What does 야식 (yasik) mean?
- 야식yasik
Late-night snack
Fine in most situations
야식 (yasik) means a late-night snack or meal, food you eat late in the evening after dinner. Fried chicken, ramyeon and pig's trotters (족발) are popular choices.
Where it comes from
It is a Sino-Korean word: 야 means "night" and 식 means "food" or "eating".
How to use 야식
Ordering 야식 for delivery is a big part of Korean life, since many restaurants deliver late. Friends or roommates often ask each other 야식 먹을래? ("Want a late-night snack?").
People also joke about 야식 when dieting, because eating late is seen as the enemy of weight loss.
The word is neutral and fine with anyone.
Examples
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Roommates watching TV late
Talking about a diet
Telling a coworker about last night
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 야식 먹다 | To have a late-night snack | The most common phrase. |
| 야식 배달 | Late-night delivery | Ordering food delivered at night. |
| 야식 메뉴 | Late-night menu | What to eat for a late snack. |
Questions learners ask
What do Koreans eat for yasik?
Common choices are fried chicken, ramyeon, 족발 (braised pig's trotters), 떡볶이 and pizza, often ordered for delivery.
Is yasik the same as a midnight snack?
Yes, very close. It can be a small snack or a full meal, as long as it is eaten late at night.