Effectively managing customer expectations is crucial in service roles, especially when specific requests cannot be met. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for cafe staff dealing with a customer who insists on a coffee size larger than what is offered, ensuring polite and professional communication.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 죄송하지만 저희는 이 사이즈만 제공합니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man jeo-hui-neun i sa-i-jeu-man je-gong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but we only offer these sizes.
Initial Customer Interaction
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Expression: 어서 오세요. 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Welcome. May I take your order? -
Expression: 무엇을 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: mu-eo-seul deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: What would you like? -
Expression: 커피 사이즈는 스몰, 레귤러 두 가지 있습니다.
Pronunciation: keo-pi sa-i-jeu-neun seu-mol, re-gyul-leo du ga-ji it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: For coffee sizes, we have small and regular. -
Expression: 어떤 사이즈로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon sa-i-jeu-ro ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Which size would you like? -
Expression: 아메리카노 한 잔 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: a-me-ri-ka-no han jan ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to order 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: 매장에서 드시나요, 가져가시나요?
Pronunciation: mae-jang-e-seo deu-si-na-yo, ga-jyeo-ga-si-na-yo?
Meaning: For here or to go? -
Expression: 주문하신 아메리카노 레귤러 사이즈 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin a-me-ri-ka-no re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu na-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your order, one regular size Americano, is ready. -
Expression: 총 [금액]원입니다.
Pronunciation: chong [geum-aek]-won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The total is [amount] won. -
Expression: 결제 도와드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gyeol-je do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’ll help you with the payment.
Addressing the Customer’s Request
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Expression: 손님, 죄송하지만 저희는 라지 사이즈는 없습니다.
Pronunciation: son-nim, joe-song-ha-ji-man jeo-hui-neun ra-ji sa-i-jeu-neun eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Customer, I apologize, but we don’t have a large size. -
Expression: 네, 확인해 보았는데 레귤러가 가장 큰 사이즈입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-hae bo-at-neun-de re-gyul-leo-ga ga-jang keun sa-i-jeu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I’ve checked, and regular is the largest size. -
Expression: 불편을 드려 죄송합니다만, 제공되는 사이즈는 정해져 있습니다.
Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeo joe-song-ham-ni-da-man, je-gong-doe-neun sa-i-jeu-neun jeong-hae-jyeo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize for the inconvenience, but the available sizes are fixed. -
Expression: 저희 매장 정책상 해당 사이즈는 준비되어 있지 않습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui mae-jang jeong-chaek-sang hae-dang sa-i-jeu-neun jun-bi-doe-eo it-ji an-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Due to our store policy, that size is not available. -
Expression: 이해해 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae-hae ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would appreciate your understanding. -
Expression: 다시 한번 말씀드리지만, 스몰과 레귤러 사이즈만 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon mal-sseum-deu-ri-ji-man, seu-mol-gwa re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-man ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Let me reiterate, only small and regular sizes are available. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 문의사항 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun mun-ui-sa-hang i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you perhaps have any other questions? -
Expression: 정말 죄송합니다. 더 큰 사이즈는 제공해 드릴 수가 없습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal joe-song-ham-ni-da. deo keun sa-i-jeu-neun je-gong-hae deu-ril su-ga eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I am truly sorry. We cannot provide a larger size. -
Expression: 메뉴판에 나와 있는 사이즈만 주문 가능하십니다.
Pronunciation: me-nyu-pan-e na-wa it-neun sa-i-jeu-man ju-mun ga-neung-ha-sip-ni-da.
Meaning: You can only order the sizes listed on the menu. -
Expression: 고객님의 요청을 들어드리지 못해 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: go-gaek-nim-ui yo-cheong-eul deu-reo-deu-ri-ji mot-hae joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize for not being able to fulfill your request.
Offering Alternatives or Solutions
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Expression: 혹시 레귤러 사이즈 두 잔을 주문하시는 건 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu du jan-eul ju-mun-ha-si-neun geon eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Perhaps how about ordering two regular-sized cups? -
Expression: 샷 추가를 하시면 커피가 더 진해집니다.
Pronunciation: syat chu-ga-reul ha-si-myeon keo-pi-ga deo jin-hae-jim-ni-da.
Meaning: If you add an extra shot, the coffee will be stronger. -
Expression: 양이 부족하시면, 나중에 한 잔 더 주문하시는 방법도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: yang-i bu-jok-ha-si-myeon, na-jung-e han jan deo ju-mun-ha-si-neun bang-beop-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If the amount is insufficient, you could also order another cup later. -
Expression: 다른 음료 중에는 더 큰 사이즈가 있는 메뉴도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun eum-nyo jung-e-neun deo keun sa-i-jeu-ga it-neun me-nyu-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Among other beverages, there are some menu items with larger sizes. -
Expression: 아이스 음료는 얼음 양 조절이 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: a-i-seu eum-nyo-neun eol-eum yang jo-jeol-i ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: For iced drinks, the amount of ice can be adjusted. -
Expression: 레귤러 사이즈에 에스프레소 샷을 추가해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-e e-seu-peu-re-so sya-seul chu-ga-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I add an espresso shot to the regular size? -
Expression: 혹시 다른 메뉴를 고려해 보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun me-nyu-reul go-ryeo-hae bo-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Would you perhaps consider another menu item? -
Expression: 저희가 제공할 수 있는 최선은 레귤러 사이즈입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ga je-gong-hal su it-neun choe-seon-eun re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The best we can offer is the regular size. -
Expression: 레귤러 사이즈로 주문하시고, 부족하시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-ro ju-mun-ha-si-go, bu-jok-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please order the regular size, and let me know if it’s not enough. -
Expression: 대신 다른 서비스를 제공해 드릴 수 있는지 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: dae-sin da-reun seo-bi-seu-reul je-gong-hae deu-ril su it-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will check if we can offer another service instead.
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness is Paramount: In Korean service culture, maintaining politeness (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is crucial, even when disagreeing or denying a request. Using phrases like 죄송하지만 (joe-song-ha-ji-man – I’m sorry, but…) and ending sentences with ~ㅂ/습니다 (~p/seum-ni-da) or ~아/어요 (~a/eo-yo) is standard practice.
Avoiding Direct Confrontation: While being firm about policies, direct confrontation is generally avoided. Explaining the situation calmly and offering alternatives shows respect and professionalism. Repeating the apology and the reason (저희는 이 사이즈만 제공합니다 – jeo-hui-neun i sa-i-jeu-man je-gong-ham-ni-da) can be effective.
Standard Sizes: While coffee culture is huge in Korea, standardized sizing (Small, Regular/Tall, sometimes Large/Grande/Venti depending on the chain) is common. Independent cafes often have fewer size options (e.g., just one or two). Customers generally understand this, but occasional insistence happens.
‘Service’ Culture (서비스 – seo-bi-seu): Sometimes, Korean businesses offer small complimentary items or gestures as ‘service’ to appease customers or show goodwill. While not always possible or expected for a size issue, understanding this concept helps frame the interaction – the staff aims to provide good service within limitations.
Handling Complaints Gracefully: Listen patiently to the customer’s insistence. Acknowledge their desire (더 큰 사이즈를 원하시는군요 – deo keun sa-i-jeu-reul won-ha-si-neun-gun-yo – Ah, you want a larger size) before politely stating the limitation. This shows you’ve heard them, even if you can’t fulfill the request.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer tries to order a large (“라지”) Americano at a cafe that only offers Small and Regular sizes.
Roles: A = 손님 (Customer), B = 직원 (Staff)
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Expression: B: 어서 오세요. 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: B: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Welcome. May I take your order? -
Expression: A: 네, 아이스 아메리카노 라지 사이즈 한 잔 주세요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, a-i-seu a-me-ri-ka-no ra-ji sa-i-jeu han jan ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, one iced Americano, large size, please. -
Expression: B: 아, 손님 죄송합니다. 저희는 라지 사이즈는 없고 스몰하고 레귤러 사이즈만 있습니다.
Pronunciation: B: a, son-nim joe-song-ham-ni-da. jeo-hui-neun ra-ji sa-i-jeu-neun eop-go seu-mol-ha-go re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-man it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Oh, customer, I apologize. We don’t have a large size, only small and regular sizes. -
Expression: A: 네? 라지가 없다고요? 레귤러는 너무 작아요. 라지로 주세요.
Pronunciation: A: ne? ra-ji-ga eop-da-go-yo? re-gyul-leo-neun neo-mu ja-ga-yo. ra-ji-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: What? No large? Regular is too small. Give me the large size. -
Expression: B: 정말 죄송하지만, 저희 매장에는 레귤러가 가장 큰 사이즈입니다. 더 큰 사이즈는 제공해 드릴 수가 없습니다.
Pronunciation: B: jeong-mal joe-song-ha-ji-man, jeo-hui mae-jang-e-neun re-gyul-leo-ga ga-jang keun sa-i-jeu-im-ni-da. deo keun sa-i-jeu-neun je-gong-hae deu-ril su-ga eop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: I am truly sorry, but regular is the largest size in our store. We cannot provide a larger size. -
Expression: A: 아니, 왜 없어요? 다른 데는 다 있는데.
Pronunciation: A: a-ni, wae eop-seo-yo? da-reun de-neun da it-neun-de.
Meaning: A: No, why don’t you have it? Other places all have it. -
Expression: B: 불편을 드려 죄송합니다. 혹시 레귤러 사이즈에 샷 추가를 해 드릴까요? 아니면 레귤러 두 잔을 주문하시는 건 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: B: bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeo joe-song-ham-ni-da. hok-si re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-e syat chu-ga-reul hae deu-ril-kka-yo? a-ni-myeon re-gyul-leo du jan-eul ju-mun-ha-si-neun geon eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: I apologize for the inconvenience. Perhaps I could add an extra shot to the regular size? Or how about ordering two regular cups? -
Expression: A: 음… 그럼 그냥 레귤러로 주세요. 샷 추가해 주시고요.
Pronunciation: A: eum… geu-reom geu-nyang re-gyul-leo-ro ju-se-yo. syat chu-ga-hae ju-si-go-yo.
Meaning: A: Hmm… Then just give me the regular. And add a shot, please. -
Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 아이스 아메리카노 레귤러 사이즈에 샷 추가해서 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: B: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. a-i-seu a-me-ri-ka-no re-gyul-leo sa-i-jeu-e syat chu-ga-hae-seo jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, understood. I will prepare an iced Americano, regular size, with an added shot.
Practice Tips
Handling tricky customer situations requires practice! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner~ Focus on maintaining a polite and calm tone, even when repeating the information. Remember to use 죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da) sincerely. Practicing offering alternatives smoothly will also make you sound more professional and helpful. Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!) You can master these service interactions! ^^
