Understanding specific customer preferences is key in any service industry, and coffee shops are no exception. This guide focuses on Korean phrases a barista can use when a customer requests coffee without bitterness, covering how to understand the request, suggest suitable alternatives, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
-
Expression: 쓴맛 없는 커피
Pronunciation: sseun-mat eom-neun keo-pi
Meaning: Coffee without bitterness (Lit: bitterness-없는 coffee)
Taking the Order
-
Expression: 어서 오세요. 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Welcome. Would you like to order? -
Expression: 어떤 커피 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon keo-pi deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: What kind of coffee can I get for you? -
Expression: 네, 어떤 걸로 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, eo-tteon geol-lo do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, how may I help you? -
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: 사이즈는 어떻게 해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: sa-i-jeu-neun eo-tteo-ke hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: What size would you like? -
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: 특별히 원하시는 원두가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi won-ha-si-neun won-du-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have a particular coffee bean you prefer? -
Expression: 다른 필요한 건 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun pil-yo-han geon eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 주문 확인해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun hwa-gin-hae deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will confirm your order.
Addressing Bitterness Requests
-
Expression: 쓴맛이 덜한 커피를 찾으시는군요.
Pronunciation: sseun-ma-si deol-han keo-pi-reul cha-jeu-si-neun-gun-yo.
Meaning: Ah, you’re looking for coffee that is less bitter. -
Expression: 네, 쓴맛 없는 커피 종류도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, sseun-mat eom-neun keo-pi jong-nyu-do it-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, we also have types of coffee without bitterness. -
Expression: 혹시 산미는 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si san-mi-neun gwaen-cha-neu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, are you okay with acidity (sourness)? -
Expression: 쓴맛 대신 고소한 맛이나 단맛을 선호하시나요?
Pronunciation: sseun-mat dae-sin go-so-han ma-si-na dan-ma-seul seon-ho-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Instead of bitterness, do you prefer a nutty or sweet taste? -
Expression: 저희가 가진 원두 중에서는 [원두 이름]이 쓴맛이 적습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ga ga-jin won-du jung-e-seo-neun [won-du i-reum]-i sseun-ma-si jeok-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Among the beans we have, [Bean Name] has less bitterness. -
Expression: 추출 방식에 따라서도 쓴맛이 달라질 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: chu-chul bang-si-ge tta-ra-seo-do sseun-ma-si dal-la-jil su it-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: The bitterness can also vary depending on the brewing method. -
Expression: 보통 어떤 스타일의 커피를 즐겨 드시나요?
Pronunciation: bo-tong eo-tteon seu-ta-il-ui keo-pi-reul jeul-gyeo deu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: What style of coffee do you usually enjoy? -
Expression: 고객님의 취향에 맞는 커피를 추천해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: go-gaeng-nim-ui chwi-hyang-e man-neun keo-pi-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will recommend a coffee that suits your taste. -
Expression: 쓴맛을 줄이기 위해 우유나 시럽을 추가하는 방법도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sseun-ma-seul jul-i-gi wi-hae u-yu-na si-reo-beul chu-ga-ha-neun bang-beop-do it-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: There’s also the option of adding milk or syrup to reduce bitterness.
Suggesting Alternatives
-
Expression: 콜드브루는 쓴맛이 적고 부드러워서 괜찮으실 거예요.
Pronunciation: kol-deu-beu-ru-neun sseun-ma-si jeok-go bu-deu-reo-wo-seo gwaen-cha-neu-sil geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: Cold brew has less bitterness and is smooth, so it might be good for you. -
Expression: 라이트 로스팅 원두로 내린 드립 커피는 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: ra-i-teu ro-seu-ting won-du-ro nae-rin deu-rip keo-pi-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: How about drip coffee made with light roast beans? -
Expression: 카페라떼나 카푸치노는 우유가 들어가서 쓴맛이 중화됩니다.
Pronunciation: ka-pe-ra-tte-na ka-pu-chi-no-neun u-yu-ga deu-reo-ga-seo sseun-ma-si jung-hwa-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Cafe latte or cappuccino have milk, which neutralizes the bitterness. -
Expression: 에티오피아 예가체프 원두는 산미가 좋고 쓴맛이 덜합니다.
Pronunciation: e-ti-o-pi-a ye-ga-che-peu won-du-neun san-mi-ga jo-ko sseun-ma-si deol-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans have good acidity and less bitterness. -
Expression: 바닐라 라떼처럼 달콤한 커피는 쓴맛을 거의 느끼지 못하실 거예요.
Pronunciation: ba-nil-la ra-tte-cheo-reom dal-kom-han keo-pi-neun sseun-ma-seul geo-ui neu-kki-ji mo-ta-sil geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: With sweet coffee like a vanilla latte, you’ll hardly notice any bitterness. -
Expression: 아메리카노를 연하게 해 드릴 수도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: a-me-ri-ka-no-reul yeon-ha-ge hae deu-ril su-do it-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: We can also make the Americano weaker (lighter). -
Expression: 혹시 디카페인 커피는 어떠세요? 쓴맛이 덜한 편입니다.
Pronunciation: hok-si di-ka-pe-in keo-pi-neun eo-tteo-se-yo? sseun-ma-si deol-han pyeon-im-ni-da.
Meaning: How about decaf coffee? It tends to be less bitter. -
Expression: 핸드드립으로 내리면 쓴맛 조절이 좀 더 용이합니다.
Pronunciation: haen-deu-deu-ri-beu-ro nae-ri-myeon sseun-mat jo-jeol-i jom deo yong-i-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: If brewed with hand drip, controlling bitterness is a bit easier. -
Expression: 이 원두는 고소한 맛이 특징이라 쓴맛을 싫어하시는 분들이 좋아하세요.
Pronunciation: i won-du-neun go-so-han ma-si teuk-jing-i-ra sseun-ma-seul sil-eo-ha-si-neun bun-deul-i jo-a-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: This bean is characterized by its nutty flavor, so people who dislike bitterness tend to like it.
Finalizing the Order
-
Expression: 그럼 콜드브루 한 잔으로 준비해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom kol-deu-beu-ru han jan-eu-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Then, shall I prepare one glass of cold brew for you? -
Expression: 네, 알겠습니다. 쓴맛 최대한 적게 해서 만들어 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ne, al-ge-sseum-ni-da. sseun-mat choe-dae-han jeok-ge hae-seo man-deu-reo deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Yes, understood. I’ll make it with as little bitterness as possible. -
Expression: 총 [금액]원입니다.
Pronunciation: chong [geu-maek]-won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The total is [Amount] won. -
Expression: 결제는 어떻게 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-je-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How would you like to pay? -
Expression: 잠시만 기다려 주세요. 금방 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo. geum-bang jun-bi-hae deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Please wait just a moment. I’ll prepare it right away. -
Expression: 주문하신 [커피 이름] 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin [keo-pi i-reum] na-wa-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your [Coffee Name] is ready. -
Expression: 맛있게 드세요.
Pronunciation: ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo.
Meaning: Enjoy your drink. (Lit: Eat/drink deliciously) -
Expression: 감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Thank you. Goodbye (to someone leaving). -
Expression: 혹시 드셔보시고 너무 쓰면 다시 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: hok-si deu-syeo-bo-si-go neo-mu sseu-myeon da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: If you try it and it’s too bitter, please let me know again.
Korean Culture Notes
Coffee culture in Korea is huge, with cafes on almost every corner. While Americano is extremely popular, preferences are diverse. Many Koreans appreciate nuanced flavors, but some prefer milder, less bitter coffee, similar to trends elsewhere.
Service staff, including baristas, are generally expected to be polite and accommodating. Using formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) like the phrases provided is standard when addressing customers.
Offering suggestions based on taste preferences (like less bitterness, more acidity, or nutty flavors) is seen as helpful and knowledgeable service. Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions about the customer’s preferences.
While customization is common, be clear about what options are available (e.g., different beans, brewing methods, milk alternatives, syrups) to manage expectations effectively.
The concept of 쓴맛 (sseun-mat) refers specifically to bitterness. Customers might also mention 신맛 (sin-mat) for acidity/sourness or 고소한 맛 (go-so-han mat) for nutty/savory flavors.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer approaches the counter at a coffee shop.
Roles: A = Barista, B = Customer
-
Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. May I help you with your order? -
Expression: B: 네, 커피를 마시고 싶은데, 쓴맛이 없는 걸로 추천해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, keo-pi-reul ma-si-go si-peun-de, sseun-ma-si eom-neun geol-lo chu-cheon-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, I’d like to have coffee, but could you recommend something without bitterness? -
Expression: A: 아, 쓴맛 없는 커피 찾으시는군요. 저희 콜드브루가 쓴맛이 적고 부드러운데 어떠세요? 아니면 라이트 로스팅 원두로 내린 핸드드립도 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: A: a, sseun-mat eom-neun keo-pi cha-jeu-si-neun-gun-yo. jeo-hui kol-deu-beu-ru-ga sseun-ma-si jeok-go bu-deu-reo-un-de eo-tteo-se-yo? a-ni-myeon ra-i-teu ro-seu-ting won-du-ro nae-rin haen-deu-deu-rip-do gwaen-chan-sseum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Ah, you’re looking for coffee without bitterness. Our cold brew has less bitterness and is smooth, how about that? Or, hand-drip coffee made with light roast beans is also good. -
Expression: B: 콜드브루요? 그건 괜찮을 것 같네요. 그걸로 하나 주세요. 아이스로요.
Pronunciation: B: kol-deu-beu-ru-yo? geu-geon gwaen-cha-neul geot gan-ne-yo. geu-geol-lo ha-na ju-se-yo. a-i-seu-ro-yo.
Meaning: B: Cold brew? That sounds like it would be fine. Please give me one of those. Iced. -
Expression: A: 네, 아이스 콜드브루 한 잔 준비해 드리겠습니다. 5,000원입니다.
Pronunciation: A: ne, a-i-seu kol-deu-beu-ru han jan jun-bi-hae deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da. o-cheon-won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Okay, I’ll prepare one iced cold brew for you. It’s 5,000 won. -
Expression: B: 여기 카드요.
Pronunciation: B: yeo-gi ka-deu-yo.
Meaning: B: Here’s my card. -
Expression: A: 네, 결제됐습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, gyeol-je-dwaet-sseum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Okay, payment is complete. Please wait just a moment.
Practice Tips
Handling specific requests like “no bitterness” requires understanding nuance! Practice saying the key phrases like 쓴맛 없는 커피 (sseun-mat eom-neun keo-pi) and 쓴맛이 덜하다 (sseun-ma-si deol-ha-da) aloud~ Try role-playing with a friend, one playing the customer and the other the barista. Listen to how native speakers describe coffee flavors in Korean vlogs or cafe reviews. Knowing your coffee terms (roast levels, brewing methods, bean origins) in Korean will also boost your confidence! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/Good luck!)
