How to say "Water" in Korean

The Korean word "물" (Mul) is pronounced with a "m" sound similar to English. The "u" vowel is like the "oo" in "book" or "put," not like "moon." The final "l" sound is a "liquid l" or "dark l," where your tongue touches the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth, but without a strong release. It's often likened to the "l" in "pull."

The most common and useful phrase to request water at a Korean restaurant is "물 주세요" (Mul juseyo). "물" (Mul) means water, and "주세요" (juseyo) means "please give me." This phrase is widely understood and appropriate in almost all casual dining settings. In many restaurants, water is self-service, so look for a water dispenser or a table with cups and bottles.

"물 주세요" (Mul juseyo) is generally polite and perfectly acceptable in most casual and mid-range restaurants. It uses the polite "요" (yo) ending. For a slightly more formal or deferential tone, you could add "죄송하지만" (joesonghajiman, "excuse me, but") at the beginning or use "물 좀 주시겠어요?" (Mul jom jusigetseoyo?, "Could you please give me some water?"), which is a more indirect and hence slightly more polite request.

To specify different types of water, you combine "물" (Mul) with other words. For hot water, you'd say "뜨거운 물" (tteugeoun mul). For cold water, it's "차가운 물" (chagaun mul). Sparkling water is typically called "탄산수" (tansansu). If you just want regular tap water, "수돗물" (sudotmul) is the term, though you'd rarely ask for it in a restaurant.

In most Korean restaurants, especially casual and mid-range ones, water is indeed free. It's often self-service, meaning you'll find a water dispenser, a cooler, or bottles of water and cups at a designated station or even on your table. It's common to serve yourself. If you don't see it, saying "물 주세요" (Mul juseyo) will prompt staff to either bring it or point you to the self-service area.