Korean · Real conversations
Cafés: useful Korean phrases
Order a drink and clarify a small detail.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- A coffee, please
커피 한 잔 주세요keopi han jan juseyo
A coffee, please
- To go, please (takeaway)
포장pojang
To go, please (takeaway)
- Water
물mul
Water
- No, thank you
괜찮아요gwaenchanayo
No, thank you
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Korean |
|---|---|
| A coffee, please | 커피 한 잔 주세요keopi han jan juseyo A coffee, please |
| To go, please (takeaway) | 포장pojang To go, please (takeaway) |
| Water | 물mul Water |
| No, thank you | 괜찮아요gwaenchanayo No, thank you |
| Could I have it without ...? | … 빼고 주실 수 있어요?... ppaego jusil su isseoyo? Show English translationCould I have it without …? |
| Is this for here or to take away? | 드시고 가세요, 아니면 포장이세요?deusigo gaseyo, animyeon pojangiseyo? Show English translationIs this for here or to take away? |
| Could you make it decaf? | 디카페인으로 해 주실 수 있어요?dikapeineuro hae jusil su isseoyo? Show English translationCould you make it decaf? |
| Can I have tap water? | 수돗물을 받을 수 있을까요?sudonmureul badeul su isseulkkayo? Show English translationCan I have tap water? |
| Is service included? | 서비스 요금이 포함되어 있어요?seobiseu yogeumi pohamdoeeo isseoyo? Show English translationIs service included? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
커피에 무엇을 넣어 드릴까요?keopie mueoseul neoeo deurilkkayo?
What would you like in your coffee?
You
설탕 빼고 주실 수 있어요?seoltang ppaego jusil su isseoyo?
Could I have it without sugar?
Partner
드시고 가세요, 아니면 포장이세요?deusigo gaseyo, animyeon pojangiseyo?
Is this for here or to take away?
You
포장해 주세요.pojanghae juseyo.
To take away, please.
Cafés 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.
