How to say “Please” in Korean

How to Order Food in Korean

To order food in Korean, say "이거 주세요" (igeo juseyo), meaning "Please give me this," while pointing at the menu, or say "[dish name] 하나 주세요" ([dish name] hana juseyo) meaning "One [dish], please." These polite phrases work at any Korean restaurant.

Korean Honorifics Guide

Korean honorifics (존댓말, jondaenmal) are a system of speech levels and special vocabulary used to show respect based on the listener's age, social status, and your relationship. The most important rule is to always use polite speech (-요 or -습니다 endings) with anyone older or in a higher position than you.

How to Order Coffee in Korean

To order coffee in Korean, say "아메리카노 한 잔 주세요" (amerikano han jan juseyo), meaning "One Americano, please." For iced, add 아이스 (aiseu) before the drink name: "아이스 아메리카노 주세요" (aiseu amerikano juseyo).

Korean Alphabet Basics

The Korean alphabet, called 한글 (Hangul), has 14 basic consonants and 10 basic vowels that combine into syllable blocks. It was scientifically designed in 1443 by King Sejong the Great and can be learned in just a few hours, making it one of the most logical writing systems in the world.

Korean Restaurant Phrases

The most important Korean restaurant phrase is "주문할게요" (jumunhalgeyo), meaning "I'd like to order." Combined with "[dish] 주세요" ([dish] juseyo — please give me [dish]) and "계산해 주세요" (gyesanhae juseyo — the bill, please), you can navigate any Korean restaurant.

How to Say Thank You in Korean

To say thank you in Korean, say "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) for formal situations or "고마워요" (gomawoyo) for casual-polite situations. With close friends, use the casual "고마워" (gomawo). 감사합니다 is the safest choice and works everywhere.