Core Verb: 먹다
The verb 먹다 (to eat) is one of the most essential verbs in Korean. You will use it every day to talk about meals and food.
Meals
Korean · English
아침을 먹다 · to eat breakfast
점심을 먹다 · to eat lunch
저녁을 먹다 · to eat dinner
In Korean, the words for morning (아침), noon (점심), and evening (저녁) are commonly used to mean the meals themselves.
Common Food
밥을 먹다: to eat rice / a meal
빵을 먹다: to eat bread
과일을 먹다: to eat fruit
Core takeaway: Using 먹다 with daily meals and food
Important Usage: Taking Medicine
In many languages, people say they "take" medicine. However, in Korean, you must use the verb 먹다 (to eat) for all types of medicine.
Essential Rule: 약을 먹다
Do not use 마시다 or 가지다 (to have/take) for medicine, even if it is liquid medicine or a pill. Korean speakers typically always say 약을 먹다 .
Example
감기에 걸려서 약을 먹어야 해요 .
(I caught a cold, so I have to take medicine.)
Core Verb: 마시다
The verb 마시다 (to drink) is used with liquids and beverages.
Common Drinks
Korean · English
물을 마시다 · to drink water
커피를 마시다 · to drink coffee
차를 마시다 · to drink tea
음료수를 마시다 · to drink a beverage
술을 마시다 · to drink alcohol
Example Sentences
아침에 물을 마셔요 . (I drink water in the morning.)
커피를 자주 마셔요 . (I drink coffee often.)
Core takeaway: Using 마시다 with water, coffee, and beverages