Korean · Real conversations
Expressing preferences: useful Korean phrases
Explain what you would enjoy and make a joint choice.
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.
- I like it
마음에 들어요maeume deureoyo
I like it
- I don't like it
마음에 안 들어요maeume an deureoyo
I don't like it
- I love it!
정말 좋아해요jeongmal joahaeyo
I love it!
- What do you recommend?
뭐가 맛있어요?mwoga masisseoyo?
What do you recommend?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Korean |
|---|---|
| I like it | 마음에 들어요maeume deureoyo I like it |
| I don't like it | 마음에 안 들어요maeume an deureoyo I don't like it |
| I love it! | 정말 좋아해요jeongmal joahaeyo I love it! |
| What do you recommend? | 뭐가 맛있어요?mwoga masisseoyo? What do you recommend? |
| I'd rather ... | 저는 …하는 게 더 좋아요.jeoneun ...haneun ge deo joayo. Show English translationI'd rather … |
| I'm in the mood for ... | …하고 싶어요....hago sipeoyo. Show English translationI'm in the mood for … |
| Either is fine with me. | 둘 다 괜찮아요.dul da gwaenchanayo. Show English translationEither is fine with me. |
| I'm not very keen on ... | …는 별로 좋아하지 않아요....neun byeollo joahaji anayo. Show English translationI'm not very keen on … |
| What do you like about ...? | …의 어떤 점이 좋아요?...ui eotteon jeomi joayo? Show English translationWhat do you like about …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
다른 데로 가실래요?dareun dero gasillaeyo?
Would you like to go somewhere else?
You
저는 여기 있는 게 더 좋아요.jeoneun yeogi inneun ge deo joayo.
I'd rather stay here.
Partner
그럼 여기 있어요. 뭐 마실래요?geureom yeogi isseoyo. mwo masillaeyo?
Let's stay, then. What would you like to drink?
You
커피가 마시고 싶어요.keopiga masigo sipeoyo.
I'm in the mood for coffee.
Expressing preferences 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.
