Korean Idioms: 6. 입에 맞다

Introduction

Literal Translation

Figurative Interpretation

English Equivalent

Synonyms

1. "맛이 있다" (to be tasty)

2. "취향에 맞다" (to match one's taste)

Antonyms

1. "입에 안 맞다" (to not suit one's taste)

2. "맛이 없다" (to be tasteless)

Usage Examples

1. Trying New Cuisine:
   At a newly opened Thai restaurant, one diner says to another, “이 팟타이 정말 입에 맞아. 태국 음식 처음 먹어보는데, 놀랍게도 맛있어.” (Translation: "This Pad Thai really suits my taste. It's my first time trying Thai food, and surprisingly, it's delicious.")

2. At a Coffee Shop:
   A customer comments to the barista, “여기 아메리카노가 딱 입에 맞아. 커피가 너무 진하지도, 연하지도 않아서 좋아요.” (Translation: "The Americano here is exactly to my liking. I like that the coffee is neither too strong nor too weak.")

3. During a Family Dinner:
   After tasting a homemade dish, a family member remarks, “엄마, 이 요리 진짜 입에 맞아. 집밥이 최고야.” (Translation: "Mom, this dish really suits my palate. Home-cooked meals are the best.")

4. In a Cooking Class:
   A student trying their own creation says, “이렇게 요리해 본 건 처음인데, 생각보다 맛이 입에 맞네요.” (Translation: "It's my first time cooking this way, but the taste is surprisingly to my liking.")

5. While Traveling Abroad:
   Exploring local street food, a traveler notes, “이 나라의 길거리 음식이 정말 입에 맞아. 다양한 맛을 경험할 수 있어서 좋아.” (Translation: "The street food in this country really suits my taste. I love being able to experience a variety of flavors.")

Simple Dialogue Examples

1. Discussing Lunch Options:
   가: "점심으로 뭐 먹고 싶어?"
   나: "나는 한식이 입에 맞아. 김치찌개 어때?"
   (Translation: 가: "What do you want for lunch?" 나: "I prefer Korean food. How about Kimchi stew?")

2. At a Wine Tasting Event:
   가: "이 와인은 어떤가요?"
   나: "이건 정말 입에 맞네요. 부드럽고 과일 향이 나요."
   (Translation: 가: "How's this wine?" 나: "This one really suits my palate. It's smooth and fruity.")

3. Trying a New Snack:
   가: "새로 나온 이 과자 맛있어 보이던데."
   나: "음, 나한테 딱 입에 맞아. 달콤하면서도 짭짤해."
   (Translation: 가: "The new snack looks tasty." 나: "Hmm, it's exactly to my liking. Sweet and salty.")

4. Choosing a Restaurant:
   가: "오늘 저녁 어디서 먹을까?"
   나: "나는 그 이탈리안 레스토랑이 입에 맞아. 거기 가자."
   (Translation: 가: "Where should we eat dinner tonight?" 나: "I like that Italian restaurant. Let's go there.")

5. After a Cooking Experiment:
   가: "네가 만든 새로운 요리 시도해 봤어?"
   나: "네, 맛이 꽤 입에 맞더라고요. 자신감이 생겼어요."
   (Translation: 가: "Did you try making that new dish?" 나: "Yes, the taste was quite to my liking. It gave me confidence.")

At a Culinary Club Meeting

Conclusion