Working in the service industry, especially in a busy restaurant, often involves managing customer expectations regarding speed. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for waiters or staff members to politely and effectively handle customers who request faster service, ensuring a smooth and professional interaction even under pressure.
Table Of Content
Essential Phrase
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Expression: 네, 최대한 빨리 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, choe-dae-han ppal-li jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I will prepare it as quickly as possible for you.
Acknowledging the Request
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Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. -
Expression: 조금만 기다려 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please wait just a little longer? -
Expression: 혹시 많이 급하신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ma-ni geu-pa-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are you perhaps in a big hurry? -
Expression: 불편을 드려 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeo joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize for the inconvenience. -
Expression: 네, 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I will check on it. -
Expression: 주문하신 음식이 곧 나올 예정입니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin eum-si-gi got na-ol ye-jeong-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The food you ordered is scheduled to come out soon. -
Expression: 네, 손님. 어떤 점이 필요하신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, son-nim. eo-tteon jeom-i pi-ryo-ha-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, customer. What do you need? (Used when first approached) -
Expression: 음식이 늦어져서 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: eum-si-gi neu-jeo-jyeo-seo joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize that the food is delayed. -
Expression: 기다리게 해드려 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: gi-da-ri-ge hae-deu-ryeo joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize for making you wait. -
Expression: 네, 바로 확인하고 알려드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ba-ro hwa-gin-ha-go al-lyeo-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I will check right away and let you know.
Explaining Delays (If Necessary)
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Expression: 지금 주방이 조금 바쁩니다.
Pronunciation: ji-geum ju-bang-i jo-geum ba-ppeum-ni-da.
Meaning: The kitchen is a little busy right now. -
Expression: 주문이 밀려서 조금 늦어지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-i mil-lyeo-seo jo-geum neu-jeo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Orders are backed up, so it’s getting a bit delayed. -
Expression: 이 요리는 시간이 조금 걸리는 편입니다.
Pronunciation: i yo-ri-neun si-gan-i jo-geum geol-li-neun pyeon-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This dish tends to take a little time. -
Expression: 정성껏 만들고 있으니 조금만 더 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: jeong-seong-kkeot man-deul-go i-sseu-ni jo-geum-man deo gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: We are preparing it carefully, so please wait just a little longer. -
Expression: 오늘 손님이 많아서 시간이 좀 걸리고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul son-nim-i ma-na-seo si-gan-i jom geol-li-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There are many customers today, so it’s taking some time. -
Expression: 예상보다 조리 시간이 길어지고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ye-sang-bo-da jo-ri si-gan-i gi-reo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The cooking time is taking longer than expected. -
Expression: 방금 주문이 들어가서 시간이 조금 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: bang-geum ju-mun-i deu-reo-ga-seo si-gan-i jo-geum pi-ryo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The order was just placed, so it needs a little time. -
Expression: 다른 테이블 주문과 같이 준비 중입니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun te-i-beul ju-mun-gwa ga-chi jun-bi jung-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s being prepared along with orders from other tables. -
Expression: 특정 재료 준비에 시간이 걸리고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: teuk-jeong jae-ryo jun-bi-e si-gan-i geol-li-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Preparing a specific ingredient is taking time. -
Expression: 양해해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: yang-hae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your understanding.
Promising Faster Service
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Expression: 최대한 빨리 가져다 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han ppal-li ga-jyeo-da deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will bring it to you as quickly as possible. -
Expression: 주방에 다시 한번 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-bang-e da-si han-beon hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will check with the kitchen once more. -
Expression: 조금 서둘러 달라고 전달하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jo-geum seo-dul-leo dal-la-go jeon-dal-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will pass on the message to hurry it up a bit. -
Expression: 네, 바로 준비해서 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, ba-ro jun-bi-hae-seo deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I will prepare it right away and give it to you. -
Expression: 우선적으로 처리해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: u-seon-jeo-geu-ro cheo-ri-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will handle it with priority. -
Expression: 곧 준비될 예정이니 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: got jun-bi-doel ye-jeong-i-ni jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: It will be ready soon, so please wait just a moment. -
Expression: 제가 직접 챙겨서 빨리 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga jik-jeop chaeng-gyeo-seo ppal-li deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will personally take care of it and give it to you quickly. -
Expression: 나오는 대로 바로 가져다 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: na-o-neun dae-ro ba-ro ga-jyeo-da deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: As soon as it comes out, I will bring it right over. -
Expression: 신경 써서 빨리 처리하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: sin-gyeong sseo-seo ppal-li cheo-ri-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will pay attention and handle it quickly. -
Expression: 최대한 신속하게 진행하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han sin-so-ka-ge jin-haeng-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will proceed as swiftly as possible.
Offering Alternatives or Updates
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Expression: 먼저 드실 수 있는 음료나 반찬을 더 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: meon-jeo deu-sil su it-neun eum-nyo-na ban-chan-eul deo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I bring you more drinks or side dishes you can have first? -
Expression: 혹시 더 빨리 되는 메뉴로 바꿔 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: hok-si deo ppal-li doe-neun me-nyu-ro ba-kkwo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would you perhaps like to change to a menu item that can be prepared faster? -
Expression: 제가 주방 상황을 다시 확인하고 오겠습니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga ju-bang sang-hwang-eul da-si hwa-gin-ha-go o-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will go check the kitchen situation again. -
Expression: 음식이 거의 다 준비되었습니다.
Pronunciation: eum-si-gi geo-ui da jun-bi-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The food is almost ready. -
Expression: 5분 정도 더 소요될 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: o-bun jeong-do deo so-yo-doel geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems like it will take about 5 more minutes. -
Expression: 기다리시는 동안 필요한 것 있으시면 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: gi-da-ri-si-neun dong-an pi-ryo-han geot i-sseu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you need anything while you wait. -
Expression: 다른 필요한 것은 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun pi-ryo-han geo-seun eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 곧 가져다 드릴 테니 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: got ga-jyeo-da deu-ril te-ni jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: I will bring it soon, so please wait just a moment. -
Expression: 먼저 준비된 것부터 가져다 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: meon-jeo jun-bi-doen geot-bu-teo ga-jyeo-da deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I bring out what’s ready first? -
Expression: 서비스로 음료수 하나 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: seo-bi-seu-ro eum-nyo-su ha-na deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I offer you a complimentary drink? (As a service gesture)
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness is Key: In Korean service culture, maintaining politeness (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) is crucial, especially when dealing with potentially sensitive situations like delays. Always use formal language and apologize sincerely, even if the delay isn’t directly your fault.
‘Palli-Palli’ Culture: Korea is known for its ‘빨리빨리’ (ppal-li-ppal-li – hurry, hurry) culture, meaning efficiency and speed are often highly valued. Customers may expect quick service, so acknowledging their need for speed promptly is important.
Managing Expectations: While speed is valued, honesty about potential delays is also appreciated. If a dish genuinely takes time or the kitchen is swamped, politely explaining the situation can manage expectations better than making unrealistic promises.
Offering ‘Service’: Offering a small complimentary item (서비스 – seo-bi-seu), like a drink or a simple side dish, can be a common and effective way to appease a customer experiencing delays and show goodwill.
Non-Verbal Communication: Along with verbal apologies and explanations, attentive body language (making eye contact, slightly bowing, showing a sense of urgency) reinforces your commitment to resolving the issue quickly.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer in a moderately busy Korean restaurant signals a waiter, looking impatient.
Roles: A = Customer, B = Waiter
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Expression: A: 저기요, 저희 주문한 지 꽤 됐는데 언제 나오나요? 좀 빨리 부탁드려요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, jeo-hui ju-mun-han ji kkwae dwaet-neun-de eon-je na-o-na-yo? jom ppal-li bu-tak-deu-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me, it’s been quite a while since we ordered, when is our food coming? Please hurry it up a bit. -
Expression: B: 아, 네 손님. 죄송합니다. 바로 확인해 보겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: a, ne son-nim. joe-song-ham-ni-da. ba-ro hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Ah, yes customer. I apologize. I will check on it right away. Could you please wait just a moment? -
Expression: B: (잠시 후 돌아와서) 손님, 확인해 보니 주문이 조금 밀려서 늦어지고 있습니다. 정말 죄송합니다. 주방에 최대한 빨리 해달라고 전달했습니다.
Pronunciation: (jam-si hu do-ra-wa-seo) son-nim, hwa-gin-hae bo-ni ju-mun-i jo-geum mil-lyeo-seo neu-jeo-ji-go it-seum-ni-da. jeong-mal joe-song-ham-ni-da. ju-bang-e choe-dae-han ppal-li hae-dal-la-go jeon-dal-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: (Returning after a moment) Customer, I checked and the orders are a bit backed up, causing a delay. I am truly sorry. I’ve told the kitchen to prepare it as quickly as possible. -
Expression: A: 네… 얼마나 더 걸릴까요? 저희 시간이 별로 없어서요.
Pronunciation: ne… eol-ma-na deo geol-lil-kka-yo? jeo-hui si-gan-i byeol-lo eop-seo-seo-yo.
Meaning: Okay… how much longer will it take? We don’t have much time. -
Expression: B: 네, 곧 나올 예정입니다. 5분 안에 가져다 드릴 수 있도록 제가 직접 챙기겠습니다. 기다리시는 동안 음료수라도 먼저 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, got na-ol ye-jeong-im-ni-da. o-bun an-e ga-jyeo-da deu-ril su it-do-rok je-ga jik-jeop chaeng-gi-get-seum-ni-da. gi-da-ri-si-neun dong-an eum-nyo-su-ra-do meon-jeo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, it’s scheduled to come out soon. I will personally ensure it’s brought out within 5 minutes. While you wait, shall I bring you a drink first? -
Expression: A: 아니요, 괜찮아요. 그럼 빨리 좀 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, gwaen-cha-na-yo. geu-reom ppal-li jom bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: No, it’s okay. Then please just hurry. -
Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 불편을 드려 다시 한번 죄송합니다. 최대한 신속하게 가져다 드리겠습니다!
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. bul-pyeon-eul deu-ryeo da-si han-beon joe-song-ham-ni-da. choe-dae-han sin-so-ka-ge ga-jyeo-da deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da!
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience. I will bring it as swiftly as possible!
Practice Tips
Handling requests for faster service requires both linguistic skill and composure! Practice these phrases by imagining different scenarios – a very busy kitchen, a specific dish taking longer, or a customer who is particularly rushed~ Role-playing with a friend can be very helpful. Focus on maintaining a polite and reassuring tone, even when delivering news about delays. Remember, a calm and professional response can make a big difference in customer satisfaction! Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
