How to say "It's spicy" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "It's spicy" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
매워
maewo
Literally: It's spicy.
When to use it
You will need this within a day of landing. And 안 매워요? is what you ask before ordering, not after.
Polite form
- 매워요maewoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 안 매워요?an maewoyo?= Is it not spicy?Ask this BEFORE you order. 안 in front of a verb makes it negative.
- 덜 맵게 해 주세요deol maepge hae juseyo= Less spicy, pleaseSometimes possible, often not - many dishes come pre-made.
- 너무 매워요neomu maewoyo= It's too spicy너무 means too much.
In a sentence
- 이거 많이 매워요?igeo mani maewoyo?Is this very spicy?
- 매워서 물 좀 주세요.maewoseo mul jom juseyo.It's spicy, could I have some water.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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