음료
eumnyo[ˈɯ(ː)mɲo]
The English phrase 'drinks' is translated into Korean as 음료 (eumnyo).
The term 음료 refers to drinks or beverages. It is commonly found in formal contexts such as official announcements, signs or on menus.
Which one should you use?
While 음료 is the standard term, 음료수 is a more common and colloquial way to say 'drinks' or 'beverages' during daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike English, which uses the plural 'drinks', Korean typically does not add a plural marker to 음료 unless there is a specific need to emphasize a variety of different types of drinks.
How do you pronounce it?
eumnyo
When do people say it?
When you want to politely request a particular drink, you can use the pattern '[Drink] 주세요' (e.g., '물 주세요' for 'Water please'). Common drinks include 물 (water), 커피 (coffee), 차 (tea), 콜라 (cola), 오렌지 주스 (orange juice), 맥주 (beer), 탄산음료 (soft drink), 녹차 (green tea) and 우유 (milk). When making a toast, you can say 건배! to mean 'Cheers!'
Did you know?
- When serving 음료 to someone older or of higher status, it is customary to use both hands to hold the glass or bottle as a sign of respect.
- The word for tea, 차, is a homonym that can also mean 'car' depending on the context of the conversation.
- While English speakers often use 'drinks' as a euphemism for alcohol, using 음료 to refer to alcohol in a social setting would sound quite strange and overly clinical.
Examples in context
- 톰은 설탕있는 음료수를 피하려고 한다.Tom is trying to avoid drinks with sugar.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 음료.Tatoeba #8034307 by yesjustryan, translation #1024797 by CK
- 물 주세요Water please
- 냉장고에 음료가 가득해요.naengjanggo-e eumryo-ga gadeukhaeyo.The refrigerator is full of drinks.
- 무슨 음료를 드릴까요?museun eumryo-reul deurilkkayo?What drink would you like?
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 어떤 음료 마실래요?Jieun ssi, eotteon eumryo masillaeyo?Jieun, what drink would you like to have?
- 지은 Ji-eun저는 시원한 주스 마실게요.jeoneun siwonhan juseu masilgeyo.I will have a cool juice.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저도 같은 음료로 주문할게요.jeodo gateun eumryoro jumunhalgeyo.I will order the same drink too.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 그럼 같이 주문해요.ne, geureom gachi jumunhaeyo.Yes, let's order together then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 음료, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
