 's' in 맛있게 is pronounced like 'sh'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
맛있게 먹어
Masitge meogeo
Used among close friends or to children. '맛있게 먹어요' (Masitge meogeoyo) is a slightly less formal polite form.
More Example Sentences
A child or younger person serving food they cooked to their parent.
엄마, 제가 만든 김치찌개예요. 맛있게 드세요!
Mom, this is the kimchi stew I made. Enjoy your meal!
A server at a restaurant bringing food to a customer.
손님, 주문하신 음식 나왔습니다. 맛있게 드세요!
Customer, your ordered food is here. Enjoy your meal!
A host addressing guests at a dinner party.
자, 다 같이 먹읍시다! 맛있게 드세요, 여러분!
Alright, let's all eat together! Enjoy your meal, everyone!
Cultural Context
This phrase is deeply ingrained in Korean dining etiquette. It's not just a polite wish but an expression of care and hospitality. When someone serves you food, whether at home or in a restaurant, they almost always say '맛있게 드세요.' It's also common for people to say '잘 먹겠습니다' (jal meokgesseumnida - I will eat well) before eating, and '잘 먹었습니다' (jal meogeosseumnida - I ate well) after, as a way of showing gratitude. This exchange highlights the importance of food and shared meals in Korean culture.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 맛있게 드세요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
맛있게 드세요, 손님.
Enjoy your meal, customer.
어머니, 맛있게 드세요.
Mom, enjoy your meal.
천천히 맛있게 드세요.
Eat slowly and enjoy.
Related Expressions
잘 먹겠습니다
Jal meokgesseumnida
I will eat well (said before eating)
잘 먹었습니다
Jal meogeosseumnida
I ate well (said after eating)
많이 드세요
Mani deuseyo
Eat a lot (encouraging someone to eat more)
배부르게 드세요
Baebureuge deuseyo
Eat until you're full
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