Discussing plans and decisions with friends is a common conversation topic. This guide focuses on the specific scenario where a friend is trying to decide which dessert to bake for an upcoming party, providing essential Korean vocabulary and phrases to navigate this discussion effectively.
Table Of Content
Core Scenario Expression
-
Expression: 친구가 내일 파티에 어떤 디저트를 구울지 고민 중이에요.
Pronunciation: chin-gu-ga nae-il pa-ti-e eo-tteon di-jeo-teu-reul gu-ul-ji go-min jung-i-e-yo.
Meaning: My friend is debating/wondering which dessert to bake for the party tomorrow.
Asking About the Party and Dessert
-
Expression: 내일 파티에 디저트 가져가야 해?
Pronunciation: nae-il pa-ti-e di-jeo-teu ga-jyeo-ga-ya hae?
Meaning: Do I/we need to bring dessert to the party tomorrow? -
Expression: 어떤 디저트를 만들까 고민 중이야.
Pronunciation: eo-tteon di-jeo-teu-reul man-deul-kka go-min jung-i-ya.
Meaning: I’m debating which dessert to make. (casual) -
Expression: 뭘 구워야 할지 모르겠어.
Pronunciation: mwol gu-wo-ya hal-ji mo-reu-gess-eo.
Meaning: I don’t know what I should bake. (casual) -
Expression: 파티에 몇 명 정도 와?
Pronunciation: pa-ti-e myeot myeong jeong-do wa?
Meaning: About how many people are coming to the party? (casual) -
Expression: 사람들이 어떤 디저트를 좋아할까?
Pronunciation: sa-ram-deul-i eo-tteon di-jeo-teu-reul jo-a-hal-kka?
Meaning: What kind of dessert do you think people will like? -
Expression: 특별히 먹고 싶은 디저트 있어?
Pronunciation: teuk-byeol-hi meok-go sip-eun di-jeo-teu iss-eo?
Meaning: Is there any dessert you particularly want to eat? (casual, asking a friend) -
Expression: 케이크를 구울까, 쿠키를 구울까?
Pronunciation: ke-i-keu-reul gu-ul-kka, ku-ki-reul gu-ul-kka?
Meaning: Should I bake a cake or cookies? -
Expression: 혹시 알레르기 있는 사람 있어?
Pronunciation: hok-si al-le-reu-gi iss-neun sa-ram iss-eo?
Meaning: Is there anyone with allergies, by any chance? (casual) -
Expression: 디저트 만드는 거 도와줄까?
Pronunciation: di-jeo-teu man-deu-neun geo do-wa-jul-kka?
Meaning: Shall I help you make the dessert? (casual) -
Expression: 시간이 얼마나 걸릴까?
Pronunciation: si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-lil-kka?
Meaning: How much time will it take? -
Expression: 재료는 다 있어?
Pronunciation: jae-ryo-neun da iss-eo?
Meaning: Do you have all the ingredients? (casual)
Suggesting Dessert Options
-
Expression: 케이크를 굽는 건 어때?
Pronunciation: ke-i-keu-reul gum-neun geon eo-ttae?
Meaning: How about baking a cake? -
Expression: 초콜릿 쿠키는 인기가 많을 거야.
Pronunciation: cho-kol-lit ku-ki-neun in-gi-ga man-eul geo-ya.
Meaning: Chocolate cookies will probably be popular. (casual) -
Expression: 브라우니는 만들기가 비교적 쉬워.
Pronunciation: beu-ra-u-ni-neun man-deul-gi-ga bi-gyo-jeok swi-wo.
Meaning: Brownies are relatively easy to make. (casual) -
Expression: 과일 타르트는 상큼해서 좋을 것 같아.
Pronunciation: gwa-il ta-reu-teu-neun sang-keum-hae-seo jo-eul geot gat-a.
Meaning: A fruit tart seems like a good idea because it’s refreshing. (casual) -
Expression: 컵케이크는 나눠 먹기 편해.
Pronunciation: keop-ke-i-keu-neun na-nwo meok-gi pyeon-hae.
Meaning: Cupcakes are convenient for sharing. (casual) -
Expression: 치즈케이크는 어때? 다들 좋아하잖아.
Pronunciation: chi-jeu-ke-i-keu-neun eo-ttae? da-deul jo-a-ha-jan-a.
Meaning: How about cheesecake? Everyone likes it, you know. (casual) -
Expression: 간단하게 머핀을 여러 개 굽는 것도 괜찮아.
Pronunciation: gan-dan-ha-ge meo-pin-eul yeo-reo gae gum-neun geot-do gwaen-chan-a.
Meaning: Simply baking several muffins is also okay. (casual) -
Expression: 한국식 디저트, 예를 들면 약과 같은 건 어때?
Pronunciation: han-guk-sik di-jeo-teu, ye-reul deul-myeon yak-gwa gat-eun geon eo-ttae?
Meaning: How about a Korean-style dessert, for example, something like Yakgwa? -
Expression: 그냥 사 가는 건 어때? 시간이 없으면.
Pronunciation: geu-nyang sa ga-neun geon eo-ttae? si-gan-i eops-eu-myeon.
Meaning: How about just buying something? If you don’t have time. -
Expression: 딸기 케이크 시즌이니까 그걸로 하자.
Pronunciation: ttal-gi ke-i-keu si-jeun-i-ni-kka geu-geol-lo ha-ja.
Meaning: It’s strawberry cake season, so let’s go with that. (casual suggestion) -
Expression: 아이스크림 케이크는 시원해서 여름 파티에 좋아.
Pronunciation: a-i-seu-keu-rim ke-i-keu-neun si-won-hae-seo yeo-reum pa-ti-e jo-a.
Meaning: Ice cream cake is cool, so it’s good for a summer party. (casual)
Discussing Pros and Cons
-
Expression: 케이크는 좀 손이 많이 가.
Pronunciation: ke-i-keu-neun jom son-i man-i ga.
Meaning: Cake requires quite a bit of effort. (casual) -
Expression: 쿠키는 대량으로 만들기 쉬워.
Pronunciation: ku-ki-neun dae-ryang-eu-ro man-deul-gi swi-wo.
Meaning: Cookies are easy to make in large quantities. (casual) -
Expression: 브라우니는 재료가 간단해서 좋아.
Pronunciation: beu-ra-u-ni-neun jae-ryo-ga gan-dan-hae-seo jo-a.
Meaning: Brownies are good because the ingredients are simple. (casual) -
Expression: 타르트는 모양이 예쁘지만 시간이 오래 걸려.
Pronunciation: ta-reu-teu-neun mo-yang-i ye-ppeu-ji-man si-gan-i o-rae geol-lyeo.
Meaning: Tarts look pretty, but they take a long time. (casual) -
Expression: 어떤 게 가장 만들기 쉬울까?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon ge ga-jang man-deul-gi swi-ul-kka?
Meaning: Which one would be the easiest to make? -
Expression: 이건 너무 달지 않을까?
Pronunciation: i-geon neo-mu dal-ji an-eul-kka?
Meaning: Won’t this be too sweet? -
Expression: 이건 호불호가 갈릴 수도 있어.
Pronunciation: i-geon ho-bul-ho-ga gal-lil su-do iss-eo.
Meaning: This might be something people either love or hate (likes and dislikes could be divided). (casual) -
Expression: 집에 있는 재료로 만들 수 있는 게 좋을 것 같아.
Pronunciation: jib-e iss-neun jae-ryo-ro man-deul su iss-neun ge jo-eul geot gat-a.
Meaning: It seems best to make something with the ingredients I have at home. (casual) -
Expression: 운반하기 편한 걸로 해야 해.
Pronunciation: un-ban-ha-gi pyeon-han geol-lo hae-ya hae.
Meaning: It has to be something easy to transport. (casual) -
Expression: 너무 복잡한 건 피하는 게 좋겠어.
Pronunciation: neo-mu bok-jap-han geon pi-ha-neun ge jo-kess-eo.
Meaning: It would be better to avoid anything too complicated. (casual) -
Expression: 이게 더 특별해 보일 것 같아.
Pronunciation: i-ge deo teuk-byeol-hae bo-il geot gat-a.
Meaning: This seems like it would look more special. (casual)
Making the Decision
-
Expression: 좋아, 그럼 쿠키를 굽기로 결정했어!
Pronunciation: jo-a, geu-reom ku-ki-reul gup-gi-ro gyeol-jeong-haess-eo!
Meaning: Okay, then I’ve decided to bake cookies! (casual) -
Expression: 역시 케이크가 제일 좋을 것 같아.
Pronunciation: yeok-si ke-i-keu-ga je-il jo-eul geot gat-a.
Meaning: As expected, I think cake would be the best. (casual) -
Expression: 네 추천대로 브라우니를 만들어 볼게.
Pronunciation: ne chu-cheon-dae-ro beu-ra-u-ni-reul man-deur-eo bol-ge.
Meaning: I’ll try making brownies as you recommended. (casual) -
Expression: 아직도 못 정했어. 조금 더 고민해 봐야겠어.
Pronunciation: a-jik-do mot jeong-haess-eo. jo-geum deo go-min-hae bwa-ya-gess-eo.
Meaning: I still haven’t decided. I need to think about it a little more. (casual) -
Expression: 그냥 제일 자신 있는 걸로 할래.
Pronunciation: geu-nyang je-il ja-sin iss-neun geol-lo hal-lae.
Meaning: I’ll just go with what I’m most confident in making. (casual) -
Expression: 결정했어! 내일 알려줄게.
Pronunciation: gyeol-jeong-haess-eo! nae-il al-lyeo-jul-ge.
Meaning: I’ve decided! I’ll let you know tomorrow. (casual) -
Expression: 도와줘서 고마워!
Pronunciation: do-wa-jwoseo go-ma-wo!
Meaning: Thanks for helping me decide! (casual) -
Expression: 내일 파티 기대된다!
Pronunciation: nae-il pa-ti gi-dae-doen-da!
Meaning: I’m looking forward to the party tomorrow! (casual) -
Expression: 맛있게 만들어 갈게!
Pronunciation: mas-iss-ge man-deur-eo gal-ge!
Meaning: I’ll make it delicious and bring it! (casual) -
Expression: 그럼 그걸로 정하자!
Pronunciation: geu-reom geu-geol-lo jeong-ha-ja!
Meaning: Then let’s decide on that! (casual) -
Expression: 좋은 생각이야!
Pronunciation: jo-eun saeng-gag-i-ya!
Meaning: That’s a good idea! (casual)
Korean Culture Notes
When attending parties or gatherings in Korea, bringing a small gift or something to share, like a dessert or drinks, is often appreciated, though not always mandatory, especially among close friends. Homemade items can be seen as very thoughtful.
The word 고민하다 (go-min-ha-da) means ‘to worry,’ ‘to be troubled,’ or ‘to debate/ponder.’ It perfectly captures the feeling of indecisiveness when faced with choices, like picking a dessert.
While Western-style desserts like cakes and cookies are very popular, traditional Korean sweets (한과, han-gwa) like 약과 (yak-gwa – honey cookies) or 떡 (tteok – rice cakes) can also be great options for parties, offering a unique taste.
Sharing food is a significant part of Korean culture. Choosing desserts that are easy to divide and share, like cookies, cupcakes, or pre-sliced cakes, is often practical for group settings.
Don’t be afraid to ask about preferences or allergies (알레르기, al-le-reu-gi). It’s considered polite to check, especially if you’re bringing food for a group.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Friend A is trying to decide what dessert to bake for a housewarming party tomorrow and calls Friend B for advice.
Roles:
A: The friend who needs to bake a dessert.
B: The friend giving advice.
-
Expression: A: 여보세요? 나야. 지금 내일 집들이 파티에 가져갈 디저트 때문에 고민 중이야.
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo? na-ya. ji-geum nae-il jip-deu-ri pa-ti-e ga-jyeo-gal di-jeo-teu ttae-mun-e go-min jung-i-ya.
Meaning: A: Hello? It’s me. I’m currently debating about the dessert to bring to the housewarming party tomorrow. -
Expression: B: 아, 정말? 뭘 만들까 생각 중인데? 케이크? 쿠키?
Pronunciation: a, jeong-mal? mwol man-deul-kka saeng-gak jung-in-de? ke-i-keu? ku-ki?
Meaning: B: Oh, really? What are you thinking of making? Cake? Cookies? -
Expression: A: 케이크를 구울까, 아니면 브라우니를 만들까… 둘 다 좋은데 뭘 더 좋아할지 모르겠어.
Pronunciation: ke-i-keu-reul gu-ul-kka, a-ni-myeon beu-ra-u-ni-reul man-deul-kka… dul da jo-eun-de mwol deo jo-a-hal-ji mo-reu-gess-eo.
Meaning: A: Should I bake a cake, or make brownies… Both are good, but I don’t know what people would like more. -
Expression: B: 음… 브라우니는 만들기도 쉽고 나눠 먹기 편하잖아. 초콜릿 싫어하는 사람도 별로 없고.
Pronunciation: eum… beu-ra-u-ni-neun man-deul-gi-do swip-go na-nwo meok-gi pyeon-ha-jan-a. cho-kol-lit sil-eo-ha-neun sa-ram-do byeol-lo eop-go.
Meaning: B: Hmm… Brownies are easy to make and convenient for sharing, you know. And not many people dislike chocolate. -
Expression: A: 그렇긴 한데… 케이크가 좀 더 특별해 보이지 않을까? 집들이 선물인데.
Pronunciation: geu-reot-gin han-de… ke-i-keu-ga jom deo teuk-byeol-hae bo-i-ji an-eul-kka? jip-deu-ri seon-mul-in-de.
Meaning: A: That’s true, but… wouldn’t a cake look a bit more special? It’s a housewarming gift. -
Expression: B: 그것도 맞네. 그럼 혹시 딸기 케이크는 어때? 요즘 딸기 철이라 맛있을 텐데.
Pronunciation: geu-geot-do mat-ne. geu-reom hok-si ttal-gi ke-i-keu-neun eo-ttae? yo-jeum ttal-gi cheol-i-ra mas-iss-eul ten-de.
Meaning: B: That’s also right. Then how about a strawberry cake, perhaps? It’s strawberry season now, so it should be delicious. -
Expression: A: 오! 좋은 생각이야! 딸기 케이크로 결정했어! 고마워!
Pronunciation: o! jo-eun saeng-gag-i-ya! ttal-gi ke-i-keu-ro gyeol-jeong-haess-eo! go-ma-wo!
Meaning: A: Oh! That’s a great idea! I’ve decided on strawberry cake! Thanks! -
Expression: B: 그래! 맛있게 만들어 와~ 내일 보자!
Pronunciation: geu-rae! mas-iss-ge man-deur-eo wa~ nae-il bo-ja!
Meaning: B: Okay! Make it delicious~ See you tomorrow!
Practice Tips
Try role-playing this scenario with a study partner! One person can be the friend debating the dessert, and the other can offer suggestions and opinions~ You can switch roles afterwards.
Think about upcoming events or gatherings you might attend. What dessert would YOU bring? Practice expressing your thoughts and decision-making process in Korean using the phrases learned today!
Listen to Korean conversations (in dramas, vlogs, etc.) where people discuss food or plans. Pay attention to how they express preferences, suggestions, and indecision. You’ll start noticing these patterns! Keep practicing, and discussing plans in Korean will become much easier~ 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
