Spicy in Korean: 매워요, 덜 맵게 해 주세요

It's spicy = 매워요 (maewoyo). Less spicy = 덜 맵게 해 주세요. Very spicy = 아주 매워요.

맵다 = spicy (taste). Don’t confuse with 더워요 (temperature). Gochujang heat varies wildly by restaurant.

Politeness levels

Related phrases

• 물 더 주세요 (mul deo juseyo): More water please
• 우유 있어요? (uyu isseoyo?): Do you have milk?
• 자극적이에요 (jageukjeogieyo): It's intense / sharp

Field tip

순한 맛 (mild) often appears on menus for kids or tourists.

Common mistake

Clarify 매운맛 when talking spice level, not only "hot sauce."

Go further

Practice these phrases in Seonsaengnim lessons and dictionary, with native audio and flashcards.