Understanding how to interact in specific situations, like ordering coffee or receiving recommendations, is key to navigating daily life in Korea. This guide focuses on the Korean phrases a barista might use to recommend a flat white, particularly to a customer looking for an energy boost, and how a customer might respond. Learn the essential vocabulary and expressions for smooth cafe interactions.
Table Of Content
Core Recommendation Phrase
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Expression: 플랫 화이트 추천해 드려요.
Pronunciation: peul-laet hwa-i-teu chu-cheon-hae deu-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: I recommend the flat white. (Polite)
Basic Barista Greetings and Questions
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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: 무엇을 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: mu-eo-seul deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: What can I get for you? -
Expression: 따뜻한 음료 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-than eum-ryo cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: Are you looking for a hot drink? -
Expression: 차가운 음료 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: cha-ga-un eum-ryo cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: Are you looking for a cold drink? -
Expression: 드시고 가세요? 아니면 가져가세요?
Pronunciation: deu-si-go ga-se-yo? a-ni-myeon ga-jyeo-ga-se-yo?
Meaning: For here or to go? -
Expression: 메뉴 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: me-nyu yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Here is the menu. -
Expression: 오늘의 추천 메뉴는 ___입니다.
Pronunciation: o-neu-rui chu-cheon me-nyu-neun ___im-ni-da.
Meaning: Today’s recommended menu item is ___. -
Expression: 혹시 찾으시는 메뉴 있으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si cha-jeu-si-neun me-nyu i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Is there a specific menu item you are looking for? -
Expression: 결제 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-je do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I help you with the payment? -
Expression: 진동벨로 알려드릴게요.
Pronunciation: jin-dong-bel-lo al-lyeo-deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll let you know with the buzzer.
Phrases for Recommending a Pick-Me-Up
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Expression: 피곤해 보이시는데, 커피 한잔 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: pi-gon-hae bo-i-si-neun-de, keo-pi han-jan eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: You look tired, how about a cup of coffee? -
Expression: 기운 내시려면 진한 커피가 좋을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: gi-un nae-si-ryeo-myeon jin-han keo-pi-ga jo-eul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: If you want to cheer up, strong coffee seems like a good idea. -
Expression: 플랫 화이트는 에스프레소가 진해서 잠 깨는 데 도움이 될 거예요.
Pronunciation: peul-laet hwa-i-teu-neun e-seu-peu-re-so-ga jin-hae-seo jam kkae-neun de do-u-mi doel geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: The flat white has strong espresso, so it will help you wake up. -
Expression: 부드러우면서도 강한 커피를 원하시면 플랫 화이트가 딱이에요.
Pronunciation: bu-deu-reo-u-myeon-seo-do gang-han keo-pi-reul won-ha-si-myeon peul-laet hwa-i-teu-ga tta-gi-e-yo.
Meaning: If you want coffee that’s smooth yet strong, the flat white is perfect. -
Expression: 라떼보다 우유 양이 적어서 커피 맛이 더 진하게 느껴지실 거예요.
Pronunciation: ra-tte-bo-da u-yu yang-i jeo-geo-seo keo-pi ma-si deo jin-ha-ge neu-kkyeo-ji-sil geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: It has less milk than a latte, so you’ll feel the coffee taste more strongly. -
Expression: 오후에 힘내시려면 플랫 화이트 한번 드셔보세요.
Pronunciation: o-hu-e him-nae-si-ryeo-myeon peul-laet hwa-i-teu han-beon deu-syeo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: If you need energy for the afternoon, try a flat white. -
Expression: 저희 가게 플랫 화이트가 인기가 많아요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui ga-ge peul-laet hwa-i-teu-ga in-gi-ga ma-na-yo.
Meaning: Our shop’s flat white is very popular. -
Expression: 정신이 번쩍 들게 해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: jeong-si-ni beon-jjeok deul-ge hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll make something that will really wake you up. (Lit: Make your mind flash open) -
Expression: 에너지 충전이 필요하시면 이걸로 추천드려요.
Pronunciation: e-neo-ji chung-jeo-ni pi-ryo-ha-si-myeon i-geol-lo chu-cheon-deu-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: If you need an energy charge, I recommend this one. -
Expression: 샷 추가도 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: syat chu-ga-do ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Adding an extra shot is also possible.
Describing the Flat White
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Expression: 플랫 화이트는 우유 거품이 아주 얇고 부드러워요.
Pronunciation: peul-laet hwa-i-teu-neun u-yu geo-pu-mi a-ju yal-go bu-deu-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: The flat white has very thin and smooth milk foam. -
Expression: 에스프레소 맛이 라떼보다 더 강하게 느껴져요.
Pronunciation: e-seu-peu-re-so ma-si ra-tte-bo-da deo gang-ha-ge neu-kkyeo-jyeo-yo.
Meaning: The espresso taste feels stronger than in a latte. -
Expression: 고소하고 진한 커피 맛을 즐길 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: go-so-ha-go jin-han keo-pi ma-seul jeul-gil su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: You can enjoy a nutty and rich coffee flavor. -
Expression: 따뜻하게 드시면 더 맛있습니다.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-ta-ge deu-si-myeon deo ma-sit-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s more delicious if you drink it hot. -
Expression: 우유와 에스프레소의 조화가 좋아요.
Pronunciation: u-yu-wa e-seu-peu-re-so-ui jo-hwa-ga jo-a-yo.
Meaning: The harmony between milk and espresso is good. -
Expression: 너무 쓰지 않고 부드러운 편이에요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu sseu-ji an-ko bu-deu-reo-un pyeo-ni-e-yo.
Meaning: It’s not too bitter and tends to be smooth. -
Expression: 커피 본연의 맛을 느끼기에 좋아요.
Pronunciation: keo-pi bon-yeo-nui ma-seul neu-kki-gi-e jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s good for experiencing the original taste of coffee. -
Expression: 라떼 아트도 예쁘게 해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ra-tte a-teu-do ye-ppeu-ge hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll make pretty latte art for you too. -
Expression: 카페인 함량이 높아서 잠 깨는 데 효과적이에요.
Pronunciation: ka-pe-in ham-ryang-i no-pa-seo jam kkae-neun de hyo-gwa-jeo-gi-e-yo.
Meaning: The caffeine content is high, so it’s effective for waking up.
Potential Customer Responses
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Expression: 아, 네. 그럼 플랫 화이트로 주세요.
Pronunciation: a, ne. geu-reom peul-laet hwa-i-teu-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Oh, okay. Then please give me a flat white. -
Expression: 플랫 화이트는 많이 쓴가요?
Pronunciation: peul-laet hwa-i-teu-neun ma-ni sseun-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is the flat white very bitter? -
Expression: 라떼랑 어떻게 달라요?
Pronunciation: ra-tte-rang eo-tteo-ke dal-la-yo?
Meaning: How is it different from a latte? -
Expression: 네, 마침 피곤했는데 잘 됐네요.
Pronunciation: ne, ma-chim pi-gon-haet-neun-de jal dwaet-ne-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I was just feeling tired, that’s perfect. -
Expression: 추천 감사합니다. 그걸로 할게요.
Pronunciation: chu-cheon gam-sa-ham-ni-da. geu-geol-lo hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll have that one. -
Expression: 혹시 디카페인으로도 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si di-ka-pe-i-neu-ro-do ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to have it decaffeinated? -
Expression: 좀 더 부드러운 건 없나요?
Pronunciation: jom deo bu-deu-reo-un geon eom-na-yo?
Meaning: Isn’t there anything smoother? -
Expression: 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is it? -
Expression: 따뜻한 걸로 주세요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan geol-lo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a hot one. -
Expression: 여기서 마실게요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-seo ma-sil-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll drink it here.
Korean Culture Notes
Cafe Culture: Cafes are incredibly popular in Korea, serving not just as places to get coffee but also as spaces for studying, working, socializing, and relaxing. You’ll find numerous independent cafes alongside large chains.
Ordering Etiquette: Ordering is typically done at the counter. After paying, you’ll often receive a pager (진동벨 – jin-dong-bel) that vibrates or buzzes when your order is ready for pickup at the counter.
Flat White vs. Latte: While both are espresso-based drinks with steamed milk, the distinction might sometimes be less pronounced in Korea compared to places like Australia or New Zealand where the flat white originated. However, generally, a flat white is understood to have less microfoam and a stronger coffee flavor than a latte.
“Pick-Me-Up” Culture: Like in many modern societies, Koreans often rely on caffeine to get through long work or study days. Phrases related to needing energy (기운 내다 – gi-un nae-da, 힘내다 – him-nae-da) or fighting sleepiness (잠 깨다 – jam kkae-da) are common.
Service Language: Baristas typically use polite formal language (-세요/-seyo, -ㅂ니다/-mnida endings) with customers. Recommendations are common and generally well-received.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer (B) enters a cafe looking visibly tired in the mid-afternoon. The barista (A) notices and decides to recommend a flat white.
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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: 아… 네. 뭘 마실지 고민되네요. 좀 피곤해서요.
Pronunciation: B: a… ne. mwol ma-sil-ji go-min-doe-ne-yo. jom pi-gon-hae-seo-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah… yes. I’m wondering what to drink. I’m a bit tired. -
Expression: A: 그러시면 저희 플랫 화이트는 어떠세요? 에스프레소가 진해서 잠 깨는 데 도움이 될 거예요.
Pronunciation: A: geu-reo-si-myeon jeo-hui peul-laet hwa-i-teu-neun eo-tteo-se-yo? e-seu-peu-re-so-ga jin-hae-seo jam kkae-neun de do-u-mi doel geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: A: In that case, how about our flat white? The espresso is strong, so it will help you wake up. -
Expression: B: 플랫 화이트요? 라떼랑 비슷한 건가요?
Pronunciation: B: peul-laet hwa-i-teu-yo? ra-tte-rang bi-seu-tan geon-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: A flat white? Is it similar to a latte? -
Expression: A: 네, 비슷하지만 우유 양이 적고 거품이 얇아서 커피 맛이 더 진하고 고소해요. 오후에 힘내시려면 딱 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: A: ne, bi-seu-ta-ji-man u-yu yang-i jeok-go geo-pu-mi yal-ba-seo keo-pi ma-si deo jin-ha-go go-so-hae-yo. o-hu-e him-nae-si-ryeo-myeon ttak jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, it’s similar, but it has less milk and thinner foam, so the coffee taste is stronger and nuttier. It’s perfect if you need energy for the afternoon. -
Expression: B: 오, 좋네요! 그럼 플랫 화이트 따뜻한 걸로 한 잔 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: o, jon-ne-yo! geu-reom peul-laet hwa-i-teu tta-tteu-tan geol-lo han jan ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, that sounds good! Then please give me one hot flat white. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 5,000원입니다. 드시고 가시나요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. o-cheon-won-im-ni-da. deu-si-go ga-si-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. It’s 5,000 won. Are you drinking it here? -
Expression: B: 네, 여기서 마실게요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, yeo-gi-seo ma-sil-ge-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’ll drink it here. -
Expression: A: 네, 진동벨 드릴게요. 잠시만 기다려 주세요. 맛있게 만들어 드릴게요!
Pronunciation: A: ne, jin-dong-bel deu-ril-ge-yo. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo. ma-sit-ge man-deu-reo deu-ril-ge-yo!
Meaning: A: Okay, here is the buzzer. Please wait just a moment. I’ll make it delicious for you!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially with situational conversations! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner. One person can be the tired customer, and the other can be the helpful barista recommending the flat white~ Pay close attention to the pronunciation, especially the difference between similar sounds and the syllable breaks.
Next time you’re in a Korean cafe (or even imagining one!), try thinking through these phrases. Can you describe why you might want a flat white? Can you understand the barista’s description? Using the phrases actively in your mind is a great step towards using them confidently in real life. 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Good luck!)
