How to Order Coffee in Korean: The Only 5 Lines You Need

You don’t need 50 drink names to order coffee in Korea. You need five lines, plus an ear for the three questions the barista throws back at you.

That’s it. Let’s go.

Order: 아아 하나요

아아 is short for 아이스 아메리카노, and it’s how people actually order. The 요 at the end keeps it polite. Want it hot? Swap in 뜨아 (tteu-a).

Can’t read the menu? Point at it.

“매장에서 드세요?” For Here or To Go

This is the question that freezes everyone. It comes out like one long word: 매장에서드시고가세요? You don’t need all of it. Just listen for 매장 (the store).

Yes, 먹다 means “to eat.” People say it about coffee anyway. One tip: 갈게요 sounds like “gal-kke-yo.”

Points and Receipt: Just Say No

Two more quick questions and you’re done.

포인트 적립하시겠어요? (pointeu jeongnipasigesseoyo?) means “Collect points?”

영수증 드릴까요? (yeongsujeung deurilkkayo?) means “Want the receipt?”

It sounds rude in English. In Korea, it’s completely normal.

Try It Today

Read this out loud twice. Then go buy a coffee.

Quick Questions

What if they talk too fast?

Say 한 번만 더 말씀해 주세요 (han beonman deo malsseumhae juseyo): “One more time, please.” Nobody minds.

How do I say “no syrup” or “less ice”?

시럽 빼 주세요 (sireop ppae juseyo) and 얼음 적게 주세요 (eoreum jeokge juseyo). 빼 주세요 means “take it out,” and it works on anything, even the cucumber in your kimbap.

They pointed me to a kiosk. Now what?

키오스크에서 주문해 주세요 means “Please order at the kiosk.” Look for the language button on the screen.