밥 먹었어?
Korean friends may ask “Did you eat?” at 3 p.m. or late at night. Learners often think it is an invitation: usually it is simply a way of saying “I care how you are.”
What does it mean?
밥 먹었어? (bap meogeosseo?) literally means “Did you eat (rice)?” Between family and friends it often works as a greeting or check-in, close to “How are you doing?” or “Are you taking care of yourself?”
Same question, different politeness
The meaning stays the same; the ending changes with who you are talking to.
When do Koreans use it?
- Checking in. Parents text it to grown-up children; friends use it to start a conversation.
- Showing care. After someone had a hard day, it says “I’m thinking of you.”
- Starting plans. Sometimes it does lead to “Let’s eat together”, but that comes as a second step.
- Phone and chat. A very common first line of a call or message.
How it sounds: examples
밥 먹었어?
Bap meogeosseo?
“Did you eat?”: often just “How are you?”
엄마, 밥 먹었어?
Eomma, bap meogeosseo?
“Mom, did you eat?”
아직 안 먹었어. 같이 먹을래?
Ajik an meogeosseo. Gachi meogeullae?
“Not yet. Want to eat together?”
Pronunciation tip
먹었어 is pronounced [머거써], “meo-geo-sseo.” The ㄱ at the end of 먹 slides into the next syllable, and ㅆ is a tense “ss”: sharp, with no breathiness.
Let the question rise at the end, as in English.
The nuance
The weight is on care, not food. Many Koreans connect eating well with being well, so asking about a meal is a natural way to ask about someone’s life.
Be careful
Don’t use the casual form with elders or your boss: say 식사하셨어요? (siksahasyeosseoyo?). And a reply of “Yes, I ate” is completely fine; you don’t have to accept an invitation that wasn’t really made.
Similar words: what’s the difference?
Quick check: Your friend texts “밥 먹었어?” at 3 p.m. Is she inviting you to lunch?
Not necessarily. It is often just a check-in. Reply, and see if a plan follows.