Are you visiting Korea and want to try some delicious local cuisine? Knowing how to express “I want to order” in Korean will be incredibly useful during your culinary adventures. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, while also providing regional variations if necessary. Get ready to impress the locals and dive into the world of Korean food!
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Formal Ways to Say “I Want to Order”
When you are in a formal setting or dealing with someone older or higher in status, it is important to use appropriate language and honorifics. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. 주문하고 싶습니다 (joo-moon-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da)
This is the standard formal phrase used to say “I want to order.” By adding “습니다 (seum-ni-da)” at the end, you make the sentence polite and respectful.
Example:
서비스员 (Seo-bee-so-yun): 안녕하세요! 주문하시겠어요? (Hello! Would you like to order?)
당신 (You): 네, 주문하고 싶습니다. (Yes, I would like to order.)
2. 주문하고자 합니다 (joo-moon-ha-go-ja hap-ni-da)
This phrase also means “I want to order” but sounds slightly more formal than the previous one. “하고자 합니다 (ha-go-ja hap-ni-da)” emphasizes your intention to order.
Example:
직원 (Jik-won): 안녕하세요! 저희 메뉴 중에서 무엇을 주문하고자 합니까? (Hello! What would you like to order from our menu?)
손님 (Customer): 제가 주문하고자 합니다. 돈까스 한 그릇 주세요. (I want to order a portion of pork cutlet, please.)
Informal Ways to Say “I Want to Order”
In informal situations or when talking to friends or people younger than you, you can use less formal language. Here are two common phrases you can use:
1. 주문하고 싶어 (joo-moon-ha-go ship-eo)
This phrase is a casual way to say “I want to order.” By dropping the “습니다 (seum-ni-da)” ending, it becomes less formal.
Example:
친구 (Chin-goo): 메뉴판 보셨어요? (Did you see the menu?)
너 (You): 네, 주문하고 싶어. 짜장면 먹고 싶은데 어떤 걸 추천해? (Yes, I want to order. I feel like having jjajangmyeon, any recommendations?)
2. 주문할래 (joo-moon-hal-lae)
This phrase is even more casual. “할래 (hal-lae)” is the casual form of “하고 싶어 (ha-go ship-eo).” It is commonly used among friends or when the atmosphere is relaxed.
Example:
동생 (Dong-saeng): 뭐 먹을까? (What do you want to eat?)
나 (You): 나 주문할래. 떡볶이와 순대국이 괜찮아! (I want to order. Tteokbokki and sundae-guk sound good!)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are commonly used throughout Korea, there might be slight regional variations. However, it is essential to note that Korean is largely consistent across the country, and people from different regions will still understand the standard phrases mentioned earlier. Regional variations mainly involve differences in accents and dialects rather than entirely different phrases.
For example, in the Busan dialect, people may say “주문하고 싶어서” (joo-moon-ha-go ship-eo-seo) instead of “주문하고 싶어” (joo-moon-ha-go ship-eo) to express “I want to order.” These regional differences should not cause significant confusion, as long as you use the standard phrases.
Additional Tips for Ordering Food in Korean
Now that you know how to say “I want to order” in formal and informal settings, here are a few additional tips to enhance your dining experience:
1. Polite Greetings:
Start your interaction with the staff by using polite greetings like “안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)” for “Hello” and “감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)” for “Thank you.”
2. Pointing and Nodding:
If you have trouble pronouncing the names of dishes, you can simply point to the menu or pictures and nod to indicate your choice.
3. Asking for Recommendations:
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations if you are unsure what to order. They will likely be delighted to help you navigate the menu.
4. Learning Common Dish Names:
Familiarize yourself with the names of popular Korean dishes beforehand. This will make the ordering process smoother and showcase your interest in Korean culture.
5. Trying Local Etiquette:
Immerse yourself in the local traditions by learning basic Korean dining etiquette, such as using chopsticks or the proper way to share side dishes.
Armed with these phrases and tips, you are now ready to confidently say “I want to order” in Korean. Enjoy the diverse flavors of Korea and have memorable dining experiences during your visit!
