Nuance Dictionary / Drinking & Dining Culture
잔을 채우다 jan-eul chae-u-da
To fill a glass — the physical action of topping off a companion's beverage
What does 잔을 채우다 mean?
잔을 채우다 (jan-eul chae-u-da) means: To fill a glass — the physical action of topping off a companion's beverage.
Far from a mechanical beverage service, '잔을 채우다' is the primary physical currency of Korean hospitality. It maintains the unbroken flow of conversation and connection, acting as a non-verbal check-in on the guest's well-being.
🎙️ 잔을 채우다는 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [자늘 채우다]로 소리나요 (연음법칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 어른이 술을 따를 때 두 손으로 잔을 채운다.
eoreuni sureul ttareul ttae du soneuro janeul chaeunda.
When an elder pours alcohol, one fills the glass using both hands.
💡 Reflects polite table manners and respect. - 이야기에 집중하느라 빈 잔을 채우는 것도 잊었다.
iyagie jipjunghaneura bin janeul chaeuneun geotdo ijeotda.
I was so focused on the conversation that I forgot to top off the empty glass.
💡 Highlights the social importance of keeping drinks filled. - 반가운 마음에 서로의 잔을 채우며 밤을 지새웠다.
bangaun maeume seoroui janeul chaeumyeo bameul jisaewotda.
Delighted to see each other, we spent the night filling each other's glasses.
💡 Evokes a warm, bonding atmosphere.
Related words in Drinking & Dining Culture
잔이 비다 jan-i bi-da따르다 ttareu-da해장(하다) hae-jang-ha-da필름(이) 끊기다 pil-leum-i-kkeun-ki-da주사(를 부리다) ju-sa-reul-bu-ri-da