맛있다 vs 맛나다
Korean word comparison
Listen to 맛있다
Listen to 맛나다
| 맛있다 | 맛나다 |
|---|---|
mat-ISS-da adjective (descriptive verb) | mat-na-da adjective (descriptive verb) |
| to be delicious; tasty | to be tasty; to taste good |
How they differ
맛나다 is essentially the same basic meaning as 맛있다 but is slightly more colloquial and lively in tone; it often appears in casual spoken Korean and in set phrases (e.g., '정말 맛난 집').
When to use each
When to use 맛있다: Prefer 맛있다 for neutral statements about food in both written and spoken Korean.
When to use 맛나다: Prefer 맛나다 in casual conversation or when you want a more colloquial, friendly expression.
Side-by-side examples
- 이 김치찌개 정말 맛있다.
(This kimchi stew is really delicious.) - 이 김치찌개 정말 맛나다.
(This kimchi stew really tastes great.)
Register & nuance: 맛나다 is more colloquial and conversational; 맛있다 is standard and appropriate in formal and informal contexts.