Korean Dictionary
How to say "Do you have...?" in Korean
“Do you have...?” in Korean is 있어요 (pronounced "Isseoyo").
있어요
Isseoyo
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
Asking if a store has a specific item. Add the item before 있어요: 사이즈 작은 거 있어요? (Do you have a smaller size?), 다른 색 있어요? (Do you have another color?). 없어요 (eopsoyo) means 'we don't have it'.
Example Sentence
이 티셔츠 스몰 사이즈 있어요?
Do you have this T-shirt in small size?
How to use 있어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Do you have...?” is 있어요, romanized as Isseoyo.
Usage tip
Shopping Korean usually sounds more natural when you use short polite questions instead of translating English directly.
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 있어요.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'i-sseo-yo' — 'i' is a short 'ee,' 'sseo' has a tensed 'ss' with 'uh,' and 'yo' ends with a soft rise.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
있습니까?
itseumnikka?
Formal, used in business or announcements
Casual (반말)
있어?
isseo?
Casual, used with close friends
More Example Sentences
shopping for clothes
다른 색깔 있어요?
Do you have other colors?
trying on clothes
혹시 더 큰 사이즈 있어요?
Do you happen to have a bigger size?
at a restaurant
물 있어요?
Do you have water?
Cultural Context
있어요? literally means 'is there?' — a catch-all for 'do you have X?' in stores and restaurants. The opposite is 없어요 ('there isn't / no'). In K-drama, the memorable line 있잖아 ('you know...') is derived from this verb — 있다 is one of the most foundational Korean words.
Editorial note
We check possession questions like 'do you have' with particles and polite endings, since the natural Korean form changes depending on whether you are asking a shop, a friend, or a stranger.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
있어요?
Do you have?
혹시 있어요?
Do you happen to have it?
없어요.
We don't have it.
Related Expressions
있다
itda
to have / exist
없다
eopda
to not have (antonym)
없어요
eopseoyo
there isn't / I don't have
혹시
hoksi
by any chance
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce "있어요" (isseoyo) when asking about item availability in a store?+
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.
What is the correct way to use "있어요" to inquire about an item's presence in a Korean store?+
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.
Is "있어요" considered polite enough to use when speaking to store employees in Korea?+
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.
What is the Korean opposite of "있어요" and how would a store use it to say they don't have something?+
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.
Can I just say "있어요" by itself, or do I always need to add the item before it when asking in a store?+
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.
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