beginner · freeInteractive lesson
먹어요
I eat / I am eating
Try it freeListen and repeat 먹어요Use the audio examples below to practice this exact intention.Open →Explanation
먹다 means “to eat,” and 먹어요 is the polite present form. It can mean “I eat” generally or “I am eating” right now.
Add the food with 을/를: 밥을 먹어요 means “I eat rice/a meal.” In relaxed speech, the particle is often omitted.
To offer someone food politely, ask 뭐 먹을래요? with friends or 뭐 드실래요? in more respectful speech.
Examples
저는 지금 밥을 먹어요.
Jeoneun jigeum babeul meogeoyo.
I am eating now.
뭐 먹어요?
Mwo meogeoyo?
What are you eating?
Mini dialogue
A: 점심 먹어요?
A: Are you eating lunch?
B: 네, 김밥을 먹어요.
B: Yes, I am eating gimbap.
Common mistakes
- 먹어요 is for the speaker or peers; use 드세요 when politely telling an elder to eat.
- 밥 can mean cooked rice or a meal depending on context.
How to practice
- 먹어요 is appropriate in everyday polite conversation.
- For an honorific subject, use 드세요 rather than 먹어요.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
What is the dictionary form of 먹어요?
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