K-PLAZA.COM Korean Learning › Korean phrases › Dining out & ordering › 이거 매워요?
“Is this spicy” in Korean: 이거 매워요? (igeo maewoyo?)
이거 매워요?
igeo maewoyo?
Meaning
Is this spicy?
Usage note
A must-have phrase if you’re sensitive to spicy food. 매워요? means “is it spicy?”
Romanization follows the Revised Romanization system and is a guide to pronunciation.
Practical guide
When to use it
Ask before you order if you cannot handle spice. Korean stews, stir-fries and dishes with red sauce are often hot even when they do not look it.
Watch out
Staff may answer 조금 매워요 (a little spicy), 많이 매워요 (very spicy) or 안 매워요 (not spicy). What a Korean calls “a little spicy” can feel strong to you, so follow up with 안 맵게 해 주세요 if you are unsure.
In a conversation
- 이거 매워요? igeo maewoyo?
Is this spicy? - 네 ne
Yes. - 안 맵게 해 주세요 an maepge hae juseyo
Please don’t make it spicy.
How to pronounce it
It is pronounced just as it is written.
| Syllable | Letters (consonant + vowel + final) | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 이거 | ||
| 이 | ㅇ+ㅣ | i |
| 거 | ㄱ+ㅓ | geo |
| 매워요 | ||
| 매 | ㅁ+ㅐ | mae |
| 워 | ㅇ+ㅝ | wo |
| 요 | ㅇ+ㅛ | yo |
A ㅇ at the start of a syllable is silent; at the end of a syllable it sounds like “ng”.
Speech style
Ends in -요. The everyday polite style, and a safe choice with shop staff, colleagues, strangers and anyone older than you.
Phrases that use the same word
Phrases with “매워요”
- 떡볶이는 매워요?Is tteokbokki spicy?
Phrases with “이거”
- 이거 있어요?Do you have this?
- 이거 진짜 웃겨This is so funny. (casual)
- 이거 입어 봐도 돼요?May I try this on?
- 이거 뭐예요?What is this?
Quick self-check
Test yourself before you move on. Tap an answer.
Question 1 What does “이거 매워요?” mean?
Show the answer
Answer: Is this spicy?
Question 2 How do you say “Is this spicy?” in Korean?
Show the answer
Answer: 이거 매워요? igeo maewoyo?
Reinforce what you learn with typing drills and quizzes.
Practice nowMore phrases for this situation
- 여기요!Excuse me! (calling the staff)
- 두 명이에요Two people
- 맛있어요It’s delicious
- 물 좀 주세요Some water, please
- 계산해 주세요Check, please
- 이거 주세요This one, please
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