Finding the perfect item only to discover a small flaw can be disappointing, but sometimes it presents an opportunity. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for politely pointing out damage, specifically a chip on a mug, and asking a store clerk for a discount. Learn how to navigate this common shopping scenario effectively in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 이 머그잔에 흠집이 있는데, 할인해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: i meo-geu-jan-e heum-jib-i it-neun-de, hal-in-hae ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: There’s a chip/scratch on this mug, could you possibly give me a discount?
Basic Shopping Phrases
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Expression: 이거 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is this? -
Expression: 저기요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo.
Meaning: Excuse me. (To get someone’s attention) -
Expression: 이거 살게요.
Pronunciation: i-geo sal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll buy this. -
Expression: 구경 좀 할게요.
Pronunciation: gu-gyeong jom hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’m just looking around. -
Expression: 다른 색깔 있어요?
Pronunciation: da-reun saek-kkal i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you have this in another color? -
Expression: 카드로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: ka-deu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll pay by card. -
Expression: 현금으로 계산할게요.
Pronunciation: hyeon-geum-eu-ro gye-san-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll pay with cash. -
Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me the receipt. -
Expression: 봉투 필요 없어요.
Pronunciation: bong-tu pil-yo eop-seo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t need a bag. -
Expression: 포장해 주세요.
Pronunciation: po-jang-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please wrap it (as a gift).
Describing the Damage (Chipped Mug)
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Expression: 이 머그잔에 흠집이 있어요.
Pronunciation: i meo-geu-jan-e heum-jib-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a chip/scratch on this mug. -
Expression: 여기가 조금 깨졌어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi-ga jo-geum kkae-jyeo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s slightly chipped/broken here. -
Expression: 약간 손상되었어요.
Pronunciation: yak-gan son-sang-doe-eo-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s slightly damaged. -
Expression: 이 부분이 좀 이상해요.
Pronunciation: i bu-bun-i jom i-sang-hae-yo.
Meaning: This part is a bit strange/off. -
Expression: 자세히 보니 흠집이 있네요.
Pronunciation: ja-se-hi bo-ni heum-jib-i it-ne-yo.
Meaning: Looking closely, there’s a scratch/chip. -
Expression: 새것인데 흠이 있어요.
Pronunciation: sae-geo-sin-de heum-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s new, but it has a flaw. -
Expression: 이가 나갔어요.
Pronunciation: i-ga na-ga-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s chipped. (Lit. “A tooth went out,” often used for chipped edges of pottery/dishes) -
Expression: 표면에 작은 흠이 있어요.
Pronunciation: pyo-myeon-e ja-geun heum-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a small flaw on the surface. -
Expression: 이거 불량품인가요?
Pronunciation: i-geo bul-lyang-pum-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is this a defective item? -
Expression: 여기 금이 갔어요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi geum-i ga-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a crack here.
Asking for a Discount
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Expression: 할인해 주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: hal-in-hae ju-sil su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you give me a discount? -
Expression: 흠집 때문에 좀 깎아 주시면 안 될까요?
Pronunciation: heum-jib ttae-mun-e jom kkak-a ju-si-myeon an doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Since there’s a chip, could you perhaps lower the price a bit? -
Expression: 조금 할인해 주시면 살게요.
Pronunciation: jo-geum hal-in-hae ju-si-myeon sal-ge-yo.
Meaning: If you give me a small discount, I’ll buy it. -
Expression: 이 상태로는 정가에 사기 좀 그래요.
Pronunciation: i sang-tae-ro-neun jeong-ga-e sa-gi jom geu-rae-yo.
Meaning: In this condition, it feels a bit much to buy it at full price. -
Expression: 혹시 할인 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si hal-in ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is a discount possible, by any chance? -
Expression: 얼마나 할인해 주실 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: eol-ma-na hal-in-hae ju-sil su i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How much can you discount it? -
Expression: B급 상품 할인 같은 건 없나요?
Pronunciation: bi-kkeup sang-pum hal-in ga-teun geon eom-na-yo?
Meaning: Isn’t there something like a discount for B-grade (slightly imperfect) items? -
Expression: 이 가격에서 조금만 빼주세요.
Pronunciation: i ga-gyeok-e-seo jo-geum-man ppae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please just take a little off this price. -
Expression: 손상된 제품이니까 싸게 주시면 안 돼요?
Pronunciation: son-sang-doen je-pum-i-ni-kka ssa-ge ju-si-myeon an dwae-yo?
Meaning: Since it’s a damaged product, can’t you give it to me cheaper? -
Expression: 그럼 얼마까지 가능하세요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom eol-ma-kka-ji ga-neung-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: Then, what’s the lowest price possible?
Clerk’s Potential Responses
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Expression: 네, 잠시만요. 확인해 볼게요.
Pronunciation: ne, jam-si-man-yo. hwa-gin-hae bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: Yes, just a moment. I’ll check. -
Expression: 흠집이 있어서 10% 할인해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: heum-jib-i i-sseo-seo sip-peo-sen-teu hal-in-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Since there’s a chip, I can give you a 10% discount. -
Expression: 죄송하지만 할인은 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man hal-in-eun eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but a discount is difficult. -
Expression: 정가 판매 상품이라서요.
Pronunciation: jeong-ga pan-mae sang-pum-i-ra-seo-yo.
Meaning: It’s because this is a fixed-price item. -
Expression: 다른 새 제품으로 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun sae je-pum-eu-ro deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I give you a different, new one? -
Expression: 이 정도 흠집은 교환/환불 사유가 안 됩니다.
Pronunciation: i jeong-do heum-jib-eun gyo-hwan/hwan-bul sa-yu-ga an doem-ni-da.
Meaning: A chip of this degree isn’t grounds for an exchange/refund. -
Expression: 그럼 [금액]원에 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: geu-reom [geu-maek]-won-e deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Then, I’ll give it to you for [amount] won. -
Expression: 저희 정책상 할인이 불가능합니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui jeong-chaek-sang hal-in-i bul-ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: According to our policy, discounts are not possible. -
Expression: 마지막 상품이라서 조금 할인해 드릴 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: ma-ji-mak sang-pum-i-ra-seo jo-geum hal-in-hae deu-ril su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: Since it’s the last item, I can give you a small discount. -
Expression: 원래 할인 상품이라 추가 할인은 안 돼요.
Pronunciation: wol-lae hal-in sang-pum-i-ra chu-ga hal-in-eun an dwae-yo.
Meaning: It’s already a discounted item, so additional discounts aren’t possible.
Cultural Tips
Bargaining Culture: While bargaining (흥정 – heung-jeong) is common in traditional markets (시장 – si-jang) or smaller independent shops, it’s generally not done in department stores, large supermarkets, or chain stores where prices are fixed. Asking for a discount on a slightly damaged item, however, might be acceptable even in some fixed-price environments, but it depends heavily on the store’s policy and the clerk’s discretion.
Politeness is Key: When pointing out a flaw and asking for a discount, maintaining a polite and respectful tone is crucial. Use formal language (like the -요/-ㅂ니다 endings) and avoid sounding demanding or accusatory. Phrases like “혹시 (hok-si – perhaps/by any chance)” or “좀 (jom – a little)” soften the request.
Accepting the Outcome: Be prepared for the possibility that a discount may not be offered. If the clerk refuses, accept their decision gracefully. They might offer to find an undamaged item instead. Pushing too hard can be considered impolite.
“Jeong” (정 – Affection/Connection): In smaller shops or markets, building a little rapport (정) with the seller might sometimes lead to a small discount or extra service, though this is less common for minor flaws on manufactured goods compared to haggling over produce or handmade items.
Checking Items Carefully: It’s common practice for shoppers in Korea to carefully inspect items before purchasing, especially ceramics, clothing, or electronics. Clerks usually understand if you take a moment to look over the product.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A shopper (A) finds a mug they like in a small boutique but notices a small chip on the rim. They approach the clerk (B).
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Expression: A: 저기요, 이 머그잔 좀 볼게요.
Pronunciation: jeo-gi-yo, i meo-geu-jan jom bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: A: Excuse me, I’d like to look at this mug. -
Expression: B: 네, 보세요.
Pronunciation: ne, bo-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, please take a look. -
Expression: A: 디자인이 정말 예쁘네요. 그런데 여기 보니까 작은 흠집이 있어요.
Pronunciation: di-ja-in-i jeong-mal ye-ppeu-ne-yo. geu-reon-de yeo-gi bo-ni-kka ja-geun heum-jib-i i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: A: The design is really pretty. But looking here, there’s a small chip/scratch. -
Expression: B: 아, 그러네요. 제가 미처 확인을 못 했네요. 죄송합니다.
Pronunciation: a, geu-reo-ne-yo. je-ga mi-cheo hwa-gin-eul mot haen-ne-yo. joe-song-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Ah, you’re right. I didn’t manage to check it properly. I apologize. -
Expression: A: 괜찮아요. 혹시 이것밖에 없나요?
Pronunciation: gwaen-chan-a-yo. hok-si i-geot-bak-ke eom-na-yo?
Meaning: A: It’s okay. By any chance, is this the only one you have? -
Expression: B: 네, 이 디자인은 이게 마지막이에요.
Pronunciation: ne, i di-ja-in-eun i-ge ma-ji-mak-i-e-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, this is the last one in this design. -
Expression: A: 아, 그렇군요. 그럼 혹시 이 흠집 때문에 조금 할인해 주실 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: a, geu-reot-gun-yo. geu-reom hok-si i heum-jib ttae-mun-e jo-geum hal-in-hae ju-sil su i-sseul-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Oh, I see. Then, perhaps, because of this chip, could you possibly give me a small discount? -
Expression: B: 음… 마지막 상품이고 약간 흠이 있으니, 1,000원 할인해 드릴게요. 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: eum… ma-ji-mak sang-pum-i-go yak-gan heum-i i-sseu-ni, cheon-won hal-in-hae deu-ril-ge-yo. gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: B: Hmm… Since it’s the last item and has a slight flaw, I can give you a 1,000 won discount. Is that alright? -
Expression: A: 네, 좋아요! 그럼 이걸로 살게요.
Pronunciation: ne, jo-a-yo! geu-reom i-geol-lo sal-ge-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, that’s great! Then I’ll buy this one.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. Focus on pronouncing the phrases clearly, especially the difference between asking a question and making a statement. Pay attention to the polite endings like -요 (yo) and -ㅂ니다 (mnida).
Next time you’re shopping (even window shopping!), look for opportunities to mentally rehearse these phrases. Imagine finding a slightly flawed item and think about how you would politely ask for a discount in Korean. Good luck with your shopping and your Korean studies! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
