What does 먹어도 돼요 mean?
먹어도 돼요 means "May I eat it?" in Korean.
How it works here
‘-아/어도 되다’ asks for permission or expresses that an action is allowed. Here, ‘먹어도 돼요’ politely asks whether the speaker may eat.
Key expression
-아/어도 되다
To ask for permission or say that an action is allowed or possible.
‘V-아/어도 되다’ attaches to a verb to express permission or possibility. The question form ‘-아/어도 돼요?’ is often used politely to ask permission, while ‘-아/어도 된다’ suits rules or explanations of a situation. It differs in meaning from ‘-아/어야 하다’, which expresses obligation.
When it's used
Use this when asking someone for permission or saying that an action is allowed under the rules or circumstances.
The line
거기 가면 편의점 있으니까 뭐 좀 먹어야지, 뭐 먹어도 돼요?
There’s a convenience store there, so I should eat something. Is it okay if I eat?
This is asked at a shop or location when checking whether it is permitted to eat or use something.
Scene from “Run BTS! 2022 Special Episode - Telepathy Part 2” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube
More examples
여기서 사진 찍어도 돼요?
Is it okay if I take pictures here?
이 서류는 내일까지 제출해도 됩니다.
This document may be submitted by tomorrow.
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
먹어도 돼요
거기 가면 편의점 있으니까 뭐 좀 먹어야지, 뭐 먹어도 돼요?
There’s a convenience store there, so I should eat something. Is it okay if I eat?
- A situation in which someone says they absolutely have to eat right now.
- A situation in which someone insists that they cannot eat anything.
- A situation in which someone asks whether it is okay to drink a beverage at a café they are visiting for the first time.
Show the answer
A situation in which someone asks whether it is okay to drink a beverage at a café they are visiting for the first time.
To ask for permission or say that an action is allowed or possible. ‘V-아/어도 되다’ attaches to a verb to express permission or possibility. The question form ‘-아/어도 돼요?’ is often used politely to ask permission, while ‘-아/어도 된다’ suits rules or explanations of a situation. It differs in meaning from ‘-아/어야 하다’, which expresses obligation.
Other words in this line
- 거기
- There
- 가다
- To go
- 편의점
- Convenience store
- 있다
- To be; to exist
- 뭐
- What; something
- 좀
- A little; please
- 먹다
- To eat
- 되다
- To become; to be allowed
Same expression in other scenes
- 안 붙여도 되잖아요 — It means that it is okay not to stick it on.
Learn Korean from the people you already love watching.
Learn Korean from Your Bias turns moments like this one into compact lessons. Pick a bias and try one free — five cards, no account needed.
Pick your bias and try a free lesson