Effectively communicating menu suggestions is key in the service industry, especially when catering to specific preferences like health consciousness. This guide provides essential Korean phrases for waiters suggesting salads to diners, focusing on clear communication about ingredients, health benefits, and customization options during lunch service.
Table Of Content
Core Suggestion Phrase
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Expression: 샐러드 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend a salad for you? / Would you like a salad recommendation?
Describing the Salad
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Expression: 이 샐러드는 아주 신선한 채소로 만들었습니다.
Pronunciation: i sael-leo-deu-neun a-ju sin-seon-han chae-so-ro man-deul-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This salad is made with very fresh vegetables. -
Expression: 건강에 좋은 재료만 사용했습니다.
Pronunciation: geon-gang-e jo-eun jae-ryo-man sa-yong-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We only used healthy ingredients. -
Expression: 닭가슴살이 들어간 샐러드입니다.
Pronunciation: dak-ga-seum-sal-i deul-eo-gan sael-leo-deu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a salad with chicken breast. -
Expression: 연어와 아보카도가 들어간 샐러드도 인기가 많습니다.
Pronunciation: yeon-eo-wa a-bo-ka-do-ga deul-eo-gan sael-leo-deu-do in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The salad with salmon and avocado is also very popular. -
Expression: 드레싱은 가볍고 상큼한 맛입니다.
Pronunciation: deu-re-sing-eun ga-byeop-go sang-keum-han mat-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The dressing is light and refreshing. -
Expression: 칼로리가 낮아서 부담 없이 드실 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: kal-lo-ri-ga nat-a-seo bu-dam eop-si deu-sil su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s low in calories, so you can enjoy it without feeling heavy. -
Expression: 오늘의 특별 샐러드는 리코타 치즈 샐러드입니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul-ui teuk-byeol sael-leo-deu-neun ri-ko-ta chi-jeu sael-leo-deu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Today’s special salad is the Ricotta Cheese Salad. -
Expression: 견과류가 들어가서 식감이 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: gyeon-gwa-ryu-ga deul-eo-ga-seo sik-gam-i jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It contains nuts, giving it a good texture. -
Expression: 계절 과일이 곁들여진 샐러드입니다.
Pronunciation: gye-jeol gwa-il-i gyeot-deul-yeo-jin sael-leo-deu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a salad served with seasonal fruits. -
Expression: 이 샐러드는 저희 레스토랑의 시그니처 메뉴입니다.
Pronunciation: i sael-leo-deu-neun jeo-hui re-seu-to-rang-ui si-geu-ni-cheo me-nyu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This salad is our restaurant’s signature dish.
Asking About Preferences
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Expression: 혹시 못 드시는 재료가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si mot deu-si-neun jae-ryo-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are there any ingredients you cannot eat? -
Expression: 알레르기가 있으시면 미리 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseu-si-myeon mi-ri mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies. -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 드레싱을 선호하시나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui deu-re-sing-eul seon-ho-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of dressing do you prefer? -
Expression: 드레싱은 따로 드릴까요, 아니면 뿌려 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: deu-re-sing-eun tta-ro deu-ril-kka-yo, a-ni-myeon ppu-ryeo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would you like the dressing on the side, or drizzled on top? -
Expression: 가벼운 식사를 원하시면 이 샐러드가 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: ga-byeo-un sik-sa-reul won-ha-si-myeon i sael-leo-deu-ga jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you want a light meal, this salad is a good choice. -
Expression: 단백질을 추가하시겠어요? (닭가슴살, 연어 등)
Pronunciation: dan-baek-jil-eul chu-ga-ha-si-get-seo-yo? (dak-ga-seum-sal, yeon-eo deung)
Meaning: Would you like to add protein? (Chicken breast, salmon, etc.) -
Expression: 채식주의자용 샐러드도 준비되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: chae-sik-ju-ui-ja-yong sael-leo-deu-do jun-bi-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We also have vegetarian salads available. -
Expression: 매운 맛을 좋아하시면 스파이시 드레싱도 있습니다.
Pronunciation: mae-un mat-eul jo-a-ha-si-myeon seu-pa-i-si deu-re-sing-do it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: If you like spicy flavors, we also have a spicy dressing. -
Expression: 견과류 빼 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: gyeon-gwa-ryu ppae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I remove the nuts for you? -
Expression: 치즈 없이도 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: chi-jeu eop-si-do ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s also possible without cheese.
Handling Responses and Taking the Order
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Expression: 네, 좋은 선택입니다.
Pronunciation: ne, jo-eun seon-taek-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s a good choice. -
Expression: 그럼 닭가슴살 샐러드로 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: geu-reom dak-ga-seum-sal sael-leo-deu-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Then, I will prepare the chicken breast salad for you. -
Expression: 드레싱은 발사믹으로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: deu-re-sing-eun bal-sa-mik-eu-ro ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like balsamic dressing? -
Expression: 주문 확인해 드리겠습니다. 닭가슴살 샐러드 하나, 드레싱은 따로 맞으신가요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun hwa-gin-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. dak-ga-seum-sal sael-leo-deu ha-na, deu-re-sing-eun tta-ro ma-jeu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Let me confirm your order. One chicken breast salad, dressing on the side, is that correct? -
Expression: 다른 필요하신 것은 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun pil-yo-ha-sin geo-seun eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 음료는 어떤 것으로 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: eum-nyo-neun eo-tteon geo-seu-ro ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: What would you like to drink? -
Expression: 네, 알겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Yes, I understand. Please wait a moment. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 샐러드를 원하시면 말씀해주세요.
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun sael-leo-deu-reul won-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please let me know if you would like a different salad. -
Expression: 샐러드 외에 다른 메뉴도 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu oe-e da-reun me-nyu-do chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend other menu items besides the salad? -
Expression: 주문하신 샐러드 곧 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin sael-leo-deu got jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will prepare the salad you ordered shortly.
Korean Culture Notes
Politeness Levels: Using formal language (like the -(스)ㅂ니다 and -아/어요 endings used here) is crucial when serving customers in Korea. It shows respect and professionalism.
Health Consciousness: Interest in health and wellness (웰빙 – wel-bing) is significant in Korea. Highlighting fresh, healthy ingredients and low-calorie options often appeals to diners.
“Service” Culture (서비스): In Korean restaurants, “service” often refers to complimentary items given to customers (e.g., a small side dish, a drink refill). While not directly related to suggesting a salad, understanding this concept helps grasp the overall customer service expectation.
Customization: While Korean dining often involves shared dishes, individual preferences regarding ingredients (like removing nuts or choosing dressing) are becoming more common and accommodated, especially in Western-style or health-focused restaurants.
Describing Taste and Texture: Koreans often use vivid words to describe food. Using terms like 신선하다 (sin-seon-ha-da – fresh), 상큼하다 (sang-keum-ha-da – refreshing), and 가볍다 (ga-byeop-da – light) can make suggestions more appealing.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A waiter (A) approaches a customer (B) who seems interested in healthy options during lunchtime.
Roles:
A: Waiter (종업원 – jong-eop-won)
B: Health-conscious Diner (건강을 생각하는 손님 – geon-gang-eul saeng-gak-ha-neun son-nim)
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 메뉴판 여기 있습니다. 점심 식사 하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. me-nyu-pan yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da. jeom-sim sik-sa ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. Here is the menu. Are you having lunch? -
Expression: B: 네, 좀 가볍게 먹고 싶어서요. 샐러드 종류가 많네요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, jom ga-byeop-ge meok-go sip-eo-seo-yo. sael-leo-deu jong-nyu-ga man-ne-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I’d like to eat something light. You have many types of salads. -
Expression: A: 네, 저희 샐러드가 신선하고 건강에 좋습니다. 혹시 샐러드 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, jeo-hui sael-leo-deu-ga sin-seon-ha-go geon-gang-e jo-seum-ni-da. hok-si sael-leo-deu chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, our salads are fresh and healthy. Would you like me to recommend one? -
Expression: B: 네, 부탁드려요. 어떤 게 인기가 많아요?
Pronunciation: B: ne, bu-tak-deu-ryeo-yo. eo-tteon ge in-gi-ga man-a-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, please. Which one is popular? -
Expression: A: 건강 생각하시면 닭가슴살 샐러드나 연어 아보카도 샐러드를 많이 찾으세요. 둘 다 단백질도 풍부하고 칼로리도 낮습니다.
Pronunciation: A: geon-gang saeng-gak-ha-si-myeon dak-ga-seum-sal sael-leo-deu-na yeon-eo a-bo-ka-do sael-leo-deu-reul man-i cha-jeu-se-yo. dul da dan-baek-jil-do pung-bu-ha-go kal-lo-ri-do nat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: If you’re health-conscious, many customers choose the Chicken Breast Salad or the Salmon Avocado Salad. Both are rich in protein and low in calories. -
Expression: B: 음… 닭가슴살 샐러드로 할게요. 드레싱은 어떤 게 있나요?
Pronunciation: B: eum… dak-ga-seum-sal sael-leo-deu-ro hal-ge-yo. deu-re-sing-eun eo-tteon ge it-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Hmm… I’ll have the Chicken Breast Salad. What kind of dressings do you have? -
Expression: A: 발사믹, 오리엔탈, 요거트 드레싱이 있습니다. 가볍게 드시려면 발사믹이나 오리엔탈이 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: A: bal-sa-mik, o-ri-en-tal, yo-geo-teu deu-re-sing-i it-seum-ni-da. ga-byeop-ge deu-si-ryeo-myeon bal-sa-mik-i-na o-ri-en-tal-i jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: We have Balsamic, Oriental, and Yogurt dressing. If you want something light, Balsamic or Oriental are good choices. -
Expression: B: 그럼 오리엔탈 드레싱으로 하고, 드레싱은 따로 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: geu-reom o-ri-en-tal deu-re-sing-eu-ro ha-go, deu-re-sing-eun tta-ro ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Then I’ll have the Oriental dressing, and please give me the dressing on the side. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 닭가슴살 샐러드 하나, 오리엔탈 드레싱 따로 준비해 드리겠습니다. 음료는 필요 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. dak-ga-seum-sal sael-leo-deu ha-na, o-ri-en-tal deu-re-sing tta-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. eum-nyo-neun pil-yo eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. I will prepare one Chicken Breast Salad with Oriental dressing on the side. Do you need anything to drink? -
Expression: B: 물만 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: mul-man ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Just water, please. -
Expression: A: 네, 잠시만 기다려 주십시오.
Pronunciation: A: ne, jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-sip-si-o.
Meaning: A: Yes, please wait just a moment.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try role-playing these scenarios with a friend or language partner. One person can be the waiter, and the other can be the health-conscious customer. Focus on using the correct politeness level and pronunciation.
You can also try describing salads you see on menus in Korean, focusing on the ingredients and potential health benefits. The more you use these phrases, the more natural they will become!
