주문해도 돼요?
jumunhaedo dwaeyo?
To say "can I order?" in Korean, use 주문해도 돼요? (jumunhaedo dwaeyo?)
This phrase is a polite request used to ask a server if you are ready to place your order at a restaurant. In many Korean restaurants, it is more common to first get a server's attention by saying 저기요! (Excuse me!) before asking to order.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from 주문 (order), -해도 (even if/even though) and 돼요 (is it okay/is it allowed), literally meaning "Is it okay even if I order?"
Which one should you use?
The phrase 주문할 수 있을까요? is a polite way to ask 'Can I order?' For the informal way to say 'Can I place an order?', you can use 주문할 수 있을까(요)?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using 주문해도 될까요? instead of 주문해도 돼요? makes the request sound slightly more formal and softer, meaning "May I order?" In contrast, the informal way to say 'Can I place an order?' is 주문할 수 있을까(요)?
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 주문할게요 is a more direct way to state your intention to order rather than asking for permission, which means "I will order".
How do you pronounce it?
jumunhaedo dwaeyo?
Did you know?
- The word 주문 can also refer to a magical spell or an incantation in Korean, not just a restaurant order.
- In Korea, the 'order' process often includes asking for 'service' 서비스, which refers to free side dishes or drinks given by the owner as a gesture of kindness.
- In many modern Korean restaurants, instead of calling out to a server, you can simply press a button on your table to request service. This automated way of saying 'excuse me' to order has largely replaced the need to use verbal phrases in many casual dining spots.
Examples in context
- 지금 주문해도 돼요?jigeum jumunhaedo dwaeyo?Can I order now?
- 메뉴 정했는데, 주문해도 돼요?menyu jeonghaetneunde, jumunhaedo dwaeyo?We decided on the menu, can we order?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are sitting in a small cafe and are ready to eat.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저기요, 주문해도 돼요?jeogiyo, jumunhaedo dwaeyo?Excuse me, can I order?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 무엇을 도와드릴까요?ne, mueoseul dowa-deurilkayo?Yes, how can I help you?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아이스 아메리카노 두 잔 주세요.aiseu amerikano du jan juseyo.Two iced americanos, please.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, understood.
