Gaining popularity worldwide, the iced latte has become a favored beverage for many. If you find yourself in South Korea and want to order this refreshing treat, it’s helpful to know how to say “iced latte” in Korean. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to express this in Korean, along with some regional variations that are used within the country. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Way: 아이스 라떼 [a-i-seu ra-tte]
In formal settings or when addressing someone older or in a professional environment, the term commonly used for “iced latte” is “아이스 라떼” (a-i-seu ra-tte). Koreans have adopted the English term and transliterated it into Korean characters, maintaining the original pronunciation. This is widely understood across the country, regardless of region, making it a safe choice to use anywhere.
Informal Ways:
1. 차가운 라떼 마실래요? [cha-ga-un ra-tte ma-shil-lae-yo?]
If you’re in a casual or informal setting, you can use the phrase “차가운 라떼 마실래요?” (cha-ga-un ra-tte ma-shil-lae-yo?) to ask if someone would like to have an iced latte with you. This phrase is suitable to use with friends, peers, or anyone you are comfortable with. It directly translates to “Do you want to drink a cold latte?”
2. 아이스 카페라떼 주세요! [a-i-seu ka-pe-ra-tte ju-se-yo!]
Another informal way to order an iced latte is to say “아이스 카페라떼 주세요!” (a-i-seu ka-pe-ra-tte ju-se-yo!), which means “Please give me an iced caramel latte!” The term “카페라떼” (ka-pe-ra-tte) refers to a general latte, and combining it with “아이스” (a-i-seu) specifies that you’d like the iced version. This is a commonly used phrase and will be understood by most Koreans.
Regional Variations:
While the aforementioned phrases are commonly used throughout South Korea, there can be slight variations in local dialects or preferences. Let’s explore a few regions and their unique expressions for “iced latte”.
1. Busan
In Busan, a coastal city known for its vibrant culture, people have a penchant for using the word “컨디션” (keon-di-syeon) instead of “라떼” (ra-tte). Therefore, in Busan, you can say “아이스 컨디션 주세요!” (a-i-seu keon-di-syeon ju-se-yo!) to order an iced latte.
2. Jeju Island
On Jeju Island, a beautiful tourist destination, the term “130” is often used to refer to a popular local iced latte. It originates from the price of the drink, which is 1,300 Korean won. So, if you find yourself on Jeju Island, simply ask for “아이스 일삼공 주세요!” (a-i-seu il-sam-gong ju-se-yo!) to enjoy the local specialty.
Jeju Island is famous not only for its breathtaking natural scenery but also for its unique language variations. While the phrase provided may work best on the island, don’t be surprised if you come across other local expressions during your stay.
Tips and Examples:
Now that we’ve covered the various ways to say “iced latte” in Korean, let’s discuss a few tips and provide additional examples for your convenience:
Tips:
- When unsure, stick with the formal term “아이스 라떼” (a-i-seu ra-tte) as it is understood throughout the country.
- Use the informal phrases with caution, as they may be more suitable when interacting with peers or friends.
- Be open to different variations or local dialects when traveling to specific regions.
Examples:
- “저는 아이스 라떼를 2잔 주문하겠습니다.” (I would like to order two iced lattes.)
- “친구랑 차가운 라떼 마실래요?” (Do you want to drink a cold latte with your friend?)
- “서울에선 아이스 컨디션 어때?” (How about an iced latte in Seoul?)
Now armed with the knowledge of how to say “iced latte” in Korean, you can confidently enjoy this popular beverage while exploring South Korea. Remember to adapt your language depending on the setting, and embrace regional variations for a more immersive cultural experience. Enjoy your iced latte, or as the Koreans say, “아이스 라떼” (a-i-seu ra-tte)!
