'Eating age?' Understanding the Unique Usage of ‘먹다’ in Korean: Not Just Eating Food!

 In Korean, the verb ‘먹다’ (meokda) is commonly understood as "to eat." However, its meaning can expand beyond the literal to convey deeper, more metaphorical ideas. One of the interesting and unique uses of ‘먹다’ is in the expression ‘나이를 먹다,’ which directly translates to ‘eat age,’ but means ‘to get older.’ This subtle yet profound use of ‘먹다’ can be confusing for foreign learners of Korean, as it is not directly related to eating food. In this article, we will learn the expressions used with '먹다' verb in Korean.

                                                

What Does ‘나이를 먹다’ Mean?

The phrase ‘나이를 먹다’ is used in Korean to describe the act of getting older. Every year, as we celebrate our birthdays, we ‘eat’ another year of life. 

Literal translation: “to eat age”

Meaning: “to grow older”

For example, you might hear someone say, "나이를 한 살 더 먹었어요" (I’ve eaten another year this year), meaning “I’ve gotten one year older.”

Why ‘먹다’ for Age?

It’s a metaphorical use of the verb that adds depth to the idea of aging. You aren’t just “getting older” in a passive sense — you’re actively “eating” time and life, absorbing each year as it passes.

Other Uses of ‘먹다’ in Korean

In addition to the expression ‘나이를 먹다,’ the verb ‘먹다’ appears in various contexts in Korean to convey meanings beyond its literal translation of “eating food.” Here are some interesting examples:

1. 겁을 먹다 (to be scared or frightened)

• Meaning: This expression is used when someone gets scared or becomes afraid.
• Example: "제 남동생은 무서운 영화를 보고 겁을 먹었어요."
• (Translation: "My younger brother got scared after watching the scary movie.")

2. 화장이 잘 먹었다 (the makeup looks good)

• Meaning: This phrase is used to describe makeup that has been applied well and stayed intact. It indicates that the makeup has “taken” or “set” on the skin.
• Example: "오늘 화장이 잘 먹었어요."
• (Translation: "The makeup looks really good today.")

3. 뇌물을 먹다 (to take a bribe)

• Meaning: This phrase means to accept a bribe, often in a negative or corrupt sense.
• Example: "그 정치인은 뇌물을 먹었다는 혐의를 받고 있어요."
• (Translation: "The politician is accused of taking a bribe.")

4. 충격을 먹다 (to be shocked or deeply affected)

• Meaning: This expression describes being deeply affected or shocked by something.
• Example: "그 소식을 듣고 충격을 먹었어요."
• (Translation: "I was shocked when I heard the news.")

5. 욕을 먹다 (to be scolded or reprimanded)

• Meaning: This phrase is used when someone is being scolded or criticized harshly.
• Example: "약속 시간에 늦어서 친구에게 욕을 먹었어요."
• (Translation: "I got told off by my friend for being late.")

The verb ‘먹다’ in Korean has several metaphorical uses that go beyond the literal meaning of “eating food.” Expressions like ‘나이를 먹다’ (to get older) and ‘욕을 먹다’ (to be scolded) are just a few examples of how this verb expands its meaning to convey more complex ideas about life, experiences, and emotions. As foreign learners of Korean, exploring these symbolic expressions can provide valuable insight into the language and culture, helping you communicate more naturally and understand the meanings behind everyday conversations.