A1 verb Neutral

먹다

[mʌk̚t͈a]

To consume food or drink. It is one of the most essential verbs for survival and daily activity.

Examples

3 of 5
1

점심 뭐 먹을까요?

What shall we eat for lunch?

2

맛있게 드십시오.

Please enjoy your meal.

3

이거 먹어 봐.

Try eating this.

Word Family

Noun
먹이
Verb
먹다
💡

Memory Tip

Mug (English) - you put things in your mouth like using a mug.

Quick Quiz

사과를 ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 먹어요

Examples

1

점심 뭐 먹을까요?

everyday

What shall we eat for lunch?

2

맛있게 드십시오.

formal

Please enjoy your meal.

3

이거 먹어 봐.

informal

Try eating this.

4

영양소를 골고루 섭취해야 합니다.

academic

You must consume nutrients evenly.

5

거래처와 함께 저녁을 먹었습니다.

business

I had dinner with a client.

Word Family

Noun
먹이
Verb
먹다

Common Collocations

밥을 먹다 to eat a meal
나이를 먹다 to get older (eat age)
마음을 먹다 to make up one's mind (eat mind)
약품을 먹다 to take medicine
욕을 먹다 to be criticized (eat insults)

Common Phrases

잘 먹겠습니다.

I will eat well (before meal).

잘 먹었습니다.

I ate well (after meal).

밥 먹었어?

Have you eaten? (Common greeting)

Often Confused With

먹다 vs 마시다

'먹다' is for solid food, while '마시다' is specifically for liquids, though '먹다' is often used for medicine and soup.

📝

Usage Notes

In Korean, 'eating' can also apply to age, criticism, or determination.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Using '먹다' for elders instead of '드시다'.

💡

Memory Tip

Mug (English) - you put things in your mouth like using a mug.

📖

Word Origin

Native Korean word.

Grammar Patterns

-고 싶다 (want to) -(으)ㄹ까요? (shall we?)
🌍

Cultural Context

Asking 'Have you eaten?' is a common way to show care and greet someone in Korea.

Quick Quiz

사과를 ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 먹어요

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