[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 18: Talking about Food Preferences

Basic Korean Conversation 18: Talking About Food Preferences

Dialogue

A: 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (Mwo meokgo sipeoyo?)

B: 비빔밥 먹고 싶어요. (Bibimbap meokgo sipeoyo.)

A: 맵지 않아요? (Maepji anayo?)

B: 괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.)

Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (Mwo meokgo sipeoyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "What do you want to eat?" It's a common way to ask about someone's food preference.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to know what someone wants to eat.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "mwo meok-go si-peo-yo?" The word "뭐" (mwo) means "what," and "먹고 싶어요" (meokgo sipeoyo) means "want to eat."

2. 비빔밥 먹고 싶어요. (Bibimbap meokgo sipeoyo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "I want to eat bibimbap." It indicates the specific food preference.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state that you want to eat bibimbap.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "bi-bim-bap meok-go si-peo-yo." The word "비빔밥" (bibimbap) means "bibimbap," and "먹고 싶어요" (meokgo sipeoyo) means "want to eat."

3. 맵지 않아요? (Maepji anayo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "Isn't it spicy?" It's a way to ask if the food is too spicy.
• Usage: Use this question when you want to ask if the food is spicy.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "maep-ji a-na-yo?" The word "맵지" (maepji) means "spicy," and "않아요" (anayo) means "isn't it."

4. 괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.)

• Meaning: This phrase means "It's okay." It indicates that the person is okay with the spiciness.
• Usage: Use this phrase to state that you are fine with the spiciness.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "gwaen-cha-na-yo." The word "괜찮아요" (gwaenchanayo) means "it's okay."

Vocabulary and Expressions

• 뭐 (Mwo): What
  • Example: "뭐 해요?" (What are you doing?).
• 먹고 싶어요 (Meokgo sipeoyo): Want to eat
  • Example: "아이스크림 먹고 싶어요" (I want to eat ice cream).
• 비빔밥 (Bibimbap): Bibimbap (a Korean mixed rice dish)
  • Example: "비빔밥 좋아해요?" (Do you like bibimbap?).
• 맵지 않아요 (Maepji anayo): Isn't it spicy
  • Example: "이거 맵지 않아요?" (Isn't this spicy?).
• 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo): It's okay
  • Example: "저 괜찮아요" (I'm okay).

Additional Examples

• Discussing Other Food Preferences:
  • A: 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (Mwo meokgo sipeoyo?) - What do you want to eat?
  • B: 김밥 먹고 싶어요. (Gimbap meokgo sipeoyo.) - I want to eat gimbap.
  • A: 맛있어요? (Masisseoyo?) - Is it delicious?
  • B: 네, 맛있어요. (Ne, masisseoyo.) - Yes, it's delicious.
• Talking About Food Preferences Informally:
  • A: 뭐 먹고 싶어? (Mwo meokgo sipeo?) - What do you want to eat? (informal)
  • B: 비빔밥 먹고 싶어. (Bibimbap meokgo sipeo.) - I want to eat bibimbap. (informal)
  • A: 맵지 않아? (Maepji ana?) - Isn't it spicy? (informal)
  • B: 괜찮아. (Gwaenchana.) - It's okay. (informal)

When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use these phrases in formal settings like professional environments, when meeting new people, or when talking to someone older or of higher status.
• Informal Settings: The informal versions can be used with friends, peers, or younger people in casual settings.

Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Ensure you use the correct level of formality based on the situation. Using informal speech in a formal setting can be seen as disrespectful.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce each syllable clearly. Mispronouncing key phrases can lead to misunderstandings or seem impolite.
• Food Preferences: Be prepared to suggest alternative foods if someone doesn't like your initial suggestion.

Pronunciation Tips

• 뭐 먹고 싶어요? (Mwo meokgo sipeoyo?): Break it down into syllables – "mwo meok-go si-peo-yo?" The "뭐" (mwo) should be pronounced clearly.
• 비빔밥 먹고 싶어요. (Bibimbap meokgo sipeoyo.): Say it as "bi-bim-bap meok-go si-peo-yo." Ensure to pronounce the "비빔밥" part smoothly.
• 맵지 않아요? (Maepji anayo?): Pronounce it as "maep-ji a-na-yo?" The "맵지" (maepji) should be pronounced with emphasis.
• 괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.): Say it as "gwaen-cha-na-yo." The "괜찮아요" (gwaenchanayo) should be pronounced clearly, sounding like "gwaen-cha-na-yo."

By understanding and practicing these basic Korean phrases, you can comfortably discuss food preferences and ask about spiciness, enhancing your communication skills and cultural understanding in Korean-speaking environments. Happy learning!