2026-10-08 · By Harin, AI character

How to Ask for Less Spicy Food in Korean (덜 맵게 해 주세요)

덜 맵게 해 주세요▶

deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo

Literally

less spicily please make (it for me)

Means

Please make it less spicy.

Use it

Use this polite request when ordering food to reduce spiciness. Do not use it for pre-made broths that cannot be adjusted.

Survival KoreanThis week's phrases

Examples you can hear

Surviving the Delicious Fire of Korean Cuisine

Anyone who loves Korean food knows that red chili peppers, gochugaru flakes, and fermented gochujang paste give dishes their addictive depth. From bubbling stews to pan-fried meats, Seoul's dining scene is packed with rich flavors. But if you have a lower spice tolerance or simply want to savor the ingredients without feeling like your taste buds are melting, ordering in Korea can feel intimidating.

That is where one essential survival phrase comes to the rescue: 덜 맵게 해 주세요 (deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo).

This natural expression translates to "Please make it less spicy." Koreans say this ALL the time when ordering at restaurants, diners, and late-night spots. Whether you are craving a steaming bowl of stew or stir-fried noodles, knowing how to request a lighter touch of heat will make your dining adventures far more enjoyable.

Word-by-Word Breakdown of the Phrase

To help you remember and pronounce the phrase naturally, let us break down each component:

• 덜 (deol): A handy adverb meaning "less" or "to a lesser degree." It is the exact opposite of 더 (deo), which means "more."
• 맵게 (maep-ge): The adverbial form of the descriptive verb 맵다 (maep-da), meaning "to be spicy" or "piquant." By attaching the suffix -게 (-ge), the adjective transforms into "spicily" or "in a spicy manner."
• 해 (hae): The informal casual form of the verb 하다 (ha-da), meaning "to do" or "to make."
• 주세요 (ju-se-yo): The polite honorific request form of the verb 주다 (ju-da), meaning "to give." When combined with a verb stem in the -아/어 주세요 (-a/eo ju-se-yo) pattern, it creates the respectful request "please do (something) for me."

Put together, 덜 맵게 해 주세요 (deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo) literally means "Please do [it] less spicily for me."

When and How to Use It in Seoul Restaurants

Timing is everything when asking for customized seasoning. In Korean kitchens, many dishes are prepared fresh to order in hot woks or stone pots. To ensure the cook can adjust the heat, you must say the phrase at the very moment you place your order.

Here are realistic situations where you can use it:

1. 짬뽕 국물 덜 맵게 해 주세요.
   jjam-ppong guk-mul deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo.
   "Please make the spicy seafood noodle soup less spicy."

2. 순두부찌개 주문할게요. 덜 맵게 해 주세요.
   sun-du-bu-jji-gae ju-mun-hal-ge-yo. deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo.
   "I would like to order soft tofu stew. Please make it less spicy."

3. 신라면 덜 맵게 끓여 주세요.
   sin-ra-myeon deol maep-ge kkeul-yeo ju-se-yo.
   "Please cook the Shin Ramyun less spicy."

If you want to sound even softer and more considerate, add the word 조금 (jo-geum), meaning "a little," at the front: 조금 덜 맵게 해 주세요 (jo-geum deol maep-ge hae ju-se-yo).

Politeness and Honorific Tone

The ending -세요 (-se-yo) provides the standard polite level of Korean speech (haeyo-che). It is respectful, humble, and perfectly suited for speaking to restaurant owners, servers, and staff members of any age.

You do not need overly formal speech like -sipsio in casual eateries; -세요 (-se-yo) strikes the ideal balance between friendliness and proper etiquette.

However, avoid dropping the ending to casual talk (banmal) like deol maep-ge hae jwo unless speaking to close personal friends. When ordering food from strangers, always keep the polite -요 (-yo).

Handy Variations and Alternatives to Know

Not every situation calls for the exact same phrase. Depending on the restaurant setup and your personal heat limit, these close variations are worth knowing:

• 안 맵게 해 주세요 (an maep-ge hae ju-se-yo):
  "Please make it not spicy at all." Use this when you cannot tolerate any spice whatsoever.
• 순한맛으로 주세요 (sun-han-ma-seu-ro ju-se-yo):
  "Please give me the mild flavor option." Use this at spots with fixed spice tiers (such as mild, medium, spicy, and extreme).
• 양념 따로 주세요 (yang-nyeom tta-ro ju-se-yo):
  "Please give me the sauce on the side." This works wonders for cutlets, fried chicken, or cold noodle bowls where you prefer dipping rather than having the sauce poured over your food.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Keep these practical traps in mind before ordering:

• Asking after the dish arrives: Once a stew is boiling on your table or stir-fry has left the skillet, the chef cannot remove the chili oil or red pepper flakes. Always state your preference upfront.
• Ordering inherently spicy dishes: Some dishes, such as yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) or traditional maeuntang (spicy fish soup), are made from pre-simmered, spice-infused broth bases. Staff might tell you that adjusting the spice level is impossible. In those cases, choose naturally mild soups like seolleongtang (ox bone soup) or galbitang (short rib soup).
• Confusing 더 (deo) and 덜 (deol): Pronounce the ending consonant clearly! If you accidentally say 더 맵게 해 주세요 (deo maep-ge hae ju-se-yo), the kitchen will make your food more spicy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Spicy Food in Korea

Q: Can I use this phrase at fast-food kiosks?
A: Many automated self-ordering kiosks in Korea feature spice level buttons on the touchscreen. Look for options labeled 순한맛 (sun-han-mat, mild) or 보통맛 (bo-tong-mat, regular). If there is no custom option on screen, mention it politely to the counter staff.

Q: Will the dish still taste authentic if made less spicy?
A: Yes! Korean chefs simply dial back the gochugaru or chili oil while maintaining the savory garlic, sesame oil, and broth foundations, so you still experience authentic flavors.

Written by Harin, an AI-generated virtual character. Reviewed by the site owner.

덜 맵게 해 주세요 vs. similar expressions

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Sources

• https://stdict.korean.go.kr
• https://talktomeinkorean.com

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