Effectively communicating recommendations during a busy service, like suggesting a sandwich during a lunch rush, requires specific Korean phrases. This guide provides essential expressions for waiters to confidently suggest menu items, particularly sandwiches, interact with customers, and manage service efficiently in a Korean restaurant setting.
Table Of Content
Core Suggestion Phrase
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Expression: 샌드위치 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: san-deu-wi-chi eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: How about a sandwich? (Polite suggestion)
Greeting and Initial Interaction
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Expression: 어서 오세요.
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo.
Meaning: Welcome. -
Expression: 몇 분이세요?
Pronunciation: myeot bun-i-se-yo?
Meaning: How many people (in your party)? -
Expression: 이쪽으로 앉으세요.
Pronunciation: i-jjok-eu-ro an-jeu-se-yo.
Meaning: Please sit this way. -
Expression: 메뉴 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: me-nyu yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Here is the menu. -
Expression: 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Are you ready to order? / Would you like to order? -
Expression: 조금 이따 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jo-geum i-tta ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to order a little later? -
Expression: 필요하신 거 있으시면 불러주세요.
Pronunciation: pil-yo-ha-sin geo i-sseu-si-myeon bul-leo-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please call me if you need anything. -
Expression: 식사 맛있게 하세요.
Pronunciation: sik-sa ma-sit-ge ha-se-yo.
Meaning: Enjoy your meal. -
Expression: 물 먼저 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: mul meon-jeo deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I bring you water first? -
Expression: 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I help you with your order?
Making Sandwich Recommendations
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Expression: 오늘의 추천 샌드위치는 클럽 샌드위치입니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul-ui chu-cheon san-deu-wi-chi-neun keul-leop san-deu-wi-chi-im-ni-da.
Meaning: Today’s recommended sandwich is the Club Sandwich. -
Expression: 이 샌드위치가 인기가 많습니다.
Pronunciation: i san-deu-wi-chi-ga in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This sandwich is very popular. -
Expression: 가볍게 드시기에는 햄 치즈 샌드위치가 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: ga-byeop-ge deu-si-gi-e-neun haem chi-jeu san-deu-wi-chi-ga jot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The Ham and Cheese sandwich is good for a light meal. -
Expression: 든든하게 드시고 싶으시면 치킨 샌드위치를 추천합니다.
Pronunciation: deun-deun-ha-ge deu-si-go sip-eu-si-myeon chi-kin san-deu-wi-chi-reul chu-cheon-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: If you want something filling, I recommend the Chicken Sandwich. -
Expression: 신선한 야채가 많이 들어간 샌드위치입니다.
Pronunciation: sin-seon-han ya-chae-ga ma-ni deu-reo-gan san-deu-wi-chi-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a sandwich with lots of fresh vegetables. -
Expression: 이 샌드위치는 저희 가게의 시그니처 메뉴입니다.
Pronunciation: i san-deu-wi-chi-neun jeo-hui ga-ge-ui si-geu-ni-cheo me-nyu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This sandwich is our store’s signature menu item. -
Expression: 혹시 못 드시는 재료 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si mot deu-si-neun jae-ryo i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are there any ingredients you cannot eat? -
Expression: 세트 메뉴로 하시면 음료와 감자튀김이 포함됩니다.
Pronunciation: se-teu me-nyu-ro ha-si-myeon eum-nyo-wa gam-ja-twi-gim-i po-ham-doem-ni-da.
Meaning: If you choose the set menu, it includes a drink and french fries. -
Expression: 이 샌드위치는 매콤한 맛이 특징입니다.
Pronunciation: i san-deu-wi-chi-neun mae-kom-han ma-si teuk-jing-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This sandwich features a spicy flavor. -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 샌드위치를 선호하세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui san-deu-wi-chi-reul seon-ho-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of sandwich do you prefer?
Handling Orders During Busy Times
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Expression: 지금 점심시간이라 조금 바쁩니다.
Pronunciation: ji-geum jeom-sim-si-gan-i-ra jo-geum ba-ppeum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a bit busy now because it’s lunchtime. -
Expression: 주문하신 음식은 약 15분 정도 걸립니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin eum-sik-eun yak sip-o-bun jeong-do geol-lim-ni-da.
Meaning: The food you ordered will take about 15 minutes. -
Expression: 잠시만 기다려 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please wait just a moment? -
Expression: 최대한 빨리 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han ppal-li jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We will prepare it as quickly as possible. -
Expression: 주문 확인해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun hwa-gin-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Let me confirm your order. -
Expression: 혹시 더 필요하신 것 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si deo pil-yo-ha-sin geot i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 지금 이 메뉴는 시간이 좀 걸립니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, ji-geum i me-nyu-neun si-gan-i jom geol-lim-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but this menu item takes a little time right now. -
Expression: 다른 메뉴는 더 빨리 가능합니다.
Pronunciation: da-reun me-nyu-neun deo ppal-li ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Other menu items are available more quickly. -
Expression: 이해해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: i-hae-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your understanding. -
Expression: 주문하신 샌드위치 나왔습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-sin san-deu-wi-chi na-wat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Here is the sandwich you ordered.
Korean Culture Notes
In many Korean restaurants, especially casual ones, you might need to call the staff when you need service. You can say “저기요” (jeo-gi-yo – Excuse me) or press a call button often found on the table.
Service, particularly during peak hours like lunch, is generally expected to be fast. Customers appreciate efficiency, so promptness in taking orders and serving food is valued.
Tipping is not customary in Korea. Excellent service is expected as part of the price, and leaving a tip can sometimes cause confusion.
Water is typically self-service in many casual eateries. Look for a water dispenser (정수기 – jeong-su-gi) and cups, often located centrally.
Payment is usually made at the counter near the exit after the meal, rather than at the table. Bring your bill (계산서 – gye-san-seo) if one was left at your table.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A waiter (A) approaches a customer (B) who is looking at the menu during a busy lunch hour.
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. Are you ready to order? -
Expression: B: 아, 네. 뭘 먹을지 고민 중이에요. 점심이라 간단하게 먹고 싶은데요.
Pronunciation: B: a, ne. mwol meo-geul-ji go-min jung-i-e-yo. jeom-sim-i-ra gan-dan-ha-ge meok-go sip-eun-de-yo.
Meaning: B: Ah, yes. I’m deciding what to eat. Since it’s lunch, I want something simple. -
Expression: A: 그러시면 샌드위치 어떠세요? 저희 가게 클럽 샌드위치가 인기가 많습니다.
Pronunciation: A: geu-reo-si-myeon san-deu-wi-chi eo-tteo-se-yo? jeo-hui ga-ge keul-leop san-deu-wi-chi-ga in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: In that case, how about a sandwich? Our store’s Club Sandwich is very popular. -
Expression: B: 클럽 샌드위치요? 뭐가 들어가나요?
Pronunciation: B: keul-leop san-deu-wi-chi-yo? mwo-ga deu-reo-ga-na-yo?
Meaning: B: The Club Sandwich? What’s in it? -
Expression: A: 네, 닭가슴살, 베이컨, 토마토, 양상추가 들어간 든든한 샌드위치입니다. 지금 점심시간이라 조금 바빠서 음식 나오는 데 10분 정도 걸릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: A: ne, dak-ga-seum-sal, be-i-keon, to-ma-to, yang-sang-chu-ga deu-reo-gan deun-deun-han san-deu-wi-chi-im-ni-da. ji-geum jeom-sim-si-gan-i-ra jo-geum ba-ppa-seo eum-sik na-o-neun de sip-bun jeong-do geol-lil su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, it’s a filling sandwich with chicken breast, bacon, tomato, and lettuce. It’s a bit busy now because it’s lunchtime, so the food might take about 10 minutes. -
Expression: B: 괜찮아요. 그럼 클럽 샌드위치 하나 주세요.
Pronunciation: B: gwaen-chan-a-yo. geu-reom keul-leop san-deu-wi-chi ha-na ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: That’s okay. Then please give me one Club Sandwich. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 클럽 샌드위치 하나 준비해 드리겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. keul-leop san-deu-wi-chi ha-na jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. I will prepare one Club Sandwich for you. Please wait just a moment.
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect, especially with service language! Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend, taking turns being the waiter and the customer~ You can also practice recommending different types of sandwiches or other menu items.
Listen carefully to how staff interact with customers in Korean cafes or restaurants if you have the chance. Pay attention to their tone and the specific phrases they use during busy times. Good luck with your practice!
