Shopping in a foreign country can be both an exciting and daunting experience, especially if you’re not familiar with the local language. If you’re planning to visit South Korea or interact with Korean-speaking communities, knowing some basic Korean words and phrases for shopping can be extremely helpful. In this article, we’ll cover essential Korean vocabulary and expressions that will make your shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Vocabulary for Shopping
When you’re out shopping, you’ll encounter a variety of situations where specific vocabulary will come in handy. Here are some fundamental words and phrases to get you started:
1. 물건 (mulgeon) – Item/Product
This is a general term for any item or product you might be looking to buy.
2. 가격 (gagyeok) – Price
Knowing how to ask for the price of an item is crucial. You can say 가격이 얼마예요? (gagyeogi eolmayeyo?) which means “How much is it?”
3. 할인 (halin) – Discount
If you’re on the hunt for bargains, this word will be very useful. You might see signs that say 할인 중 (halin jung), meaning “on discount.”
4. 현금 (hyeongeum) – Cash
Many small stores prefer cash transactions, so it’s good to know this term.
5. 카드 (kadeu) – Card
Most larger stores accept credit and debit cards. 카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) means “Do you accept cards?”
6. 영수증 (yeongsujeung) – Receipt
Always ask for a receipt, especially if you think you might need to return the item. 영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo) means “Please give me a receipt.”
7. 교환 (gyohwan) – Exchange
If you need to exchange an item, you can say 교환 가능해요? (gyohwan ganeunghaeyo?) which means “Is an exchange possible?”
8. 환불 (hwanbul) – Refund
For returns and refunds, you can ask 환불 가능해요? (hwanbul ganeunghaeyo?) meaning “Is a refund possible?”
9. 사이즈 (saijeu) – Size
When shopping for clothes, knowing how to ask for your size is important. 사이즈 있어요? (saijeu isseoyo?) means “Do you have this size?”
10. 색깔 (saekkkal) – Color
If you’re looking for a specific color, you can say 색깔 뭐예요? (saekkkal mwoyeyo?) which means “What colors do you have?”
Common Phrases for Shopping
Here are some useful phrases that you can use while shopping to make your experience more comfortable:
1. 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) – Please give me this.
This is a straightforward way to indicate that you want to purchase an item.
2. 저거 보여주세요 (jeogeo boyeojuseyo) – Please show me that.
Use this phrase when you want to take a closer look at something.
3. 다른 색깔 있어요? (dareun saekkkal isseoyo?) – Do you have this in another color?
If you like an item but prefer a different color, this phrase will be very useful.
4. 더 큰 사이즈 있어요? (deo keun saijeu isseoyo?) – Do you have a bigger size?
Ask this if you need a larger size of an item.
5. 더 작은 사이즈 있어요? (deo jageun saijeu isseoyo?) – Do you have a smaller size?
Conversely, use this phrase if you need a smaller size.
6. 입어봐도 돼요? (ibeobwado dwaeyo?) – Can I try this on?
When shopping for clothes, it’s a good idea to try them on before buying.
7. 카드로 결제할 수 있어요? (kadeuro gyeoljjehal su isseoyo?) – Can I pay with a card?
Use this phrase to confirm if you can use your credit or debit card for payment.
8. 너무 비싸요 (neomu bissayo) – It’s too expensive.
If you find the price too high, you can use this phrase. Sometimes, it might even lead to a discount!
9. 조금 깎아주세요 (jogeum kakkajuseyo) – Can you lower the price a bit?
This is a polite way to ask for a discount.
10. 포장해 주세요 (pojanghae juseyo) – Please wrap it up.
If you’re buying a gift, this phrase will come in handy.
Shopping at Different Types of Stores
Different types of stores may require different vocabulary and phrases. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate various shopping environments:
Department Stores (백화점 – baekhwajeom)
Department stores in South Korea are often large and offer a wide range of products. Here are some phrases you might need:
1. 어디에 있어요? (eodie isseoyo?) – Where is it?
Use this to ask for the location of a specific section or item.
2. 엘리베이터 어디에요? (ellibeiteo eodieyo?) – Where is the elevator?
These large stores often have multiple floors, so knowing how to ask for the elevator can be helpful.
3. 화장실 어디에요? (hwajangsil eodieyo?) – Where is the restroom?
Shopping can take a while, and you might need to use the restroom at some point.
Traditional Markets (시장 – sijang)
Traditional markets offer a unique shopping experience with a variety of local goods. Here are some useful phrases:
1. 얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
A simple, yet essential, phrase for any shopping trip.
2. 조금 깎아주세요 (jogeum kakkajuseyo) – Can you lower the price a bit?
Haggling is often expected in traditional markets, so don’t be shy to ask for a discount.
3. 신선한 거 있어요? (sinseonhan geo isseoyo?) – Do you have fresh ones?
When buying produce, it’s good to ask if the items are fresh.
Convenience Stores (편의점 – pyeonuijeom)
Convenience stores are ubiquitous in South Korea and offer a variety of everyday items. Here are some phrases you might need:
1. 이거 어디 있어요? (igeo eodi isseoyo?) – Where is this?
Use this when you’re looking for a specific item.
2. 영수증 필요해요 (yeongsujeung piryohaeyo) – I need a receipt.
Always ask for a receipt, especially for business expenses.
Online Shopping (온라인 쇼핑 – onlain syoping)
Online shopping is very popular in South Korea. Here are some phrases related to online shopping:
1. 배송비 얼마예요? (baesongbi eolmayeyo?) – How much is the shipping fee?
Knowing the shipping cost is essential when shopping online.
2. 언제 도착해요? (eonje dochakhaeyo?) – When will it arrive?
Use this to ask about the delivery time.
3. 반품 가능해요? (banpum ganeunghaeyo?) – Can I return this?
Check the return policy before making a purchase.
Useful Tips for Shopping in Korea
Here are some additional tips to enhance your shopping experience in South Korea:
1. Be Polite: Politeness is highly valued in Korean culture. Always use polite forms of speech when interacting with store staff.
2. Learn Basic Numbers: Knowing how to count in Korean can be very helpful, especially for understanding prices. The basic numbers are:
– 1: 일 (il)
– 2: 이 (i)
– 3: 삼 (sam)
– 4: 사 (sa)
– 5: 오 (o)
– 6: 육 (yuk)
– 7: 칠 (chil)
– 8: 팔 (pal)
– 9: 구 (gu)
– 10: 십 (sip)
3. Use Body Language: If you’re having trouble communicating, don’t hesitate to use body language or gestures to get your point across.
4. Carry Cash: While many places accept cards, smaller vendors, especially in traditional markets, may prefer cash.
5. Be Aware of Tax Refunds: Tourists can often get a tax refund for purchases over a certain amount. Look for stores with “Tax Free” signs and ask for a tax refund receipt.
6. Check Store Hours: Many stores in South Korea have specific opening and closing hours, and some may be closed on certain days, like Sundays or public holidays. It’s a good idea to check the hours in advance.
7. Download a Translation App: Having a translation app on your phone can be a lifesaver if you encounter any language barriers.
Conclusion
Shopping in South Korea can be a delightful experience if you are equipped with the right vocabulary and phrases. Knowing how to ask for prices, inquire about sizes, and request discounts can make your shopping trip more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re in a bustling department store, a quaint traditional market, or shopping online, these essential Korean words and phrases will help you navigate the shopping landscape with ease.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms and practicing them, you’ll not only enhance your shopping experience but also gain a deeper understanding of the Korean language and culture. Happy shopping!