Finding the perfect book in a Korean bookstore can be a delightful experience, but asking for recommendations requires specific phrases. This guide provides essential Korean expressions to help you interact with bookstore staff and discover books tailored to your interests, whether you’re looking for a bestseller, a specific genre, or something easy to read. Learn how to confidently ask for and understand book recommendations in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase for asking someone to recommend a book.
- Expression: 책 추천해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Chaek chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please recommend a book.
Specifying Your Interests
To get the best recommendations, tell the staff what kind of book you are looking for.
- Expression: 어떤 종류의 책을 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: Eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui chae-geul cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of book are you looking for? (Staff might ask this) - Expression: 소설을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: So-seo-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a novel. - Expression: 역사 책에 관심 있어요.
Pronunciation: Yeok-sa chae-ge gwan-sim i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m interested in history books. - Expression: 요즘 인기 있는 책 있어요?
Pronunciation: Yo-jeum in-gi it-neun chaek i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Are there any popular books these days? - Expression: 베스트셀러 추천해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Be-seu-teu-sel-leo chu-cheon-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a bestseller? - Expression: 읽기 쉬운 책으로 보여주세요.
Pronunciation: Il-gi swi-un chae-geu-ro bo-yeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please show me a book that’s easy to read. - Expression: 자기계발서를 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: Ja-gi-gye-bal-seo-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for self-help books. - Expression: 이 작가의 다른 책도 있나요?
Pronunciation: I jak-ga-ui da-reun chaek-do in-na-yo?
Meaning: Does this author have other books? - Expression: 한국 문화에 대한 책을 원해요.
Pronunciation: Han-guk mun-hwa-e dae-han chae-geul won-hae-yo.
Meaning: I want a book about Korean culture. - Expression: 가볍게 읽을 만한 책이 있을까요?
Pronunciation: Ga-byeop-ge il-geul man-han chae-gi i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there any books that are light reading? - Expression: 스릴러/판타지/로맨스 소설을 좋아해요.
Pronunciation: Seu-ril-leo/pan-ta-ji/ro-maen-seu so-seo-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
Meaning: I like thriller/fantasy/romance novels. - Expression: 한국어 공부에 도움이 되는 책을 추천해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Han-gu-geo gong-bu-e do-u-mi doe-neun chae-geul chu-cheon-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please recommend a book that helps with studying Korean.
Asking About Specific Books
Use these phrases when you want to know more about a particular book you see or have heard about.
- Expression: 이 책은 어떤 내용이에요?
Pronunciation: I chae-geun eo-tteon nae-yong-i-e-yo?
Meaning: What is this book about? - Expression: 이 책 인기가 많아요?
Pronunciation: I chaek in-gi-ga ma-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this book popular? - Expression: 이 책 저자가 누구예요?
Pronunciation: I chaek jeo-ja-ga nu-gu-ye-yo?
Meaning: Who is the author of this book? - Expression: 혹시 [책 제목] 있어요?
Pronunciation: Hok-si [chaek je-mok] i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have [Book Title]? - Expression: 이 책 어디에 있어요?
Pronunciation: I chaek eo-di-e i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Where is this book located? - Expression: 신간 코너는 어디예요?
Pronunciation: Sin-gan ko-neo-neun eo-di-ye-yo?
Meaning: Where is the new releases section? - Expression: 영어 번역본도 있나요?
Pronunciation: Yeong-eo beo-nyeok-bon-do in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there an English translation version too? - Expression: 이 책 샘플 좀 읽어봐도 될까요?
Pronunciation: I chaek saem-peul jom il-geo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I read a sample of this book? - Expression: 이 책 난이도가 어떻게 돼요?
Pronunciation: I chaek nan-i-do-ga eo-tteo-ke dwae-yo?
Meaning: What is the difficulty level of this book? - Expression: 청소년/어린이 책은 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: Cheong-so-nyeon/eo-rin-i chae-geun eo-di-e in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where are the young adult/children’s books? - Expression: 이 시리즈의 다음 권 나왔어요?
Pronunciation: I si-ri-jeu-ui da-eum gwon na-wa-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Has the next volume in this series come out? - Expression: 이 책 재고가 있나요?
Pronunciation: I chaek jae-go-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this book in stock?
Understanding Recommendations
When the staff suggests a book, use these phrases to understand their recommendation better.
- Expression: 어떤 점이 좋아서 추천하시는 거예요?
Pronunciation: Eo-tteon jeo-mi jo-a-seo chu-cheon-ha-si-neun geo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What aspects make you recommend it? - Expression: 줄거리를 간단하게 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: Jul-geo-ri-reul gan-dan-ha-ge seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you briefly explain the plot? - Expression: 이 책은 어떤 독자에게 인기가 많아요?
Pronunciation: I chae-geun eo-tteon dok-ja-e-ge in-gi-ga ma-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of readers is this book popular with? - Expression: 비슷한 스타일의 다른 책도 있을까요?
Pronunciation: Bi-seu-tan seu-ta-il-ui da-reun chaek-do i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Are there other books in a similar style? - Expression: 그 책 좀 보여주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Geu chaek jom bo-yeo-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you show me that book? - Expression: 어디 있는지 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Eo-di it-neun-ji al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me where it is. - Expression: 추천 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: Chu-cheon gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the recommendation. - Expression: 한번 생각해 볼게요.
Pronunciation: Han-beon saeng-ga-kae bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll think about it. - Expression: 이 책으로 할게요.
Pronunciation: I chae-geu-ro hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll take this book. - Expression: 다른 추천도 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: Da-reun chu-cheon-do i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any other recommendations? - Expression: 이 책 평이 어떤가요?
Pronunciation: I chaek pyeong-i eo-tteon-ga-yo?
Meaning: How are the reviews for this book? - Expression: 작가에 대해 조금 더 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: Jak-ga-e dae-hae jo-geum deo al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please tell me a bit more about the author.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these cultural points can enhance your bookstore experience in Korea.
- Types of Bookstores: Korea has large chain bookstores like Kyobo (교보문고) and Youngpoong (영풍문고), often found in city centers and offering vast selections. There’s also a growing culture of independent neighborhood bookstores (동네 책방 – dongne chaekbang), which often specialize in specific genres or offer a curated selection and a cozier atmosphere.
- Reading Culture: Reading is highly valued in Korea. You’ll often see people reading on subways and buses. Book cafes (북카페 – buk kape) are popular spots where people can read comfortably while enjoying a drink.
- Gift Giving: Books are a common and respected gift in Korea for various occasions, including birthdays, holidays, or as congratulatory presents. Bookstores often offer gift-wrapping services.
- Politeness: When interacting with bookstore staff, using polite language endings like -요 (yo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (mnida/seumnida) is essential. Addressing staff respectfully ensures a pleasant interaction.
- Browsing: It’s perfectly acceptable to browse books extensively before making a purchase. Many larger bookstores have seating areas where you can briefly look through books.
Real Conversation Example
This example demonstrates how to ask for and receive a book recommendation in a Korean bookstore.
Situation: A customer (A) is looking for a light, enjoyable novel and asks a bookstore staff member (B) for help.
Roles:
* A: Customer (손님 – Sonnim)
* B: Bookstore Staff (직원 – Jigwon)
- Expression: A: 저기요, 책 추천 좀 받을 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: Jeo-gi-yo, chaek chu-cheon jom ba-deul su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, could I get a book recommendation? - Expression: B: 네, 그럼요. 어떤 종류의 책을 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: Ne, geu-reom-yo. Eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui chae-geul cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes, of course. What kind of book are you looking for? - Expression: A: 음… 요즘 좀 가볍게 읽을 만한 재미있는 소설을 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: Eum… yo-jeum jom ga-byeop-ge il-geul man-han jae-mi-in-neun so-seo-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Hmm… I’m looking for a fun novel that’s light reading these days. - Expression: B: 아, 그러시면 요즘 이 책이 인기가 많아요. [책을 보여주며] 김영하 작가의 ‘여행의 이유’라고 들어보셨어요? 에세이인데 소설처럼 술술 읽혀요.
Pronunciation: A, geu-reo-si-myeon yo-jeum i chae-gi in-gi-ga ma-na-yo. [Chae-geul bo-yeo-ju-myeo] Kim-young-ha jak-ga-ui ‘Yeo-haeng-ui I-yu’-ra-go deu-reo-bo-syeo-sseo-yo? E-se-i-in-de so-seol-cheo-reom sul-sul il-kyeo-yo.
Meaning: Ah, in that case, this book is very popular recently. [Showing the book] Have you heard of ‘Reasons for Travel’ by Kim Young-ha? It’s an essay, but it reads smoothly like a novel. - Expression: A: 아, 김영하 작가님! 이름은 들어봤어요. 어떤 내용인가요?
Pronunciation: A, Kim-young-ha jak-ga-nim! I-reu-meun deu-reo-bwa-sseo-yo. Eo-tteon nae-yong-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Ah, author Kim Young-ha! I’ve heard the name. What is it about? - Expression: B: 작가님이 여행을 하면서 느낀 점이나 생각들을 쓴 에세이 모음이에요. 문장이 간결하고 재미있어서 부담 없이 읽기 좋아요.
Pronunciation: Jak-ga-nim-i yeo-haeng-eul ha-myeon-seo neu-kkin jeom-i-na saeng-gak-deu-reul sseun e-se-i mo-eum-i-e-yo. Mun-jang-i gan-gyeol-ha-go jae-mi-i-sseo-seo bu-dam eop-si il-gi jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s a collection of essays about the author’s feelings and thoughts while traveling. The writing is concise and interesting, so it’s easy to read without feeling burdened. - Expression: A: 오, 좋네요! 그럼 이 책으로 할게요. 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: O, jon-ne-yo! Geu-reom i chae-geu-ro hal-ge-yo. Gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Oh, that sounds good! I’ll take this book then. Thank you! - Expression: B: 네, 감사합니다. 좋은 선택이세요!
Pronunciation: Ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. Jo-eun seon-tae-gi-se-yo!
Meaning: Yes, thank you. That’s a great choice!
Practice Tips
Now that you have these phrases, try using them! Visit a Korean bookstore, whether it’s a large chain or a cozy neighborhood spot~ Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations! Practice saying the phrases aloud to get comfortable with the pronunciation. Listening to how staff respond will also improve your comprehension skills. Happy reading! 😊
