The verb 뺏어먹다 literally means “to snatch and eat” or “to take something from someone and eat it.”
Breakdown:
뺏어먹다 is a compound verb: 뺏다 (to take away, snatch) + 먹다 (to eat).
It’s often used in casual, everyday contexts, especially with food, and carries a playful or slightly rude nuance depending on the situation.
Examples
동생이 내 과자를 뺏어먹었어. → My younger sibling snatched my snack and ate it.
친구가 내가 만든 김밥을 뺏어먹었어. → My friend took the kimbap I made and ate it.
아이들이 서로 사탕을 뺏어먹고 있어. → The kids are snatching each other’s candy and eating it.
고양이가 내 생선을 뺏어먹었어. → The cat stole my fish and ate it.
뺏어먹다 emphasizes both the act of taking away and consuming.
It’s stronger than just 뺏다 (to take away) because it implies the item is gone — eaten, not just taken.
Often used in playful complaints, especially among kids or friends.
Figurative / Idiomatic Uses of 뺏어먹다
아이디어를 뺏어먹다 → to steal someone’s idea and use it for yourself
Example:
그가 내 아이디어를 뺏어먹고 자기 것처럼 발표했어. He stole my idea and presented it as his own.
공을 뺏어먹다 → to take credit for someone else’s achievement
Example:
팀장이 내 노력을 뺏어먹고 칭찬을 받았다. The team leader took credit for my effort and got praised.
기회를 뺏어먹다 → to snatch away someone’s opportunity
Example:
그가 내 승진 기회를 뺏어먹었어. He stole my chance for promotion.
관심을 뺏어먹다 → to hog or steal attention
Example:
그 연예인이 모든 관심을 뺏어먹었다. That celebrity stole all the attention.