잘 먹겠습니다
At a Korean table, people say something before the first bite. There’s no real English equivalent, so learners either skip it or translate it as “Bon appétit”, which misses the point.
What does it mean?
잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida) literally means “I will eat well.” It thanks the person who cooked, served or is paying for the meal. After eating, you say 잘 먹었습니다 (“I ate well”: thank you for the meal).
Before, after and from the host
The guest thanks; the host invites. Both sides have their own line.
When do Koreans use it?
- Someone treats you. A friend, boss or relative pays: say it before eating.
- Home cooking. Children say it to the parent who cooked.
- Leaving a restaurant. On the way out, 잘 먹었습니다 to the owner is a warm thank-you.
- Company dinners. Everyone says it to the senior who is paying.
How it sounds: examples
잘 먹겠습니다!
Jal meokgetseumnida!
“Thank you, I’ll enjoy this!”: before the first bite.
사장님, 잘 먹었습니다!
Sajangnim, jal meogeotseumnida!
“Thank you for the meal!”: to the owner when leaving.
오늘은 내가 살게. 와, 잘 먹을게!
Oneureun naega salge. Wa, jal meogeulge!
“Today’s on me.”: “Wow, thanks, I’ll enjoy it!”
Pronunciation tip
It sounds like [잘 먹껟씀니다], “jal meok-kket-sseum-ni-da.” The ㄱ after 먹 makes the next ㄱ tense (ㄲ), and -습니다 is “sseum-ni-da.”
Say 잘 clearly with a light “l”; don’t swallow it.
The nuance
It isn’t a prayer or a wish for others’ appetite. It is gratitude toward a person, which is why you can say it even to a stranger who just served you.
Be careful
If you are eating alone and paying yourself, there is no one to thank: you can skip it. With close friends, 잘 먹을게 is more natural than the formal version.
Similar words: what’s the difference?
Quick check: Your Korean friend says “오늘은 내가 살게” (Today’s on me). What do you say before eating?
잘 먹겠습니다or casually, 잘 먹을게.