Learning how to say “tip” in Korean can be useful when visiting Korea or interacting with Korean friends and acquaintances. This guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to say “tip” in Korean, as well as offer regional variations if necessary. Read on for various tips and examples!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Tip
When it comes to formal situations, such as dining at a restaurant or receiving service, it’s important to know the appropriate word for “tip.” In Korean, the formal word for tip is:
1. 팁 (pa-ti)
Example: 서비스가 좋았으니 팁을 드릴게요. (Seo-bi-seu-ga jo-a-sseu-ni pa-ti-eul deu-ril-ge-yo.)
Translation: Since the service was good, I will give a tip.
Informal Ways to Say Tip
When interacting casually with friends, family, or acquaintances, you can use a more relaxed and informal word for “tip.” Here are a couple of options:
1. 봉사료 (bong-sa-ryo)
Example: 이렇게 좋은 서비스에는 봉사료를 꼭 주는 게 좋아. (I-reo-ge jo-eun seo-bi-seu-e-neun bong-sa-ryo-reul kkok ju-neun ge jo-a.)
Translation: It’s good to tip when the service is this good.
2. 감사비 (gam-sa-bi)
Example: 감사비로 감탄을 표해주면 좋아. (Gam-sa-bi-ro gam-tan-eul pyo-hae-ju-myeon jo-a.)
Translation: It’s nice to express admiration with a tip.
Tipping Etiquette in Korea
While tipping is not as prevalent in Korea as it may be in other countries, it is still appreciated in certain situations. Here are some additional tips regarding tipping etiquette in Korea:
- Restaurants: In most restaurants, a service charge is automatically included in the bill. However, if you wish to show additional appreciation, leaving around 10% of the bill as a tip is considered polite.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Korea, but rounding up the fare as a gesture of appreciation is common.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops or housekeeping, is not customary in Korea. However, leaving small change or loose coins as a token of appreciation can still be well-received.
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned words for “tip” are widely understood throughout Korea, regional variations exist. These variations might be useful to know if you specifically find yourself in certain regions:
1. 방울 (bang-ul) – Mostly used in the Jeju Province.
Example: 제주에 여행 온다면 식당에서는 약간의 방울을 남기는 게 좋아. (Je-ju-e yeo-haeng on-da-myeon sik-dang-e-seo-neun yak-gan-eui bang-ul-eul nam-gi-neun ge jo-a.)
Translation: It’s good to leave a small tip at restaurants when traveling to Jeju.
2. 사례금 (sa-rye-geum) – More commonly used in certain regions of South Korea.
Example: 이곳에서는 사례금 없이 서비스만으로도 만족스러워. (I-got-e-seo-neun sa-rye-geum eop-si seo-bi-seu-man-eu-ro-do man-jok-seu-reo-weo.)
Translation: Service alone is sufficient here, without any tips.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned formal and informal ways to say “tip” in Korean, as well as gained insights into tipping etiquette and regional variations, you’ll be better equipped to navigate situations where tipping is appropriate. Remember to always adjust your tipping habits based on individual circumstances and cultural practices. Enjoy your experiences in Korea, and don’t forget to show appreciation for exceptional service!
