B2 Collocation Neutral 3 min de lectura

음악을 먹다

To 먹다 음악

Literalmente: To eat music

Use this phrase to describe a performer who completely owns a song with their soul and presence.

En 15 segundos

  • Deeply absorbing and internalizing a musical performance.
  • A high-tier compliment for soulful and dominant artists.
  • Metaphorically 'digesting' the rhythm and melody of a song.

Significado

To absorb music so deeply that you become one with it. It describes a performer who 'owns' a song or a listener who is completely immersed in the rhythm and soul of the melody.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Watching a powerful singer on a talent show

저 가수는 진짜 음악을 먹어버리네. 소름 돋았어.

That singer is really devouring the music. I got goosebumps.

💭
2

Texting a friend about a concert you just attended

어제 밴드 공연 봤는데, 보컬이 음악을 그냥 먹더라.

I saw a band yesterday, and the vocalist just ate the music.

😊
3

In a professional music review or blog post

그녀는 무대 위에서 음악을 먹는 듯한 몰입도를 보여주었습니다.

On stage, she showed a level of immersion that was like she was eating the music.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In Korean culture, the verb 'to eat' (먹다) signifies the complete internalization of an experience. Using it for music highlights the deep emotional connection Koreans have with singing and performance, often linked to the concept of 'Heung' (joy/excitement) and 'Han' (sorrow). It became especially popular in modern media to describe 'monster rookies' or legendary vocalists.

💡

The 'Chewing' Upgrade

If you want to sound even more impressed, use '무대를 씹어먹다' (to chew up the stage). It's the ultimate praise for a powerful performance.

⚠️

Don't be Literal

Never use this for physical objects like headphones or CDs. It only applies to the abstract feeling of the music itself.

En 15 segundos

  • Deeply absorbing and internalizing a musical performance.
  • A high-tier compliment for soulful and dominant artists.
  • Metaphorically 'digesting' the rhythm and melody of a song.

What It Means

Imagine you are at a concert. The bass is thumping in your chest. The singer hits a high note that gives you chills. In Korean, we say that person is 음악을 먹다. It means they aren't just playing notes. They are digesting the art. They are absorbing the rhythm into their very soul. It is a way to describe total immersion. When you 'eat' music, you aren't a passive observer. You are consuming the experience. It becomes a part of who you are in that moment.

How To Use It

You usually use this phrase to praise a performer. If a singer is incredibly talented, you say they 'ate' the music. It implies they have mastered the song perfectly. You can also use it for yourself. If you are lost in your headphones, you are 'eating' the music. It is a very active, visceral verb. It makes the act of listening sound like a physical necessity. Use it when the performance is more than just 'good.' Use it when it is transformative.

When To Use It

This is perfect for music shows or talent competitions. You will see it often in YouTube comments. It is great for karaoke (noraebang) sessions too. If your friend is singing with unexpected passion, drop this phrase. It also works when discussing your favorite artists. It shows you appreciate their 'soul' and not just their technique. Use it when you want to sound like a true music lover. It’s a high-tier compliment for any artist.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for background music. If you are in an elevator, you aren't 'eating' that music. You are just hearing it. Also, avoid using it literally. If you try to put a CD or a phone in your mouth, it’s a medical emergency. It is strictly a metaphor for emotional depth. Don't use it in very stiff, academic settings. It is a bit too expressive for a formal business meeting about quarterly profits. Keep it to the world of art and emotion.

Cultural Background

Koreans love using the verb 먹다 (to eat) for everything. You 'eat' your age every New Year's Day. You 'eat' a prize when you win a competition. You even 'eat' a person's words when you ignore them. This reflects a culture that values internalization. To 'eat' something is to make it yours. It shows that the experience has moved from the outside to the inside. In Korea, music isn't just for the ears; it's for the whole body.

Common Variations

The most famous variation is 무대를 씹어먹다. This means 'to chew up and eat the stage.' It is used for legendary, high-energy performances. There is also 소리를 먹다, but be careful! That one is usually technical. It means a singer's voice is being muffled or 'swallowed' by the room. But 음악을 먹다 is almost always a positive, soulful expression. It’s about the vibe and the groove.

Notas de uso

This phrase is mostly neutral but is best suited for casual conversations, social media, or artistic reviews. Avoid using it in somber or overly formal non-musical contexts.

💡

The 'Chewing' Upgrade

If you want to sound even more impressed, use '무대를 씹어먹다' (to chew up the stage). It's the ultimate praise for a powerful performance.

⚠️

Don't be Literal

Never use this for physical objects like headphones or CDs. It only applies to the abstract feeling of the music itself.

💬

The Power of 'Eat'

In Korea, 'eating' often means 'taking full responsibility' or 'owning.' When you eat music, you aren't just a guest; you are the owner of the sound.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Watching a powerful singer on a talent show
💭

저 가수는 진짜 음악을 먹어버리네. 소름 돋았어.

That singer is really devouring the music. I got goosebumps.

Used to describe a performance that feels incredibly natural and dominant.

#2 Texting a friend about a concert you just attended
😊

어제 밴드 공연 봤는데, 보컬이 음악을 그냥 먹더라.

I saw a band yesterday, and the vocalist just ate the music.

A casual way to express how impressed you were by the artist's vibe.

#3 In a professional music review or blog post

그녀는 무대 위에서 음악을 먹는 듯한 몰입도를 보여주었습니다.

On stage, she showed a level of immersion that was like she was eating the music.

A more descriptive, slightly formal way to praise an artist's focus.

#4 Teasing a friend who is singing very passionately at karaoke
😄

야, 너 그러다 마이크까지 먹겠다! 음악을 아주 먹네 먹어.

Hey, you're gonna eat the mic at this rate! You're really eating the music.

A humorous way to comment on someone's intense singing style.

#5 Describing your own experience listening to a favorite track
🤝

혼자 방에서 음악을 먹고 있으면 모든 걱정이 사라져요.

When I'm alone in my room absorbing the music, all my worries disappear.

Describes a personal, healing connection to music.

#6 Complimenting a street dancer's rhythm
🤝

춤추는 거 보니까 비트랑 음악을 완전히 먹었네!

Watching you dance, you've completely eaten the beat and the music!

Shows the person is perfectly in sync with the song.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct word to complete the compliment for a great singer.

와, 저 가수는 무대에서 진짜 음악을 ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 먹어요

The phrase '음악을 먹다' is the standard idiom for absorbing music deeply.

Which variation is used for a performance that dominates the entire stage?

아이돌 그룹이 무대를 ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 씹어먹었어요

'무대를 씹어먹다' (to chew up and eat the stage) is the common intensified version of this phrase.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of '음악을 먹다'

Informal

Used with close friends at karaoke or in casual texts.

너 진짜 음악 먹는다!

Neutral

Common in YouTube comments or fan communities.

음악을 먹는 가수가 최고죠.

Formal

Used in music reviews or entertainment news.

음악을 먹는 듯한 무대 매너.

Where to use '음악을 먹다'

음악을 먹다
🎤

Karaoke (Noraebang)

Complimenting a friend's passion.

🎸

Concert Venue

Describing the lead singer's energy.

📱

Music Show Comments

Praising a comeback performance.

🎧

Personal Healing

Listening deeply to a sad song.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it is a metaphor. It means the singer is so immersed in the music that it looks like they are absorbing it into their body.

Yes, you can! If a violinist plays with incredible soul and focus, you can say they are 음악을 먹고 있다.

Not at all. It is a very high compliment in the context of art and performance. It shows you recognize their talent.

듣다 is just the physical act of hearing. 먹다 implies a deep, emotional, and active internalization of the sound.

It is common in the entertainment industry and music journalism, but you wouldn't use it in a generic corporate business meeting.

Absolutely. If you love music so much that you forget everything else while listening, you can say you 'eat' music.

Not really for music. However, 욕을 먹다 (to eat insults) is a very common negative phrase meaning to be criticized.

You can say 음악을 먹네! or 음악 진짜 잘 먹는다! in a casual, friendly way.

It stems from the cultural idea that 'eating' is the most basic way to make something a part of yourself, whether it's age, emotions, or art.

Yes! If a dancer is perfectly synced to the beat, people often say they 'ate the beat' (비트를 먹다).

Frases relacionadas

무대를 씹어먹다 (To dominate the stage completely)

필(feel)이 충만하다 (To be full of 'feel' or soul)

흥에 취하다 (To be drunk on the excitement/rhythm)

심금을 울리다 (To touch the heartstrings)

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