Getting a haircut in a new environment can seem daunting, but knowing the right Korean phrases makes the experience much smoother. This guide focuses on navigating a traditional Korean men’s barbershop, known as an ‘이발소’ (ibalso), covering everything from asking for a cut to describing your preferred style and paying. These expressions will help you communicate effectively and get the haircut you want.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental phrase for requesting a haircut, particularly relevant in a traditional barbershop setting.
- Expression: 머리 깎으러 왔어요.
Pronunciation: Meori kkak-eu-reo wass-eo-yo.
Meaning: I came here to get a haircut. (깎다 – kkakda implies trimming/cutting, often used in barbershops)
Basic Requests and Arrival
Use these phrases when you first enter the barbershop or interact with the barber.
- Expression: 안녕하세요. 머리 깎을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: Annyeonghaseyo. Meori kkak-eul su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Hello. Can I get a haircut? - Expression: 지금 머리 깎을 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Ji-geum meori kkak-eul su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Can I get a haircut now? - Expression: 예약했어요. [이름]입니다.
Pronunciation: Yeyak-haess-eo-yo. [Name]-im-ni-da.
Meaning: I have a reservation. My name is [Name]. - Expression: 얼마나 기다려야 해요?
Pronunciation: Eolmana gidaryeo-ya hae-yo?
Meaning: How long do I have to wait? - Expression: 그냥 다듬어 주세요.
Pronunciation: Geunyang dadeum-eo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please just give it a trim. - Expression: 머리 감겨 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: Meori gamgyeo ju-sil su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you wash my hair? - Expression: 이발만 할게요.
Pronunciation: Ibal-man hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll just get a haircut (no wash/shave). - Expression: 면도도 같이 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Myeon-do-do gachi hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a shave as well. - Expression: 여기 앉으면 되나요?
Pronunciation: Yeogi anj-eu-myeon doe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I sit here? - Expression: 처음 와 봤어요.
Pronunciation: Cheo-eum wa bwass-eo-yo.
Meaning: It’s my first time here. - Expression: 어떤 스타일이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: Eo-tteon seu-ta-il-i jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: What style would be good? - Expression: 추천해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Chu-cheon-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend something?
Describing Your Desired Style
Clearly communicating how you want your hair cut is crucial.
- Expression: 짧게 잘라 주세요.
Pronunciation: Jjal-ge jalla ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut it short. - Expression: 길이는 그대로 두고 다듬어만 주세요.
Pronunciation: Gili-neun geudaero dugo dadeum-eo-man ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please keep the length and just trim it. - Expression: 옆머리는 짧게 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Yeop-meori-neun jjal-ge hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut the sides short. - Expression: 뒷머리도 짧게 쳐 주세요.
Pronunciation: Dwit-meori-do jjal-ge chyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut the back short too. - Expression: 윗머리는 조금만 잘라 주세요.
Pronunciation: Wit-meori-neun jo-geum-man jalla ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut just a little off the top. - Expression: 앞머리는 눈썹 위로 잘라 주세요.
Pronunciation: Ap-meori-neun nunsseop wi-ro jalla ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut the bangs above my eyebrows. - Expression: 구레나룻은 남겨 주세요.
Pronunciation: Gure-narut-eun namgyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please leave the sideburns. - Expression: 숱을 좀 쳐 주세요.
Pronunciation: Sut-eul jom chyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please thin it out a bit. - Expression: 이 사진처럼 잘라 주세요.
Pronunciation: I sajin-cheoreom jalla ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut it like this picture. - Expression: 자연스럽게 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Jayeon-seu-reop-ge hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please make it look natural. - Expression: 너무 짧지 않게 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Neomu jjal-ji an-ke hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please don’t make it too short. - Expression: 여기는 조금 더 잘라 주세요.
Pronunciation: Yeogi-neun jo-geum deo jalla ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut a little more here.
During the Haircut
Phrases you might need while the barber is cutting your hair.
- Expression: 네, 좋아요.
Pronunciation: Ne, jo-a-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s good. - Expression: 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: Gwaenchan-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s okay / That’s fine. - Expression: 잠시만요, 거울 좀 볼 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: Jam-si-man-yo, geo-ul jom bol su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Excuse me, can I see the mirror for a moment? - Expression: 이 정도면 된 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: I jeongdo-myeon doen geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think this much is enough. - Expression: 조금만 더 짧게요.
Pronunciation: Jo-geum-man deo jjal-ge-yo.
Meaning: A little shorter, please. - Expression: 여기 말씀이세요?
Pronunciation: Yeogi mal-sseum-i-se-yo?
Meaning: Are you talking about here? (When the barber asks about a specific spot) - Expression: 네, 맞아요.
Pronunciation: Ne, maj-a-yo.
Meaning: Yes, that’s right. - Expression: 거의 다 됐나요?
Pronunciation: Geo-ui da dwaet-na-yo?
Meaning: Are we almost done? - Expression: 시원하네요.
Pronunciation: Si-won-ha-ne-yo.
Meaning: That feels refreshing. (e.g., during hair washing or shaving) - Expression: 따뜻한 물로 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Tta-tteut-han mul-lo hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please use warm water. - Expression: 찬물로 헹궈 주세요.
Pronunciation: Chan-mul-lo heng-gwo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please rinse with cold water. - Expression: 드라이 해 주세요.
Pronunciation: Deu-ra-i hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please blow-dry my hair.
Finishing Up and Paying
Expressions for wrapping up the service and handling payment.
- Expression: 다 됐습니다.
Pronunciation: Da dwaet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s all done. (Often said by the barber) - Expression: 마음에 들어요.
Pronunciation: Ma-eum-e deul-eo-yo.
Meaning: I like it. / I’m satisfied with it. - Expression: 수고하셨습니다.
Pronunciation: Su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your hard work. (A common polite expression) - Expression: 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: Eolma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is it? - Expression: 이발 비용이 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: Ibal bi-yong-i eolma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What is the fee for the haircut? - Expression: 카드 돼요?
Pronunciation: Kadeu dwae-yo?
Meaning: Do you accept credit cards? - Expression: 현금으로 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: Hyeon-geum-eu-ro deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll pay in cash. - Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: Yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me a receipt. - Expression: 잔돈은 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: Jan-don-eun gwaenchan-a-yo.
Meaning: You can keep the change. (Though tipping isn’t customary) - Expression: 감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation: Gam-sa-ham-ni-da. Annyeong-hi gye-se-yo.
Meaning: Thank you. Goodbye. (Said when leaving) - Expression: 다음에 또 올게요.
Pronunciation: Da-eum-e tto ol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll come again next time. - Expression: 머리 잘 잘라 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: Meori jal jalla ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for the great haircut.
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these points can enhance your experience at a Korean barbershop.
- Ibalso (이발소) vs. Miyongsil (미용실): An ‘이발소’ is a traditional men’s barbershop, often simpler, cheaper, and run by older gentlemen (이발사 – ibalsa). They typically offer basic cuts, shaves, and sometimes hair washing. A ‘미용실’ is a modern beauty salon catering to all genders, offering a wider range of services like coloring, perms, and styling, usually at a higher price.
- No Tipping Culture: Tipping is not customary in Korea for services like haircuts. The price you are quoted is the final price. Offering a tip might even cause confusion. A simple “수고하셨습니다” (Su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da) or “감사합니다” (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da) is sufficient appreciation.
- Basic Services: Expect straightforward services at an ibalso. While some might offer a quick wash or a traditional wet shave (면도 – myeondo), don’t expect elaborate styling, treatments, or product recommendations common in miyongsil.
- Communication Style: Barbers in ibalso might be less chatty than stylists in miyongsil, especially if there’s a language barrier. Having your desired style (or a picture) ready is helpful. They are generally focused on providing an efficient, clean cut.
- Atmosphere: Ibalso often have a nostalgic, retro feel compared to sleek, modern miyongsil. They can be a unique cultural experience, offering a glimpse into older Korean neighborhood life.
Real Conversation Example
This dialogue illustrates a typical interaction at a traditional Korean barbershop.
Situation: Alex enters a local ibalso for a simple haircut.
Roles:
* A: Alex (Customer)
* B: 이발사 (Ibal-sa – Barber)
- Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 지금 머리 깎을 수 있어요?
Pronunciation: Annyeonghaseyo. Ji-geum meori kkak-eul su iss-eo-yo?
Meaning: Hello. Can I get a haircut now? - Expression: B: 네, 어서 오세요. 저기 앉으세요. 어떻게 해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: Ne, eo-seo o-se-yo. Jeogi anj-eu-se-yo. Eo-tteo-ke hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, welcome. Please sit over there. How would you like it done? - Expression: A: 옆머리랑 뒷머리는 짧게 쳐 주시고요, 윗머리는 조금만 다듬어 주세요.
Pronunciation: Yeop-meori-rang dwit-meori-neun jjal-ge chyeo ju-si-go-yo, wit-meori-neun jo-geum-man dadeum-eo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please cut the sides and back short, and just trim the top a little bit. - Expression: B: 구레나룻은 어떻게 할까요?
Pronunciation: Gure-narut-eun eo-tteo-ke hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: What about the sideburns? - Expression: A: 아, 구레나룻은 그냥 자연스럽게 남겨 주세요.
Pronunciation: A, gure-narut-eun geunyang jayeon-seu-reop-ge namgyeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Ah, please just leave the sideburns naturally. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. (머리를 깎기 시작한다)
Pronunciation: Ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. (Meori-reul kkak-gi si-jak-han-da)
Meaning: Okay, I understand. (Starts cutting hair) - Expression: B: (어느 정도 자른 후) 이 정도 길이 괜찮으세요? 거울 한 번 보세요.
Pronunciation: (Eo-neu jeong-do ja-reun hu) I jeong-do giri gwaenchan-eu-se-yo? Geo-ul han beon bo-se-yo.
Meaning: (After cutting for a while) Is this length okay? Take a look in the mirror. - Expression: A: 네, 좋아요. 딱 좋네요.
Pronunciation: Ne, jo-a-yo. Ttak jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: Yes, it’s good. It’s just right. - Expression: B: 다 됐습니다. 머리 감고 가시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Da dwaet-seum-ni-da. Meori gam-go ga-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: All done. Would you like your hair washed before you go? - Expression: A: 아니요, 괜찮습니다. 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: Ani-yo, gwaenchan-seum-ni-da. Eolma-ye-yo?
Meaning: No, that’s okay. How much is it? - Expression: B: 만 오천 원입니다.
Pronunciation: Man o-cheon won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s 15,000 won. - Expression: A: 네, 여기요. 수고하셨습니다!
Pronunciation: Ne, yeo-gi-yo. Su-go-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da!
Meaning: Okay, here you go. Thank you for your hard work! - Expression: B: 감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요.
Pronunciation: Gam-sa-ham-ni-da. Annyeong-hi ga-se-yo.
Meaning: Thank you. Goodbye.
Practice Tips
Getting comfortable with these phrases takes practice~! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner. Look up pictures of different hairstyles and practice describing them using the Korean phrases you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to visit a real ibalso – many barbers appreciate the effort even if your Korean isn’t perfect! Showing a picture is always a great backup plan too. 화이팅 (Hwaiting – You can do it)!
