Dealing with specific customer requests requires both linguistic skill and cultural sensitivity, especially in service situations. This guide focuses on how a waiter or service staff member can professionally handle a customer in Korea who requests or insists on getting a thicker slice of bread, providing essential phrases and cultural context for polite and effective communication.
Table Of Content
Polite Refusal Regarding Thickness
When directly fulfilling the request isn’t possible, a clear and polite explanation is crucial. This core phrase addresses the difficulty in adjusting bread thickness.
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Expression: 죄송하지만, 빵 두께는 조절이 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, ppang du-kke-neun jo-jeol-i eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize, but adjusting the bread thickness is difficult.
Understanding the Customer’s Request
First, ensure you understand what the customer is asking for. Here are common ways a customer might request thicker bread.
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Expression: 빵을 좀 더 두껍게 썰어 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ppang-eul jom deo du-kkeop-ge sseo-reo ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you slice the bread a bit thicker? -
Expression: 더 두꺼운 빵 조각으로 주세요.
Pronunciation: deo du-kkeo-un ppang jo-gak-eu-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a thicker slice of bread. -
Expression: 이 빵, 두께 조절 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: i ppang, du-kke jo-jeol ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to adjust the thickness of this bread? -
Expression: 평소보다 두껍게 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: pyeong-so-bo-da du-kkeop-ge bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: I’d like it thicker than usual, please. -
Expression: 얇게 썰지 말아 주세요.
Pronunciation: yal-ge sseol-ji ma-ra ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please don’t slice it thinly. -
Expression: 최대한 두껍게 해주세요.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han du-kkeop-ge hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please make it as thick as possible. -
Expression: 샌드위치용으로 두껍게 썰어주세요.
Pronunciation: saen-deu-wi-chi-yong-eu-ro du-kkeop-ge sseo-reo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please slice it thick for sandwiches. -
Expression: 이 빵은 원래 이렇게 얇나요?
Pronunciation: i ppang-eun won-rae i-reo-ke yal-na-yo?
Meaning: Is this bread originally this thin? -
Expression: 두꺼운 식빵은 없나요?
Pronunciation: du-kkeo-un sik-ppang-eun eom-na-yo?
Meaning: Don’t you have any thick sliced bread? -
Expression: 혹시 더 두껍게 가능한지 여쭤봅니다.
Pronunciation: hok-si deo du-kkeop-ge ga-neung-han-ji yeo-jjwo-bom-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m just asking if it might be possible to get it thicker.
Polite Explanations and Refusals
If you cannot fulfill the request, explain the reason politely and clearly using formal language.
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Expression: 죄송합니다, 저희 빵은 정해진 두께로만 제공됩니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ham-ni-da, jeo-hui ppang-eun jeong-hae-jin du-kke-ro-man je-gong-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, our bread is only provided in a predetermined thickness. -
Expression: 이 빵은 기계로 썰기 때문에 두께 조절이 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: i ppang-eun gi-gye-ro sseol-gi ttae-mun-e du-kke jo-jeol-i eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Because this bread is machine-sliced, adjusting the thickness is difficult. -
Expression: 품질 유지를 위해 일정한 두께로 썰고 있습니다.
Pronunciation: pum-jil yu-ji-reul wi-hae il-jeong-han du-kke-ro sseol-go it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We slice it at a consistent thickness to maintain quality. -
Expression: 미리 썰어놓은 빵이라서 변경이 불가능합니다.
Pronunciation: mi-ri sseo-reo-no-eun ppang-i-ra-seo byeon-gyeong-i bul-ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s pre-sliced bread, so changes are not possible. -
Expression: 손님의 요청을 들어드리지 못해 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: son-nim-ui yo-cheong-eul deu-reo-deu-ri-ji mot-hae joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I apologize that we cannot meet your request. -
Expression: 저희 매장 방침상 두께 변경은 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui mae-jang bang-chim-sang du-kke byeon-gyeong-eun eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: According to our store policy, changing the thickness is difficult. -
Expression: 이 종류의 빵은 원래 얇게 나오는 편입니다.
Pronunciation: i jong-nyu-ui ppang-eun won-rae yal-ge na-o-neun pyeon-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This type of bread tends to come out thin originally. -
Expression: 다른 빵 종류는 두께 선택이 가능할 수도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun ppang jong-nyu-neun du-kke seon-taek-i ga-neung-hal su-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It might be possible to choose the thickness for other types of bread. -
Expression: 양해 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: yang-hae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your understanding. -
Expression: 규정상 어렵다는 점, 이해해주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: gyu-jeong-sang eo-ryeop-da-neun jeom, i-hae-hae-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We would appreciate it if you could understand that it’s difficult due to regulations.
Offering Alternatives
If possible, suggest other options to satisfy the customer’s underlying need or preference.
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Expression: 혹시 다른 종류의 빵은 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun jong-nyu-ui ppang-eun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Perhaps, how about a different type of bread? -
Expression: 이 빵은 통으로 구매 가능하십니다.
Pronunciation: i ppang-eun tong-eu-ro gu-mae ga-neung-ha-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: You can purchase this bread as a whole loaf. -
Expression: 대신 두 조각을 드리는 것은 괜찮으실까요?
Pronunciation: dae-sin du jo-gak-eul deu-ri-neun geos-eun gwaen-chan-eu-sil-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would it be alright if we gave you two slices instead? -
Expression: 더 두꺼운 식감이 있는 다른 빵을 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: deo du-kkeo-un sik-gam-i it-neun da-reun ppang-eul chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend another bread that has a thicker texture? -
Expression: 바게트 같은 빵은 원하시는 두께로 썰어드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ba-ge-teu ga-teun ppang-eun won-ha-si-neun du-kke-ro sseo-reo-deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Bread like baguettes can be sliced to your desired thickness. -
Expression: 곁들여 드실 다른 메뉴를 추가하시는 건 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: gyeot-deul-yeo deu-sil da-reun me-nyu-reul chu-ga-ha-si-neun geon eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: How about adding another menu item to have alongside it? -
Expression: 토스트용으로 나온 더 두꺼운 빵이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: to-seu-teu-yong-eu-ro na-on deo du-kkeo-un ppang-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have thicker bread specifically made for toast. -
Expression: 이 빵을 두 겹으로 사용하시는 방법도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i ppang-eul du gyeop-eu-ro sa-yong-ha-si-neun bang-beop-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There’s also the option of using two layers of this bread. -
Expression: 잠시만 기다리시면, 가능한 옵션이 있는지 확인해보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ri-si-myeon, ga-neung-han op-syeon-i it-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae-bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you wait just a moment, I will check if there are any possible options. -
Expression: 이 빵 대신 비슷한 식감의 다른 빵을 보여드릴까요?
Pronunciation: i ppang dae-sin bi-seu-tan sik-gam-ui da-reun ppang-eul bo-yeo-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I show you another bread with a similar texture instead of this one?
Handling Persistent Requests
If the customer continues to insist, maintain politeness while firmly reiterating the situation or escalating if necessary.
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Expression: 손님, 정말 죄송하지만 규정상 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: son-nim, jeong-mal joe-song-ha-ji-man gyu-jeong-sang eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Sir/Madam, I am truly sorry, but it is difficult due to regulations. -
Expression: 다시 한번 말씀드리지만, 이 빵은 두께 조절이 불가능합니다.
Pronunciation: da-si han-beon mal-sseum-deu-ri-ji-man, i ppang-eun du-kke jo-jeol-i bul-ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: As I mentioned again, adjusting the thickness of this bread is not possible. -
Expression: 제가 도와드릴 수 있는 부분이 여기까지인 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: je-ga do-wa-deu-ril su it-neun bu-bun-i yeo-gi-kka-ji-in geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It seems this is as far as I can assist you. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 불편한 점이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun bul-pyeon-han jeom-i i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps anything else causing inconvenience? -
Expression: 잠시만요, 매니저님과 상의해보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man-yo, mae-ni-jeo-nim-gwa sang-ui-hae-bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Just a moment, please. I will consult with the manager. -
Expression: 손님의 마음은 이해하지만, 저희도 어쩔 수 없는 부분이 있습니다.
Pronunciation: son-nim-ui ma-eum-eun i-hae-ha-ji-man, jeo-hui-do eo-jjeol su eom-neun bu-bun-i it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I understand how you feel, customer, but there are aspects we cannot control. -
Expression: 더 이상 이 문제로 도움을 드리기 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: deo i-sang i mun-je-ro do-um-eul deu-ri-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It is difficult to provide further assistance regarding this issue. -
Expression: 혹시 주문을 취소하시겠습니까?
Pronunciation: hok-si ju-mun-eul chwi-so-ha-si-get-seum-ni-kka?
Meaning: Would you perhaps like to cancel your order? -
Expression: 다른 손님들도 동일한 기준으로 제공받고 계십니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun son-nim-deul-do dong-il-han gi-jun-eu-ro je-gong-bat-go gye-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: Other customers are also being served based on the same standard. -
Expression: 이 점 너그러이 양해해주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: i jeom neo-geu-reo-i yang-hae-hae-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We would be grateful if you could generously understand this point.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding Korean customer service culture can help navigate these situations smoothly. Politeness (예의, ye-ui) is paramount, and using formal language (존댓말, jon-daen-mal) with customers is standard. Even when refusing a request, maintaining a respectful and apologetic tone is important.
Koreans often value 눈치 (nun-chi), the ability to read a situation and understand unspoken cues. A customer might hint at their desire rather than stating it directly. Conversely, service staff are expected to anticipate needs and handle requests gracefully, even difficult ones.
Directly saying “no” can sometimes be perceived as blunt. Phrasing refusals indirectly, explaining the reason (e.g., “it’s difficult because…”, “our policy is…”), and offering alternatives are generally preferred methods to soften the refusal and show effort.
Saving face (체면, che-myeon) is also a consideration. Embarrassing the customer or appearing incompetent reflects poorly on the establishment. Handling requests professionally, even if they cannot be met, helps maintain everyone’s dignity.
While customers expect good service, persistent or unreasonable demands are less common than in some other cultures, but they do happen. Staff are generally trained to remain calm and polite, escalating to a manager if the situation becomes unmanageable.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer at a cafe wants a thicker slice of the standard white bread for their toast order.
Roles: A: Customer (손님, son-nim), B: Waiter (점원, jeom-won)
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Expression: A: 저기요, 이 토스트 빵 좀 더 두껍게 썰어주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, i to-seu-teu ppang jom deo du-kkeop-ge sseo-reo-ju-sil su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: A: Excuse me, could you slice this toast bread a bit thicker? -
Expression: B: 아, 손님. 죄송하지만 저희 식빵은 기계로 미리 썰어놓기 때문에 두께 조절이 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: a, son-nim. joe-song-ha-ji-man jeo-hui sik-ppang-eun gi-gye-ro mi-ri sseo-reo-no-ki ttae-mun-e du-kke jo-jeol-i eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Ah, customer. I apologize, but our white bread is pre-sliced by machine, so adjusting the thickness is difficult. -
Expression: A: 그래요? 너무 얇아서요. 샌드위치처럼 좀 두툼했으면 좋겠는데…
Pronunciation: geu-rae-yo? neo-mu yal-ba-seo-yo. saen-deu-wi-chi-cheo-reom jom du-tum-haet-seu-myeon jo-ket-neun-de…
Meaning: A: Really? It’s just too thin. I wish it were a bit thick like for a sandwich… -
Expression: B: 네, 손님 마음은 이해합니다만, 정해진 두께로만 제공되는 점 양해 부탁드립니다. 혹시 대신 두 조각을 포개서 드시는 건 어떠실까요?
Pronunciation: ne, son-nim ma-eum-eun i-hae-ham-ni-da-man, jeong-hae-jin du-kke-ro-man je-gong-doe-neun jeom yang-hae bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da. hok-si dae-sin du jo-gak-eul po-gae-seo deu-si-neun geon eo-tteo-sil-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, I understand how you feel, customer, but please understand that it’s only provided in the set thickness. Perhaps, how about stacking two slices instead? -
Expression: A: 음… 아니면 혹시 통으로 살 수는 없나요? 그럼 집에서 제가 썰게요.
Pronunciation: eum… a-ni-myeon hok-si tong-eu-ro sal su-neun eom-na-yo? geu-reom jip-e-seo je-ga sseol-ge-yo.
Meaning: A: Hmm… Or perhaps, can I buy it as a whole loaf? Then I can slice it at home. -
Expression: B: 아, 네! 통식빵 구매는 가능하십니다. 그렇게 준비해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: a, ne! tong-sik-ppang gu-mae-neun ga-neung-ha-sim-ni-da. geu-reo-ke jun-bi-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Ah, yes! Purchasing a whole loaf is possible. Shall I prepare it that way for you? -
Expression: A: 네, 그걸로 주세요. 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: ne, geu-geol-lo ju-se-yo. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, please give me that. Thank you. -
Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, understood. Please wait just a moment.
Practice Tips
Handling specific customer requests politely is a key skill in any service role! Practice these phrases aloud, focusing on a calm and respectful tone~ Pay attention to the nuances between simply stating a fact and offering an apology or explanation.
Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner. One person can be the persistent customer, and the other can practice using the refusal and alternative phrases. Listening carefully to the customer’s exact words (빵을 두껍게 vs. 두꺼운 빵) is also important!
Remember, using formal language (존댓말) and showing understanding (이해합니다만…) even when you can’t fulfill the request goes a long way in Korean service culture. Keep practicing, and you’ll handle these situations like a pro! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
