Korean Politeness Levels
Staff at a shop or café
UsePolite (haeyo-che)-아요 / -어요
Why
Customers and staff both use haeyo. It's polite, quick and friendly — the everyday style of buying things in Korea, whatever anyone's age.
Say it like this
- 이거 얼마예요?igeo eolmayeyo? · Polite (haeyo-che)How much is this?
- 카드로 할게요.kadeuro halgeyo. · Polite (haeyo-che)I'll pay by card.
- 봉투 하나 주세요.bongtu hana juseyo. · Polite (haeyo-che)One bag, please.
Common mistake
Talking down to staff in banmal because you're the customer. It's seen as rude — the customer uses haeyo too.