Korean · Real conversations
Request service naturally in Korean
In a café or restaurant, a clear order can be courteous without a long introduction. Use a straightforward polite order, a request for an extra item, or a considerate timing phrase.
Three ways to say it
커피 한 잔 주세요.keopi han jan juseyo.
I'd like a coffee, please.
Place a simple order with the conventional polite wording.
물 좀 주실 수 있어요?mul jom jusil su isseoyo?
Could I have some water, please?
Ask for an additional item while giving the staff member a clear request.
시간 되실 때 계산서 좀 주실 수 있어요?sigan doesil ttae gyesanseo jom jusil su isseoyo?
When you have a moment, could we have the bill?
Request the bill while acknowledging that the staff member may be busy.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'I would like' expresses a request here, not enjoyment of an imaginary object. A target language may use a conditional, a request verb, or a polite ending rather than translating each English word.
See the difference in context
Ordering at a café
무엇을 드릴까요?mueoseul deurilkkayo?
What would you like?
커피 한 잔 주세요.keopi han jan juseyo.
I'd like a coffee, please.
Requesting something else at the table
더 필요한 게 있으세요?deo piryohan ge isseuseyo?
Can I get you anything else?
물 좀 주실 수 있어요?mul jom jusil su isseoyo?
Could I have some water, please?
Your turn
Ask for the bill when the staff member has a moment. Use the complete polite request rather than translating 'have' as ownership.
Reveal a sample reply
시간 되실 때 계산서 좀 주실 수 있어요?sigan doesil ttae gyesanseo jom jusil su isseoyo?
When you have a moment, could we have the bill?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
