How to say "Do you have...?" in Korean

The pronunciation of "있어요" (isseoyo) can be tricky for learners. While written as "있어요," the "ㅆ" (ss) sound merges with the following "어" (eo) sound. It's pronounced closer to "이써요" (i-sseo-yo), with a strong, tense 'ss' sound similar to the 'ss' in "lessen," not a 'ts' sound. Emphasize the second syllable slightly for clarity.

To ask if a store has a specific item, simply place the item or its description before "있어요" (isseoyo). For example, "사이즈 작은 거 있어요?" (saijeu jageun geo isseoyo?) means "Do you have a smaller size?" and "다른 색 있어요?" (dareun saek isseoyo?) means "Do you have another color?". This structure is common and polite in shopping contexts.

Yes, "있어요" (isseoyo) is a polite and commonly used form for asking store clerks. The "-어요/-아요" ending makes it a standard polite informal speech style, appropriate for most retail interactions. You don't usually need to use more formal honorifics like "있으십니까?" unless you're in a very high-end or traditional setting, where extreme deference is expected.

The opposite of "있어요" (isseoyo) is "없어요" (eopsoyo), which means "we don't have it" or "it's not here." If a store doesn't have the item you're looking for, the clerk will likely respond with "지금 없어요" (jigeum eopsoyo) meaning "We don't have it right now," or "죄송합니다, 없어요" (joesonghamnida, eopsoyo) for "Sorry, we don't have it." These are common polite responses.

While "있어요?" can sometimes be understood in very clear contexts (e.g., pointing at something), it's generally best to specify the item you're asking about. Saying just "있어요?" (isseoyo?) might sound vague or even a little abrupt. Always adding the item, like "이거 있어요?" (igeo isseoyo? - Do you have this?) or "큰 사이즈 있어요?" (keun saijeu isseoyo? - Do you have a large size?) is clearer and more polite.