KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
이건 처음 먹어봐요
i·geon cheo·eum meo·geo·bwa·yo
igeon cheoeum meogeobwayo
This is my first time trying this
Cultural Insight
Trying Korean food for the first time is a life event for many foreigners! Essential firsts: 김치 (kimchi), 삼겹살 (pork belly), 불고기 (bulgogi), 비빔밥 (bibimbap), 떡볶이 (tteokbokki). Saying 처음 먹어봐요 invites Koreans to enthusiastically guide your taste journey!
Phrase Breakdown
이건
igeon
as for this (topic)
이것은 (as for this) contracted to 이건
처음 먹어봐요
cheoeum meogeobwayo
trying to eat for the first time
처음 (first time) + 먹어 보다 (try eating)
Shares the fact that you’ve never tried this food before — opens conversation about the experience.
Example Phrases
이건 처음 먹어봐요. 맛이 어때요?
Igeon cheoeum meogeobwayo. Mashi eottaeyo?
This is my first time trying this. What’s the taste like?
맛이 어때요? = how is the taste?
삼겹살 처음 먹어봐요. 정말 맛있어요!
Samgyeopsal cheoeum meogeobwayo. Jeongmal massisseoyo!
First time trying samgyeopsal. It’s really delicious!
삼겹살 = pork belly, a popular Korean BBQ dish.
한국 음식이 처음이에요. 모두 새로워요.
Hanguk eumsigi cheoumieyo. Modu saerowoyo.
It’s my first time with Korean food. Everything is new.
새롭다 = to be new/novel.
Related Phrases
이게 뭐예요?
ige mwoyeyo?
What is this?
Asking about an unfamiliar food.
맛있어요!
massisseoyo!
It’s delicious!
A positive reaction after tasting.
입에 맞아요?
ibe majayo?
Does it suit your taste?
Asking if the food is agreeable to someone.
Quick Review
회의 있어요
Can you recall what this means?
houi isseoyo
I have a meeting