Understanding common interactions in a Korean cafe can greatly enhance your experience. This guide focuses on a specific scenario: a barista recommending a warm latte to a customer on a foggy morning, providing essential phrases and cultural context for navigating this situation smoothly.
Table Of Content
Core Recommendation Phrase
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Expression: 오늘같이 안개 낀 아침에는 따뜻한 라떼 한 잔 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: o-neul-ga-chi an-gae kkin a-chim-e-neun tta-tteu-tan ra-tte han jan eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: On a foggy morning like today, how about a warm latte?
Greeting the Customer and Setting the Scene
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Expression: 어서 오세요.
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo.
Meaning: Welcome. / Come on in. -
Expression: 안녕하세요.
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Hello. (Formal) -
Expression: 오늘 아침은 안개가 많이 꼈네요.
Pronunciation: o-neul a-chim-eun an-gae-ga ma-ni kkyeon-ne-yo.
Meaning: It’s very foggy this morning, isn’t it? -
Expression: 날씨가 좀 쌀쌀하죠?
Pronunciation: nal-ssi-ga jom ssal-ssal-ha-jyo?
Meaning: The weather is a bit chilly, right? -
Expression: 따뜻한 음료 생각나시겠어요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan eum-nyo saeng-gang-na-si-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: You must be thinking of a warm drink. -
Expression: 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: How may I help you? / What can I get for you? -
Expression: 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to order? -
Expression: 오늘 날씨에 잘 어울리는 커피가 있어요.
Pronunciation: o-neul nal-ssi-e jal eo-ul-li-neun keo-pi-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: There’s a coffee that suits today’s weather well. -
Expression: 안개가 자욱하네요.
Pronunciation: an-gae-ga ja-u-ka-ne-yo.
Meaning: The fog is thick. -
Expression: 이런 날엔 커피가 최고죠.
Pronunciation: i-reon nal-en keo-pi-ga choe-go-jyo.
Meaning: Coffee is the best on days like this.
Recommending Drinks (Especially Latte)
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Expression: 따뜻한 라떼 추천해 드려요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan ra-tte chu-cheon-hae deu-ryeo-yo.
Meaning: I recommend a warm latte. -
Expression: 저희 카페 라떼가 정말 부드러워요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui ka-pe ra-tte-ga jeong-mal bu-deu-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: Our cafe’s latte is really smooth. -
Expression: 오늘 같은 날씨에는 라떼가 딱이에요.
Pronunciation: o-neul ga-teun nal-ssi-e-neun ra-tte-ga tta-gi-e-yo.
Meaning: A latte is perfect for weather like today. -
Expression: 부드러운 우유 거품이 있는 라떼 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: bu-deu-reo-un u-yu geo-pum-i it-neun ra-tte eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: How about a latte with smooth milk foam? -
Expression: 몸을 따뜻하게 녹여줄 거예요.
Pronunciation: mom-eul tta-tteu-ta-ge no-gyeo-jul geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: It will warm you up. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 음료 찾으시는 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun eum-nyo cha-jeu-si-neun geo i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Are you perhaps looking for another type of drink? -
Expression: 라떼 괜찮으시면 이걸로 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ra-tte gwaen-cha-neu-si-myeon i-geol-lo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: If a latte is okay, shall I get this for you? -
Expression: 저희 시그니처 라떼도 인기가 많아요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui si-geu-ni-cheo ra-tte-do in-gi-ga ma-na-yo.
Meaning: Our signature latte is also very popular. -
Expression: 고소한 맛을 좋아하시면 라떼가 좋아요.
Pronunciation: go-so-han ma-seul jo-a-ha-si-myeon ra-tte-ga jo-a-yo.
Meaning: If you like a nutty/savory taste, a latte is good. -
Expression: 따뜻한 아메리카노도 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tan a-me-ri-ka-no-do gwaen-cha-neu-se-yo?
Meaning: Is a warm Americano okay too? (Offering an alternative)
Describing the Drink and its Suitability
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Expression: 이 라떼는 아주 부드럽고 고소해요.
Pronunciation: i ra-tte-neun a-ju bu-deu-reop-go go-so-hae-yo.
Meaning: This latte is very smooth and has a nutty/savory flavor. -
Expression: 따뜻해서 지금 날씨에 마시기 좋아요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-tae-seo ji-geum nal-ssi-e ma-si-gi jo-a-yo.
Meaning: It’s warm, so it’s good to drink in this weather. -
Expression: 우유 거품이 풍성하게 올라가 있어요.
Pronunciation: u-yu geo-pum-i pung-seong-ha-ge ol-la-ga i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It has abundant milk foam on top. -
Expression: 너무 달지 않아서 부담 없이 드실 수 있어요.
Pronunciation: neo-mu dal-ji a-na-seo bu-dam eop-si deu-sil su i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: It’s not too sweet, so you can drink it comfortably. -
Expression: 향긋한 커피 향이 좋아요.
Pronunciation: hyang-geu-tan keo-pi hyang-i jo-a-yo.
Meaning: The fragrant coffee aroma is nice. -
Expression: 안개 낀 아침 분위기와 잘 어울려요.
Pronunciation: an-gae kkin a-chim bun-wi-gi-wa jal eo-ul-lyeo-yo.
Meaning: It matches well with the foggy morning atmosphere. -
Expression: 샷 추가도 가능하세요.
Pronunciation: syat chu-ga-do ga-neung-ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Adding an extra shot is also possible. -
Expression: 시럽 추가 원하시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: si-reop chu-ga won-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you’d like to add syrup. -
Expression: 따뜻하게 바로 만들어 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: tta-tteu-ta-ge ba-ro man-deu-reo deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll make it warm for you right away. -
Expression: 저희 원두는 신선해서 맛이 깊어요.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui won-du-neun sin-seon-hae-seo ma-si gi-peo-yo.
Meaning: Our coffee beans are fresh, so the flavor is deep.
Taking the Order and Closing
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Expression: 그럼 따뜻한 라떼 한 잔으로 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: geu-reom tta-tteu-tan ra-tte han jan-eu-ro deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Then, shall I get you one warm latte? -
Expression: 네, 따뜻한 라떼 하나 주문 확인했습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, tta-tteu-tan ra-tte ha-na ju-mun hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I’ve confirmed the order for one warm latte. -
Expression: 혹시 더 필요하신 건 없으세요?
Pronunciation: hok-si deo pi-ryo-ha-sin geon eop-seu-se-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 매장에서 드시나요, 가져가시나요?
Pronunciation: mae-jang-e-seo deu-si-na-yo, ga-jyeo-ga-si-na-yo?
Meaning: For here or to go? -
Expression: 총 [금액]원입니다.
Pronunciation: chong [geu-maek]-won-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The total is [amount] won. -
Expression: 결제는 어떻게 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-je-neun eo-tteo-ke ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How would you like to pay? -
Expression: 잠시만 기다려주세요. 금방 준비해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-se-yo. geum-bang jun-bi-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Please wait just a moment. I’ll prepare it for you shortly. -
Expression: 주문하신 라떼 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin ra-tte na-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Your latte is ready. -
Expression: 맛있게 드세요.
Pronunciation: ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo.
Meaning: Enjoy your drink. (Literally: Eat/drink deliciously) -
Expression: 감사합니다. 또 오세요.
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da. tto o-se-yo.
Meaning: Thank you. Please come again. -
Expression: 좋은 하루 보내세요.
Pronunciation: jo-eun ha-ru bo-nae-se-yo.
Meaning: Have a nice day.
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness Levels: Baristas typically use formal language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) with customers, employing endings like -세요 (-se-yo) and -ㅂ/습니다 (-p/seum-ni-da). Using polite language back is appreciated.
Small Talk about Weather: Commenting on the weather, especially noticeable conditions like fog or rain, is a common and friendly way to initiate small talk in service interactions.
Recommendations: Baristas often make recommendations, especially if a customer seems undecided or if there’s a seasonal/specialty item. Accepting or politely declining the recommendation is perfectly fine.
“For Here or To Go?”: The question 매장에서 드시나요, 가져가시나요? (mae-jang-e-seo deu-si-na-yo, ga-jyeo-ga-si-na-yo?) is standard. You can answer 매장에서요 (mae-jang-e-seo-yo) for “here” or 가져갈게요 (ga-jyeo-gal-ge-yo) for “to go.”
Payment First: In most Korean cafes (especially chains), you order and pay at the counter first, then wait for your drink to be called.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A customer enters a cozy cafe on a particularly foggy morning. The barista greets them and suggests a suitable drink.
Roles: A: Barista, B: Customer
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 오늘 아침은 안개가 정말 자욱하네요.
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. o-neul a-chim-eun an-gae-ga jeong-mal ja-u-ka-ne-yo.
Meaning: A: Welcome. The fog is really thick this morning. -
Expression: B: 네, 그러게요. 앞이 잘 안 보일 정도예요. 따뜻한 커피 좀 마시려고요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, geu-reo-ge-yo. ap-i jal an bo-il jeong-do-ye-yo. tta-tteu-tan keo-pi jom ma-si-ryeo-go-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, it is. It’s hard to see ahead. I came for some warm coffee. -
Expression: A: 잘 오셨어요. 오늘같이 안개 낀 아침에는 저희 따뜻한 라떼 한 잔 어떠세요? 부드럽고 고소해서 몸 녹이기에 딱 좋아요.
Pronunciation: A: jal o-syeo-sseo-yo. o-neul-ga-chi an-gae kkin a-chim-e-neun jeo-hui tta-tteu-tan ra-tte han jan eo-tteo-se-yo? bu-deu-reop-go go-so-hae-seo mom no-gi-gi-e ttak jo-a-yo.
Meaning: A: You came to the right place. On a foggy morning like today, how about one of our warm lattes? It’s smooth and nutty/savory, perfect for warming up. -
Expression: B: 오, 라떼 좋죠. 그럼 그걸로 한 잔 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: o, ra-tte jo-cho. geu-reom geu-geol-lo han jan ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, a latte sounds good. Then please give me one of those. -
Expression: A: 네, 따뜻한 라떼 한 잔 준비해 드리겠습니다. 매장에서 드시나요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, tta-tteu-tan ra-tte han jan jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. mae-jang-e-seo deu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Okay, I’ll prepare one warm latte for you. Will you be having it here? -
Expression: B: 네, 여기서 마시고 갈게요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, yeo-gi-seo ma-si-go gal-ge-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’ll drink it here. -
Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 5,000원입니다. 잠시만 기다려주세요.
Pronunciation: A: al-get-seum-ni-da. o-cheon-won-im-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Understood. It’s 5,000 won. Please wait just a moment. -
Expression: A: (잠시 후) 주문하신 따뜻한 라떼 나왔습니다. 맛있게 드세요!
Pronunciation: A: (jam-si hu) ju-mun-ha-sin tta-tteu-tan ra-tte na-wat-seum-ni-da. ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo!
Meaning: A: (After a moment) Your warm latte is ready. Enjoy! -
Expression: B: 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: B: gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Thank you.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing this scenario with a friend or language partner. Pay attention to the barista’s polite tone and the natural flow of conversation, including the weather comment and recommendation. Visiting a local Korean cafe (if possible) is fantastic real-world practice. Don’t be afraid to use simple phrases first, like ordering the latte directly after the recommendation: 네, 라떼 주세요 (ne, ra-tte ju-se-yo) – Yes, please give me a latte. Good luck, and enjoy your coffee!~
