Why Do Korean Coworkers Ask "Have You Eaten?"
By the Hangling team at Stellup · Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min read Short answer It's mostly a friendly check-in, a bit like "How are you?", not a lunch invitation. Answer 네, 먹었습니다. 식사하셨어요? and ask it right back. It's 1:15, you're back at your desk, and your team lead walks by and says 밥 먹었어요? (bap meogeosseoyo?) "Did you eat?" You freeze for a second. Are they inviting you somewhere? Did you miss team lunch? Do they want a full report on your kimbap? Relax. In most cases, they just said hello. Today you'll learn what this question really means in a Korean office, and a short, friendly way to answer it. At a glance Situation Korean When to use English A senior asks after lunch 네, 먹었습니다. 식사하셨어요? ne, meogeotseumnida. siksahasyeosseoyo? Most of the time Yes, I did. Did you eat? You haven't eaten yet 아직이요. 이따 먹으려고요 ajigiyo. it...