맛있다 vs 고소하다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 맛있다
Listen to 고소하다
| 맛있다 | 고소하다 |
|---|---|
mat-ISS-da adjective (descriptive verb) | go-so-ha-da adjective (descriptive verb) |
| to be delicious; tasty | to have a pleasantly nutty, toasty, or savory flavor/aroma |
How they differ
고소하다 is narrower than 맛있다: it describes a specific flavor quality (nutty, roasted, or savory, as with sesame oil, roasted nuts, or browned butter) rather than a general 'delicious'; using 고소하다 points to that characteristic taste or aroma.
When to use each
When to use 맛있다: Use 맛있다 when giving a general compliment about the overall deliciousness of a dish.
When to use 고소하다: Use 고소하다 when you want to describe or highlight a nutty/toasty or savory flavor note in the food.
Side-by-side examples
- 참기름 넣은 비빔밥 정말 맛있다.
(The bibimbap with sesame oil is really delicious.) - 참기름 향이 고소하다.
(The sesame oil aroma is pleasantly nutty/toasty.)
Register & nuance: 고소하다 is a neutral, commonly used flavor descriptor in everyday speech and writing; it is more specific in meaning than 맛있다.