I say 대박 (daebak) at least 3 times when I eat something delicious. And I’m not alone - every Korean does this. If you want to sound natural when talking about food in Korean, these expressions are your secret weapon.
Quick Overview
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 맛있다 | masitda | Delicious |
| 대박 | daebak | Amazing |
| 배불러 | baebulleo | I’m full |
| 꿀맛 | kkulmat | Honey-delicious |
| 입에서 살살 녹아 | ibeseo salsal noga | Melts in your mouth |
| 죽인다 | juginda | It’s killer (so good) |
| 못 참겠다 | mot chamgetda | Can’t resist |
1. 맛있다 (masitda) - “Delicious”
🎯 When to Use It
The most essential Korean food expression. Works in any situation - casual, formal, with family, at restaurants. You literally cannot overuse this word.
💬 Real Example
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
I say this at every meal. My husband made kimchi fried rice last night and I said “맛있어!” at least 5 times while eating. It’s not exaggeration - it’s appreciation!
My 2-year-old’s first food word was “맛있어” - she says it like “ma-shi-ssheo” and it’s the cutest thing ever.
📝 Formality Levels
| Level | Korean | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | 맛있어 (masisseo) | Friends, family |
| Polite | 맛있어요 (masisseoyo) | Most situations |
| Formal | 맛있습니다 (masisseumnida) | Business, elders |
2. 대박 (daebak) - “Wow/Amazing”
🎯 When to Use It
When food is SO good you’re genuinely surprised. Literally means “jackpot.” This is your go-to exclamation for anything impressive.
💬 Real Example
(Have you tried the new tteokbokki place? / Yeah it’s amazing / That good?? / Yes, seriously delicious, you have to go)
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
I said 대박 three times before lunch today:
- When fried chicken delivery arrived
- When I opened the box
- At first bite
It’s my natural reaction to good food now. My husband says I’m predictable. I say I’m consistent.
📝 Common Combos
- 대박 맛있어! - “Wow, delicious!”
- 대박… 이거 뭐야 - “Amazing… what is this”
- 대박 실화냐 - “Is this real?” (when food is too good to believe)
3. 배불러 (baebulleo) - “I’m full”
🎯 When to Use It
Koreans love to feed people, so you’ll NEED this to politely decline more food. Warning: saying it once is never enough.
💬 Real Example
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
Korean moms never believe you when you say 배불러. You have to say it at least 5 times before they stop offering more food.
Pro tip: Pat your stomach while saying it. Add a satisfied groan. Maybe lean back in your chair. Physical evidence helps.
📝 Related Expressions
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 배불러 죽겠어 | baebulleo jukgesseo | I’m so full I could die |
| 더 못 먹어 | deo mot meogeo | Can’t eat anymore |
| 배 터질 것 같아 | bae teojil geot gata | Feel like my stomach will burst |
4. 꿀맛 (kkulmat) - “Honey-delicious”
🎯 When to Use It
꿀 (honey) + 맛 (taste) = The sweetest, most satisfying kind of delicious. Used when food hits JUST right, especially when you’re really hungry.
💬 Real Example
(Just had ramyeon, so good lol / Jealous ㅠㅠ I’m hungry too / Let’s order chicken after the game / Agreed, gonna be delicious)
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
The formula for 꿀맛:
- Any food + being really hungry = 꿀맛
- Convenience store ramyeon at 3am = 꿀맛
- First bite after a long day = 꿀맛
Hunger is the best seasoning, and Koreans know it.
📝 Usage Examples
- 라면이 꿀맛이야 - “This ramyeon hits different”
- 피곤할 때 먹으면 꿀맛 - “Tastes amazing when you’re tired”
- 꿀맛 보장 - “Guaranteed delicious”
5. 입에서 살살 녹아 (ibeseo salsal noga) - “Melts in your mouth”
🎯 When to Use It
For foods with amazing texture - tender meat, soft desserts, anything that dissolves on your tongue. Very poetic, very Korean.
💬 Real Example
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
I use this mostly for:
- 소고기 (beef) - especially 한우
- 삼겹살 that’s perfectly grilled
- Fancy desserts
- My mom’s 갈비찜 (braised short ribs)
The first time my husband tried 한우, he literally said “입에서 녹는다” with his eyes closed. Peak Korean food moment.
6. 죽인다 (juginda) - “It’s killer” (So good)
🎯 When to Use It
Literally means “it kills” but used to mean “it’s amazing/deadly good.” Casual, punchy, satisfying to say.
⚠️ Casual only - Don’t use this in formal situations.
💬 Real Example
(The tteokbokki I just had is killer / lol that place is famous / Now I know why)
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
My husband’s vocabulary for good food:
- 맛있어
- 대박
- 죽인다
- (eating sounds)
That’s it. That’s the whole range. 죽인다 is reserved for top-tier food only.
7. 못 참겠다 (mot chamgetda) - “Can’t resist”
🎯 When to Use It
When you see/smell food and your willpower crumbles. Perfect for when you’re on a diet and failing.
💬 Real Example
🏠 Cera’s Real Life
Me at every convenience store: “그냥 물만 사야지” (I’ll just buy water)
Also me: walks out with 삼각김밥, 컵라면, and ice cream
못 참겠다 is my life.
📝 Similar Expressions
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 참을 수 없어 | Can’t hold back |
| 안 먹을 수가 없어 | Can’t NOT eat it |
| 그냥 먹어야겠다 | I just have to eat it |
🎯 Quick Review Quiz
1. What does 꿀맛 literally mean?
- A) Sweet taste
- B) Honey taste
- C) Best taste
2. When would you say 배불러?
- A) When food is delicious
- B) When you’re full
- C) When you’re hungry
3. 죽인다 means the food is:
- A) Bad
- B) Okay
- C) Amazing (killer good)
Check Answers
- B - 꿀맛 = honey (꿀) + taste (맛)
- B - 배불러 means “I’m full”
- C - 죽인다 means it’s killer/amazing
Bonus: Food Reaction Levels
| Reaction | Korean | Use when… |
|---|---|---|
| Good | 맛있어 | Standard delicious |
| Great | 대박, 죽인다 | Really impressed |
| Perfect | 꿀맛, 입에서 녹아 | Mind-blown |
| Full | 배불러 | Can’t eat more |
| Must eat | 못 참겠다 | Craving hits |
Related Posts
- Korean BBQ Phrases - What to say at the restaurant
- Korean Cafe Ordering - For dessert after
Fun fact: I wrote most of this while hungry. Big mistake. Ordering delivery now.