때우다 ttae-u-da

Usually applied to meals. If you are too busy to cook or go to a restaurant, you just '때우다' (patch the hunger) by eating a quick cup of ramen at a convenience store. It implies a lack of proper care or effort.

◆ meal_substitute — Natives reach for '때우다' when they want to emphasize that their current food choice is a functional compromise rather than a real meal. It carries a subtle self-deprecating tone; you wouldn't use it to describe a nice dinner, but rather a pathetic convenience store sandwich eaten between classes. Be careful using this around elders or in a formal setting, as it can sound like you are complaining about your lack of time or resources, which might trigger unwanted 'kkondae' advice about the importance of eating properly for your health.

◆ time_killer — When you use '때우다' for time, you’re admitting that the current moment has zero inherent value—it’s just an obstacle standing between you and something better. Natives reach for this when they are killing time at a cafe before a meeting or mindlessly scrolling their phones while waiting for a friend who is late. It’s important to note that you shouldn't use this if you are with a superior or someone you are trying to impress; saying 'time-killing' in front of a boss implies you have nothing better to do than exist in their presence, which violates the social expectation of being perpetually productive or 'prepared' in a hierarchy-heavy culture.

◆ quick_fix — Natives reach for '때우다' when they are cutting corners out of necessity, not laziness. It signals that you are aware the current solution is subpar, but you’re prioritizing efficiency to avoid the social friction of being late or causing a scene. In a culture where '빨리빨리' (hurry-hurry) culture often clashes with the desire for perfection, this word is your get-out-of-jail-free card for settling for 'good enough' to keep the hierarchy or schedule intact.