커피숍
keopisyop[kʰʌ̹pʰiɕʰop̚]
The English phrase "coffee shop" is translated into Korean as 커피숍 (keopisyop).
커피숍 refers to a small restaurant or cafe that primarily sells coffee and light snacks.
Which one should you use?
While 커피숍 is a direct transliteration of "coffee shop", the word 카페 is more commonly used in modern Korean to refer to a cafe. The term 커피숍 can sometimes carry a slightly older or more traditional connotation compared to the more trendy and modern-sounding 카페.
How do you pronounce it?
keopisyop
Did you know?
- South Korea has a unique 카공족 culture, referring to people who use a 카페 as a long-term study space or office, often buying only one drink for several hours.
- Many modern Korean 카페 offer a 'no-kids zone', a policy that prohibits children from entering to ensure a quiet environment for adults.
- Some traditional Korean 커피숍 are called 다방, which historically served traditional teas before transitioning to coffee.
Examples in context
- 저는 지금 커피숍에 있어요.I am currently at the coffee shop.
- 커피숍이 어디에 있어요?kkeopisyobi eodie isseoyo?Where is a coffee shop?
- 앞에 작은 커피숍이 있어요.ape jageun kkeopisyobi isseoyo.There is a small coffee shop in front.
- 이 커피숍은 정말 조용해요.i kkeopisyoseun jeongmal joyonghaeyo.This coffee shop is really quiet.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are walking in the city.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨, 근처에 커피숍이 있어요?Subin-ssi, geuncheoe kkeopisyobi isseoyo?Subin, is there a coffee shop nearby?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 저기 골목에 있어요.ne, jeogi golme isseoyo.Yes, it is in that alley over there.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그 커피숍은 분위기가 좋아요?geu kkeopisyoseun bunwigiga joayo?Is the atmosphere of that coffee shop good?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 아주 아늑해요.ne, aju aneukhaeyo.Yes, it is very cozy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 커피숍, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
