Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cafe" in Korean
“Cafe” in Korean is 카페 (pronounced "Kape").
카페
Kape
Usage & Context
Korea is one of the world's largest coffee consumers. Seoul is famous for its density of unique, themed cafes. 공부하다 (studying) at cafes is extremely popular among students. Chains like Starbucks, Ediya, Mega Coffee, and local specialty cafes are everywhere.
Example Sentence
카페에서 공부하는 게 집보다 집중이 잘 돼요.
Studying at a cafe helps me concentrate better than at home.
How to use 카페 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cafe” is 카페, romanized as Kape.
Usage tip
Practice this word inside a full daily-life sentence, because particles and sentence endings make the Korean sound natural.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 카페.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '카페' as "Kah-peh". 'Kah' is like 'car' without the 'r'. 'peh' is like 'peh' in 'pepper'. The 'e' sound is a short 'e'.
More Example Sentences
Two friends making plans for a weekend get-together.
우리 주말에 예쁜 카페에서 만날까?
Shall we meet at a pretty cafe this weekend?
Someone recommending a cafe to a friend.
이 카페는 커피도 맛있고 분위기도 좋아요.
This cafe has good coffee and a nice atmosphere.
Observing the common sight of students studying in cafes during exam periods.
시험 기간이라서 카페에 공부하는 학생들이 많아요.
It's exam season, so there are many students studying at cafes.
Cultural Context
Korea has an incredibly vibrant cafe culture, with Seoul often cited as having one of the highest densities of cafes in the world. Cafes are not just for coffee; they are popular spots for socializing, studying (공부하다), working, and even solo relaxation. You'll find everything from global chains like Starbucks to unique, themed local cafes, each offering a distinct atmosphere and menu. It's common for students to spend hours studying at cafes, taking advantage of the quiet environment and Wi-Fi.
Editorial note
We review entries like 카페 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
카페 가다
To go to a cafe
카페에서 공부하다
To study at a cafe
분위기 좋은 카페
A cafe with a good atmosphere
Related Expressions
커피숍
Keopisyop
Coffee shop (a slightly older or more general term)
찻집
Chatjip
Teahouse (traditional Korean tea house)
식당
Sikdang
Restaurant (a place primarily for meals)
베이커리
Beikeori
Bakery (often combined with cafes)
More Daily Life Words
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