This guide focuses on the specific scenario where a waiter suggests a salad to a customer, particularly suitable for a warm evening. You’ll learn key Korean phrases for making recommendations, describing food, and interacting politely in a restaurant setting, helping you navigate service interactions more smoothly.
Table Of Content
Core Suggestion Phrase
-
Expression: 샐러드 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: How about a salad? (Polite suggestion)
Describing the Weather and Time
-
Expression: 오늘 저녁은 좀 덥네요.
Pronunciation: o-neul jeo-nyeog-eun jom deom-ne-yo.
Meaning: It’s a bit hot this evening. -
Expression: 날씨가 더워서 시원한 메뉴가 좋을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: nal-ssi-ga deo-wo-seo si-won-han me-nyu-ga jo-eul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: Since the weather is hot, a cool menu item seems like a good idea. -
Expression: 저녁이니까 가볍게 드시는 건 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: jeo-nyeog-i-ni-kka ga-byeop-ge deu-si-neun geon eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: Since it’s evening, how about eating something light? -
Expression: 이런 날씨에는 상큼한 게 당기죠.
Pronunciation: i-reon nal-ssi-e-neun sang-keum-han ge dang-gi-jyo.
Meaning: On weather like this, people often crave something refreshing. -
Expression: 입맛 없을 땐 샐러드가 최고예요.
Pronunciation: im-mat eop-seul ttaen sael-leo-deu-ga choe-go-ye-yo.
Meaning: When you don’t have much appetite, salad is the best. -
Expression: 시원하게 드실 수 있는 메뉴입니다.
Pronunciation: si-won-ha-ge deu-sil su it-neun me-nyu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a menu item you can enjoy cool. -
Expression: 저녁 식사로 부담스럽지 않을 거예요.
Pronunciation: jeo-nyeok sik-sa-ro bu-dam-seu-reop-ji a-neul geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: It won’t be too heavy for dinner. -
Expression: 더위를 식혀줄 메뉴를 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: deo-wi-reul sik-hyeo-jul me-nyu-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend a menu item that will cool you down? -
Expression: 오늘 같은 저녁에 잘 어울려요.
Pronunciation: o-neul ga-teun jeo-nyeog-e jal eo-ul-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: It goes well with an evening like today. -
Expression: 가볍고 신선한 메뉴를 찾으시나요?
Pronunciation: ga-byeop-go sin-seon-han me-nyu-reul cha-jeu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Are you looking for a light and fresh menu item?
Suggesting the Salad
-
Expression: 샐러드를 추천해 드립니다.
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: I recommend the salad. -
Expression: 저희 가게 샐러드가 인기가 많습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui ga-ge sael-leo-deu-ga in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Our restaurant’s salad is very popular. -
Expression: 신선한 샐러드 한번 드셔보세요.
Pronunciation: sin-seon-han sael-leo-deu han-beon deu-syeo-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please try our fresh salad once. -
Expression: 가볍게 드시기 좋은 샐러드가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ga-byeop-ge deu-si-gi jo-eun sael-leo-deu-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have a salad that’s good for a light meal. -
Expression: 이 샐러드는 특히 여성분들이 좋아하세요.
Pronunciation: i sael-leo-deu-neun teu-ki yeo-seong-bun-deul-i jo-a-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: This salad is especially liked by female customers. -
Expression: 셰프 추천 샐러드는 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: swe-peu chu-cheon sael-leo-deu-neun eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: How about the chef’s recommended salad? -
Expression: 건강에도 좋고 맛도 좋은 샐러드입니다.
Pronunciation: geon-gang-e-do jo-ko mat-do jo-eun sael-leo-deu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a salad that’s good for health and tastes great too. -
Expression: 메인 요리 전에 드시기 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: me-in yo-ri jeon-e deu-si-gi jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s good to eat before the main dish. -
Expression: 상큼한 드레싱의 샐러드를 권해드립니다.
Pronunciation: sang-keum-han deu-re-sing-ui sael-leo-deu-reul gwon-hae-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: I recommend the salad with the refreshing dressing. -
Expression: 저희 시그니처 샐러드를 맛보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jeo-hui si-geu-ni-cheo sael-leo-deu-reul mat-bo-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to try our signature salad?
Describing the Salad
-
Expression: 신선한 채소가 듬뿍 들어갔습니다.
Pronunciation: sin-seon-han chae-so-ga deum-ppuk deu-reo-gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s filled with plenty of fresh vegetables. -
Expression: 오늘 아침에 들어온 신선한 재료를 사용합니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul a-chim-e deu-reo-on sin-seon-han jae-ryo-reul sa-yong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: We use fresh ingredients that came in this morning. -
Expression: 드레싱은 발사믹/오리엔탈/요거트 중에 선택 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: deu-re-sing-eun bal-sa-mik/o-ri-en-tal/yo-geo-teu jung-e seon-taek ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You can choose the dressing from Balsamic/Oriental/Yogurt. -
Expression: 구운 닭가슴살/리코타 치즈/새우가 들어갑니다.
Pronunciation: gu-un dak-ga-seum-sal/ri-ko-ta chi-jeu/sae-u-ga deu-reo-gam-ni-da.
Meaning: It includes grilled chicken breast/ricotta cheese/shrimp. (Example toppings) -
Expression: 견과류와 건과일이 들어가서 식감이 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: gyeon-gwa-ryu-wa geon-gwa-il-i deu-reo-ga-seo sik-gam-i jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It contains nuts and dried fruits, giving it a good texture. -
Expression: 저희가 직접 만든 수제 드레싱입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui-ga jik-jeop man-deun su-je deu-re-sing-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s our homemade dressing. -
Expression: 양이 푸짐해서 식사 대용으로도 충분합니다.
Pronunciation: yang-i pu-jim-hae-seo sik-sa dae-yong-eu-ro-do chung-bun-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The portion is generous, so it’s enough as a meal replacement. -
Expression: 계절 과일이 함께 제공됩니다.
Pronunciation: gye-jeol gwa-il-i ham-kke je-gong-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: Seasonal fruits are served together with it. -
Expression: 보기에도 예쁘고 맛도 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: bo-gi-e-do ye-ppeu-go mat-do jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It looks pretty and tastes good too. -
Expression: 알레르기 있으시면 미리 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: al-le-reu-gi it-eu-si-myeon mi-ri mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies.
Responding to the Customer
-
Expression: 네, 샐러드로 준비해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, sael-leo-deu-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, shall I prepare the salad for you? -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 샐러드 하나 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. sael-leo-deu ha-na jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. I will prepare one salad for you. -
Expression: 드레싱은 어떤 것으로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: deu-re-sing-eun eo-tteon geo-seu-ro ha-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: Which dressing would you like? -
Expression: 좋은 선택이십니다.
Pronunciation: jo-eun seon-taeg-i-sim-ni-da.
Meaning: That’s an excellent choice. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 메뉴를 원하시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun me-nyu-reul won-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: If you’d like a different menu item, please let me know. -
Expression: 네, 그럼 다른 메뉴 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, geu-reom da-reun me-nyu chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Okay, then shall I recommend another menu item? -
Expression: 잠시만 기다려주시면 금방 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-si-myeon geum-bang jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you wait just a moment, I will prepare it quickly. -
Expression: 음료는 어떤 걸로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: eum-nyo-neun eo-tteon geol-lo ha-si-get-eo-yo?
Meaning: What would you like for a drink? -
Expression: 샐러드와 잘 어울리는 와인도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu-wa jal eo-ul-li-neun wa-in-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We also have wine that pairs well with the salad. -
Expression: 맛있게 만들어 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ma-sit-ge man-deu-reo deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will make it delicious for you.
Korean Culture Notes
In Korean restaurants, waiters often proactively suggest popular or seasonal dishes. Accepting their recommendation is common and often leads to trying the restaurant’s specialty.
Using polite language (like the -요/-세요 endings used here) is crucial in service interactions. Addressing staff and customers respectfully is standard practice.
It’s common for waiters to describe the key ingredients or preparation methods, especially for recommended dishes, to help customers make informed choices.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the menu or ingredients. Staff are generally happy to explain further, especially regarding spice levels or potential allergens.
While tipping is not customary in Korea, expressing gratitude verbally (like “잘 먹겠습니다” – jal meok-get-seum-ni-da before eating, or “잘 먹었습니다” – jal meo-geot-seum-ni-da after) is appreciated.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer is looking at the menu on a warm evening at a restaurant. A waiter approaches.
Roles: A = Waiter (점원 – jeom-won), B = Customer (손님 – son-nim)
-
Expression: A: 주문하시겠어요? 오늘 저녁은 좀 더운데, 시원한 메뉴 찾으시면 샐러드 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: A: ju-mun-ha-si-get-eo-yo? o-neul jeo-nyeog-eun jom deo-un-de, si-won-han me-nyu cha-jeu-si-myeon sael-leo-deu eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: A: Would you like to order? It’s a bit hot this evening, if you’re looking for a cool menu item, how about a salad? -
Expression: B: 아, 샐러드요? 어떤 종류가 있나요?
Pronunciation: B: a, sael-leo-deu-yo? eo-tteon jong-nyu-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, a salad? What kind do you have? -
Expression: A: 저희 시그니처 리코타 치즈 샐러드가 인기가 많습니다. 신선한 채소 위에 직접 만든 리코타 치즈와 견과류, 상큼한 발사믹 드레싱이 올라갑니다.
Pronunciation: A: jeo-hui si-geu-ni-cheo ri-ko-ta chi-jeu sael-leo-deu-ga in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da. sin-seon-han chae-so wi-e jik-jeop man-deun ri-ko-ta chi-jeu-wa gyeon-gwa-ryu, sang-keum-han bal-sa-mik deu-re-sing-i ol-la-gam-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Our signature ricotta cheese salad is very popular. It has homemade ricotta cheese, nuts, and a refreshing balsamic dressing on top of fresh vegetables. -
Expression: B: 오, 맛있겠네요. 그럼 그걸로 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: o, ma-sit-gen-ne-yo. geu-reom geu-geol-lo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, that sounds delicious. Then please give me that one. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 리코타 치즈 샐러드 하나 준비해 드리겠습니다. 음료는 필요 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. ri-ko-ta chi-jeu sael-leo-deu ha-na jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. eum-nyo-neun pil-yo eop-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. I will prepare one ricotta cheese salad for you. Do you not need any drinks? -
Expression: B: 네, 괜찮아요. 물 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gwaen-cha-na-yo. mul ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’m fine. Please give me water. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려주세요.
Pronunciation: A: al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Understood. Please wait just a moment.
Practice Tips
Practice these phrases out loud, focusing on the pronunciation! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Imagine you’re really in a Korean restaurant on a warm evening. Listening to dialogue in Korean dramas or movies set in restaurants can also help you get used to the natural flow of conversation. Don’t be afraid to use these expressions next time you dine out in a Korean setting! Fighting! 화이팅!
