What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 커피 (coffee), the object marker 를 (object) and 마셔요 (drink).
Which one should you use?
While 커피를 마셔요 is a standard polite form, you might encounter other versions depending on the social setting, such as the formal 커피를 마십니다 or the casual 커피를 마셔.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 커피를 마셔요 uses the polite ending '-어요', making it suitable for most daily social interactions. For highly professional settings or news broadcasts, use the formal version 커피를 마십니다. Conversely, you can use the informal version 커피를 마셔 by dropping the '요' at the end when speaking casually with close friends or younger people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Seoul dialect, the phrase 저는 커피를 마셔요 can be used to express 'I drink coffee' in informal speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the same phrase is used to express both a habitual action and a continuous action happening now. Additionally, the subject is frequently omitted in Korean if it is clear from the context.
How do you pronounce it?
keopireul masyeoyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to include the word 'I' (나/저) in the sentence, but in Korean, it is often more natural to omit the subject if it is understood from context.
Did you know?
- When ordering coffee in Korea, it is common to use the word 아이스 (ice) to specify an 'Iced Americano', which is the most popular coffee drink in the country regardless of the season.
- In many Korean cafes, you might hear people say they are 'taking coffee' instead of 'drinking' it. This is because the verb 먹다 (to eat) is often used for consuming almost anything, including liquids like coffee.
- While 커피를 마셔요 is a direct translation, Koreans often use the term 커피 한 잔 할래요? (Would you like a cup of coffee?) as a subtle way to suggest hanging out or starting a conversation.
Examples in context
- 저는 매일 아침 커피를 마셔요.jeoneun maeil achim keopireul masyeoyo.I drink coffee every morning.
- 지금 카페에서 커피를 마셔요.jigeum kapeeseo keopireul masyeoyo.I am drinking coffee at a cafe now.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about their morning routines at a park.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨는 아침에 뭐 해요?subin ssineun achime mwo haeyo?Subin, what do you do in the morning?
- 수빈 Su-bin저는 커피를 마셔요.jeoneun keopireul masyeoyo.I drink coffee.
- 민준 Min-jun저도 아침에 커피를 마셔요.jeodo achime keopireul masyeoyo.I drink coffee in the morning, too.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 같이 커피 마실까요?geureom gachi keopi masilkkayo?Then, shall we drink coffee together?
