This guide focuses on practical Korean phrases for a common scenario: a friendly chat between a barista and a regular customer about a new art exhibition in town. You’ll learn essential vocabulary and expressions to discuss art, share opinions, and make casual plans, enhancing your conversational skills for everyday interactions in Korea.
Table Of Content
Core Greeting & Conversation Starter
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Expression: 어서 오세요! 오늘 날씨 좋네요.
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo! o-neul nal-ssi jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: Welcome! The weather is nice today, isn’t it? (A common friendly greeting from a barista to a regular) -
Expression: 혹시 새로 생긴 미술 전시회 소식 들으셨어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si sae-ro saeng-gin mi-sul jeon-si-hoe so-sik deu-reu-syeot-seo-yo?
Meaning: Have you perhaps heard about the new art exhibition that opened? (A way to introduce the topic)
Basic Cafe Interactions
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Expression: 안녕하세요, 늘 마시던 걸로 주세요.
Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo, neul ma-si-deon geol-lo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Hello, please give me the usual. (Customer’s phrase) -
Expression: 네, 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, please wait just a moment. (Barista’s response) -
Expression: 요즘 어떻게 지내세요?
Pronunciation: yo-jeum eo-tteo-ke ji-nae-se-yo?
Meaning: How have you been lately? (General small talk) -
Expression: 커피 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: keo-pi na-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your coffee is ready. -
Expression: 여기 분위기가 참 좋아요.
Pronunciation: yeo-gi bun-wi-gi-ga cham jo-a-yo.
Meaning: The atmosphere here is really nice. -
Expression: 시간 괜찮으시면 잠깐 이야기 나눠요.
Pronunciation: si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-si-myeon jam-kkan i-ya-gi na-nwo-yo.
Meaning: If you have time, let’s chat for a bit. -
Expression: 오늘 손님 많네요.
Pronunciation: o-neul son-nim man-ne-yo.
Meaning: There are many customers today. -
Expression: 네, 오늘은 좀 바쁘네요.
Pronunciation: ne, o-neu-reun jom ba-ppeu-ne-yo.
Meaning: Yes, it’s a bit busy today. -
Expression: 이 근처에 자주 오세요?
Pronunciation: i geun-cheo-e ja-ju o-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you come around here often? (Less likely for a regular, but possible) -
Expression: 네, 이 카페 단골이에요.
Pronunciation: ne, i ka-pe dan-go-ri-e-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I’m a regular at this cafe.
Talking About the Art Show
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Expression: 시내에 새로운 미술 전시회가 열렸대요.
Pronunciation: si-nae-e sae-ro-un mi-sul jeon-si-hoe-ga yeol-lyeot-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say a new art exhibition opened downtown. -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 전시회예요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui jeon-si-hoe-ye-yo?
Meaning: What kind of exhibition is it? -
Expression: 현대 미술 전시회라고 들었어요.
Pronunciation: hyeon-dae mi-sul jeon-si-hoe-ra-go deu-reot-seo-yo.
Meaning: I heard it’s a contemporary art exhibition. -
Expression: 혹시 가 보셨어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ga bo-syeot-seo-yo?
Meaning: Have you perhaps been there? -
Expression: 아니요, 아직 못 가봤어요. 가보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: a-ni-yo, a-jik mot ga-bwat-seo-yo. ga-bo-go si-peo-yo.
Meaning: No, I haven’t been able to go yet. I want to go. -
Expression: 어떤 작가 작품이 전시되어 있어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jak-ga jak-pum-i jeon-si-doe-eo it-seo-yo?
Meaning: Which artist’s works are being exhibited? -
Expression: 신진 작가들 위주라고 하더라고요.
Pronunciation: sin-jin jak-ga-deul wi-ju-ra-go ha-deo-ra-go-yo.
Meaning: They say it features mainly emerging artists. -
Expression: 전시회 평이 좋던데요.
Pronunciation: jeon-si-hoe pyeong-i jo-teon-de-yo.
Meaning: The reviews for the exhibition are good. -
Expression: 입장료는 얼마예요?
Pronunciation: ip-jang-nyo-neun eol-ma-ye-yo?
Meaning: How much is the entrance fee? -
Expression: 어디서 열리고 있어요?
Pronunciation: eo-di-seo yeol-li-go it-seo-yo?
Meaning: Where is it being held? -
Expression: 시립 미술관에서 한대요.
Pronunciation: si-rip mi-sul-gwan-e-seo han-dae-yo.
Meaning: They say it’s at the city art museum. -
Expression: 미술에 관심 많으세요?
Pronunciation: mi-su-re gwan-sim man-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Are you very interested in art?
Sharing Opinions and Making Plans
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Expression: 정말 기대되네요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal gi-dae-doe-ne-yo.
Meaning: I’m really looking forward to it. -
Expression: 저도 꼭 가봐야겠어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-do kkok ga-bwa-ya-get-seo-yo.
Meaning: I should definitely go too. -
Expression: 혹시 같이 가실래요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ga-chi ga-sil-lae-yo?
Meaning: Would you perhaps like to go together? -
Expression: 네, 좋아요! 언제 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: ne, jo-a-yo! eon-je si-gan gwaen-chan-eu-se-yo?
Meaning: Yes, sounds good! When are you free? -
Expression: 저는 주말이 편해요.
Pronunciation: jeo-neun ju-ma-ri pyeon-hae-yo.
Meaning: Weekends are convenient for me. -
Expression: 그럼 이번 주 토요일 어때요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom i-beon ju to-yo-il eo-ttae-yo?
Meaning: Then how about this Saturday? -
Expression: 좋아요. 그럼 토요일에 봬요!
Pronunciation: jo-a-yo. geu-reom to-yo-il-e bwae-yo!
Meaning: Sounds good. See you on Saturday then! -
Expression: 나중에 후기 알려주세요.
Pronunciation: na-jung-e hu-gi al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know how it was later. (If one person goes first) -
Expression: 재미있을 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: jae-mi-i-sseul geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: It seems like it will be fun/interesting. -
Expression: 시간 되면 저도 가볼게요.
Pronunciation: si-gan doe-myeon jeo-do ga-bol-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll try to go too if I have time. -
Expression: 좋은 정보 감사해요.
Pronunciation: jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-hae-yo.
Meaning: Thanks for the good information.
Korean Culture Notes
Cafe Culture: Cafes in Korea are more than just places to grab coffee; they are popular spots for studying, working, socializing, and relaxing. Baristas often develop friendly relationships with regular customers, making small talk common.
Small Talk Topics: Discussing local events like festivals, new shop openings, or exhibitions is a very natural way to engage in small talk. Weather and shared interests (like coffee or art) are also safe and common topics.
Politeness Levels: Even in a friendly chat between a barista and a regular, maintaining a polite level of speech (using the ‘-요’ ending) is standard. It shows mutual respect while still being warm.
Interest in Arts: Korea has a vibrant arts scene, and visiting galleries or museums is a common leisure activity for many. Discussing art exhibitions is generally seen as a cultured and engaging conversation topic.
Making Casual Plans: Suggesting to do something together, like visiting the art show, is common among acquaintances or regulars you see often. It’s usually done casually, and confirming details later via message is typical.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A regular customer (B) comes into their usual cafe. The barista (A) starts a conversation while making the coffee.
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요, 김 선생님! 늘 드시던 아메리카노 맞으시죠?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo, gim seon-saeng-nim! neul deu-si-deon a-me-ri-ka-no ma-jeu-si-jyo?
Meaning: A: Welcome, Mr./Ms. Kim! Your usual Americano, right? -
Expression: B: 네, 맞아요. 안녕하세요! 오늘 날씨 정말 좋네요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, ma-ja-yo. an-nyeong-ha-se-yo! o-neul nal-ssi jeong-mal jon-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, that’s right. Hello! The weather is really nice today. -
Expression: A: 그렇죠? 이런 날은 어디 놀러 가고 싶어요. 아, 참! 혹시 시립 미술관에서 새로 시작한 전시회 소식 들으셨어요?
Pronunciation: A: geu-reo-cho? i-reon na-reun eo-di nol-leo ga-go si-peo-yo. a, cham! hok-si si-rip mi-sul-gwan-e-seo sae-ro si-ja-kan jeon-si-hoe so-sik deu-reu-syeot-seo-yo?
Meaning: A: Isn’t it? On days like this, I want to go out somewhere. Oh, by the way! Have you perhaps heard about the new exhibition that started at the city art museum? -
Expression: B: 어, 정말요? 몰랐어요. 어떤 전시회인데요?
Pronunciation: B: eo, jeong-mal-lyo? mol-lat-seo-yo. eo-tteon jeon-si-hoe-in-de-yo?
Meaning: B: Oh, really? I didn’t know. What kind of exhibition is it? -
Expression: A: 젊은 작가들 작품을 모아놓은 현대 미술전이래요. 평이 꽤 좋더라고요. 선생님도 미술 좋아하시잖아요.
Pronunciation: A: jeol-meun jak-ga-deul jak-pum-eul mo-a-no-eun hyeon-dae mi-sul-jeon-i-rae-yo. pyeong-i kkwae jo-teo-ra-go-yo. seon-saeng-nim-do mi-sul jo-a-ha-si-ja-na-yo.
Meaning: A: They say it’s a contemporary art exhibition featuring works by young artists. The reviews are quite good. You like art too, don’t you, Mr./Ms. Kim? -
Expression: B: 네, 관심 많죠! 좋은 정보 감사해요. 저도 시간 내서 한번 가봐야겠네요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, gwan-sim man-cho! jo-eun jeong-bo gam-sa-hae-yo. jeo-do si-gan nae-seo han-beon ga-bwa-ya-gen-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’m very interested! Thanks for the good information. I should make time and go check it out. -
Expression: A: 네, 꼭 가보세요! 커피 나왔습니다. 맛있게 드세요!
Pronunciation: A: ne, kkok ga-bo-se-yo! keo-pi na-wat-seum-ni-da. ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo!
Meaning: A: Yes, definitely go! Your coffee is ready. Enjoy! -
Expression: B: 감사합니다! 다음에 와서 후기 알려드릴게요.
Pronunciation: B: gam-sa-ham-ni-da! da-eum-e wa-seo hu-gi al-lyeo-deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: B: Thank you! I’ll let you know how it was next time I come.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially with conversational Korean! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner. One person can be the barista, and the other the regular customer~ You can switch roles to practice both sides of the conversation.
Listen to how Koreans interact in cafes if you get the chance. Pay attention to the greetings, small talk topics, and the general friendly yet polite atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to use these phrases next time you visit your favorite cafe in Korea or a Korean cafe in your area! Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
