Engaging in casual conversation is a great way to practice Korean. This guide focuses on phrases used in a common scenario: a barista chatting with a customer about a local event, specifically a film premiere happening nearby. Learn essential vocabulary and expressions to discuss movies, local happenings, and make small talk in Korean.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 근처에서 영화 시사회 한대요.
Pronunciation: geun-cheo-e-seo yeong-hwa si-sa-hoe han-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say there’s a movie premiere nearby. (A common way to mention hearing about an event)
Basic Cafe Interactions
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Expression: 어서 오세요.
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo.
Meaning: Welcome. -
Expression: 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to order? -
Expression: 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요.
Pronunciation: a-me-ri-ka-no han jan ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me one Americano. -
Expression: 따뜻한 걸로 드릴까요, 차가운 걸로 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan geol-lo deu-ril-kka-yo, cha-ga-un geol-lo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would you like it hot or cold? -
Expression: 아이스로 주세요.
Pronunciation: a-i-seu-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give it to me iced. -
Expression: 여기서 드실 건가요?
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo deu-sil geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: Will you be having it here? -
Expression: 네, 여기서 마실 거예요.
Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi-seo ma-sil geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I’ll drink it here. -
Expression: 가지고 갈 거예요. (테이크 아웃 할게요.)
Pronunciation: ga-ji-go gal geo-ye-yo. (te-i-keu a-ut hal-ge-yo.)
Meaning: I’ll take it to go. (I’ll get takeout.) -
Expression: 진동벨 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: jin-dong-bel deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll give you a pager (vibrating buzzer). -
Expression: 커피 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: keo-pi na-wa-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your coffee is ready. -
Expression: 맛있게 드세요.
Pronunciation: ma-si-kke deu-se-yo.
Meaning: Enjoy your drink. (Literally: Eat/drink deliciously) -
Expression: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you.
Discussing Movies and Premieres
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Expression: 혹시 근처 영화관에서 하는 시사회 소식 들으셨어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si geun-cheo yeong-hwa-gwan-e-seo ha-neun si-sa-hoe so-sik deu-reu-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Have you perhaps heard about the premiere at the nearby movie theater? -
Expression: 네, 무슨 영화 시사회요?
Pronunciation: ne, mu-seun yeong-hwa si-sa-hoe-yo?
Meaning: Yes, what movie premiere? -
Expression: 새로 개봉하는 한국 영화래요.
Pronunciation: sae-ro gae-bong-ha-neun han-guk yeong-hwa-rae-yo.
Meaning: They say it’s a newly released Korean movie. -
Expression: 아, 그 영화 저도 기대하고 있어요.
Pronunciation: a, geu yeong-hwa jeo-do gi-dae-ha-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Ah, I’m looking forward to that movie too. -
Expression: 배우들이 온다는 이야기도 있던데요.
Pronunciation: bae-u-deu-ri on-da-neun i-ya-gi-do it-deon-de-yo.
Meaning: There was also talk that the actors are coming. -
Expression: 정말요? 그럼 사람 많겠네요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal-lyo? geu-reom sa-ram man-ken-ne-yo.
Meaning: Really? Then it must be crowded. -
Expression: 영화 좋아하세요?
Pronunciation: yeong-hwa jo-a-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you like movies? -
Expression: 네, 영화 보는 거 좋아해요.
Pronunciation: ne, yeong-hwa bo-neun geo jo-a-hae-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I like watching movies. -
Expression: 어떤 장르 좋아하세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jang-neu jo-a-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What genre do you like? -
Expression: 저는 액션 영화를 좋아해요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun aek-syeon yeong-hwa-reul jo-a-hae-yo.
Meaning: I like action movies. -
Expression: 시사회 표는 구하기 어렵겠죠?
Pronunciation: si-sa-hoe pyo-neun gu-ha-gi eo-ryeop-ge-jyo?
Meaning: It would be hard to get tickets for the premiere, right? -
Expression: 아마 그럴 거예요. 인기가 많아서요.
Pronunciation: a-ma geu-reol geo-ye-yo. in-gi-ga ma-na-seo-yo.
Meaning: Probably. Because it’s very popular.
Asking About Local Events
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Expression: 이 근처에 뭐 특별한 행사 같은 거 있나요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e mwo teuk-byeol-han haeng-sa ga-teun geo in-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any special events or anything around here? -
Expression: 네, 오늘 저녁에 영화 시사회가 있어요.
Pronunciation: ne, o-neul jeo-nyeo-ge yeong-hwa si-sa-hoe-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, there’s a movie premiere this evening. -
Expression: 어디서 하는데요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo ha-neun-de-yo?
Meaning: Where is it being held? -
Expression: 바로 옆 건물 영화관에서요.
Pronunciation: ba-ro yeop geon-mul yeong-hwa-gwan-e-seo-yo.
Meaning: At the movie theater in the building right next door. -
Expression: 시사회 때문에 길이 좀 막힐 수도 있겠네요.
Pronunciation: si-sa-hoe ttae-mu-ne gi-ri jom ma-kil su-do in-gen-ne-yo.
Meaning: The roads might be a bit congested because of the premiere. -
Expression: 네, 저녁 시간에는 좀 복잡할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-nyeok si-gan-e-neun jom bok-ja-pal geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Yes, it seems like it will be a bit crowded in the evening. -
Expression: 좋은 정보 감사해요.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-hae-yo.
Meaning: Thanks for the good information. -
Expression: 별말씀을요.
Pronunciation: byeol-mal-sseu-mul-lyo.
Meaning: Don’t mention it. / You’re welcome. -
Expression: 혹시 시간 되면 구경 가봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: hok-si si-gan doe-myeon gu-gyeong ga-bwa-ya-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Maybe I should go take a look if I have time. -
Expression: 네, 재미있을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: ne, jae-mi-i-sseul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Yes, it seems like it would be fun. -
Expression: 이 근처 자주 오세요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo ja-ju o-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you come around here often? -
Expression: 네, 회사 근처라서요.
Pronunciation: ne, hoe-sa geun-cheo-ra-seo-yo.
Meaning: Yes, because it’s near my workplace.
Casual Conversation Fillers
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Expression: 아, 그래요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-rae-yo?
Meaning: Oh, really? / Is that so? -
Expression: 그렇군요.
Pronunciation: geu-reo-kun-yo.
Meaning: I see. / Oh, I understand. -
Expression: 네, 맞아요.
Pronunciation: ne, ma-ja-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. -
Expression: 와, 신기하다.
Pronunciation: wa, sin-gi-ha-da.
Meaning: Wow, that’s interesting/amazing. -
Expression: 저도 그렇게 생각해요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do geu-reo-ke saeng-ga-kae-yo.
Meaning: I think so too. -
Expression: 음… 글쎄요.
Pronunciation: eum… geul-sse-yo.
Meaning: Hmm… well… (used when unsure) -
Expression: 잠깐만요.
Pronunciation: jam-kkan-man-yo.
Meaning: Just a moment. / Hold on. -
Expression: 혹시…
Pronunciation: hok-si…
Meaning: Perhaps… / By any chance… (used to politely introduce a question) -
Expression: 그런데…
Pronunciation: geu-reon-de…
Meaning: By the way… / But… -
Expression: 그래서…
Pronunciation: geu-rae-seo…
Meaning: So… / Therefore… -
Expression: 있잖아요…
Pronunciation: it-ja-na-yo…
Meaning: You know… (used to get attention or introduce a topic) -
Expression: 아무튼…
Pronunciation: a-mu-teun…
Meaning: Anyway… / In any case…
Korean Culture Notes
Cafe Culture: Cafes in Korea are more than just places to grab coffee; they are popular spots for studying, working, socializing, and relaxing. Baristas often engage in brief, friendly chats with regular customers.
Small Talk: Discussing local events, weather, or popular culture like movies and dramas is common small talk in Korea. Service workers like baristas might initiate such conversations, especially if the customer seems open to chatting.
Movie Premieres (시사회): Major film premieres, especially those featuring popular actors (배우 – bae-u), can be significant events attracting large crowds and media attention. These are often held in large multiplex cinemas in major cities.
Using “-ㄴ/는대요” Ending: The sentence ending “-ㄴ/는대요” (e.g., 한대요 – han-dae-yo) is commonly used in conversation to relay information heard from someone else (“They say…”, “I heard that…”). It’s a natural way to share news or gossip, like hearing about a premiere.
Politeness Levels: In service interactions, the formal polite style ending in “-요” (-yo) or “-ㅂ/습니다” (-p/seum-ni-da) is standard. Even in friendly chats, maintaining this level of politeness is typical between staff and customers unless a closer relationship develops.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer orders coffee at a cafe near a movie theater.
Roles: A = Barista, B = Customer
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. Would you like to order? -
Expression: B: 네, 아이스 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, a-i-seu a-me-ri-ka-no han jan ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, one iced Americano, please. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 혹시 오늘 저녁에 옆 건물 영화관에서 시사회 하는 거 아세요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da. hok-si o-neul jeo-nyeo-ge yeop geon-mul yeong-hwa-gwan-e-seo si-sa-hoe ha-neun geo a-se-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, got it. By any chance, do you know about the movie premiere happening this evening at the theater next door? -
Expression: B: 아, 정말요? 몰랐어요. 무슨 영화인데요?
Pronunciation: B: a, jeong-mal-lyo? mol-la-sseo-yo. mu-seun yeong-hwa-in-de-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, really? I didn’t know. What movie is it? -
Expression: A: 새로 개봉하는 액션 영화래요. 유명한 배우들도 온다고 하더라고요.
Pronunciation: A: sae-ro gae-bong-ha-neun aek-syeon yeong-hwa-rae-yo. yu-myeong-han bae-u-deul-do on-da-go ha-deo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: A: They say it’s a newly released action movie. I heard famous actors are coming too. -
Expression: B: 와, 그럼 사람 엄청 많겠네요! 저 액션 영화 좋아하는데.
Pronunciation: B: wa, geu-reom sa-ram eom-cheong man-ken-ne-yo! jeo aek-syeon yeong-hwa jo-a-ha-neun-de.
Meaning: B: Wow, then it must be incredibly crowded! I like action movies. -
Expression: A: 네, 아마 저녁에는 이 근처가 좀 복잡할 거예요. 커피 나왔습니다!
Pronunciation: A: ne, a-ma jeo-nyeok-e-neun i geun-cheo-ga jom bok-ja-pal geo-ye-yo. keo-pi na-wa-sseum-ni-da!
Meaning: A: Yes, this area will probably be a bit busy in the evening. Your coffee is ready! -
Expression: B: 감사합니다. 좋은 정보도 감사해요!
Pronunciation: B: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jo-eun jeong-bo-do gam-sa-hae-yo!
Meaning: B: Thank you. Thanks for the good information too! -
Expression: A: 별말씀을요. 맛있게 드세요!
Pronunciation: A: byeol-mal-sseu-mul-lyo. ma-si-kke deu-se-yo!
Meaning: A: You’re welcome. Enjoy your drink!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try using these phrases when you visit a cafe in Korea or even role-play with a language partner. Pay attention to how baristas interact with customers and listen for opportunities to use small talk phrases. Discussing simple topics like movies or local events is a fantastic way to build confidence in your Korean conversation skills. Don’t be afraid to start simple! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting! / You can do it!)
