Korean Taxi Phrases You Need: “Are We Almost There Yet?”
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean guide, [Maeil Hangeul], here to upgrade your Korean skills! 🚕
Ever been in a taxi in a new city, eagerly looking out the window and wondering how much further you have to go? We’ve all been there! Today, we’re going to learn some super useful phrases for when you’re in a taxi in Korea. Lately in Korea, with so many people visiting trendy neighborhoods like Seongsu-dong or Yeonnam-dong after seeing them on social media, getting around quickly by taxi is a must! These phrases will make you feel confident and help you get to that cool café or K-drama filming spot like a local.
Let’s get started!
Key Expressions for Your Taxi Ride
Here are three essential phrases you can use to ask about your arrival.
- 1. 거의 다 왔나요? (Are we almost there?)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Geoui da wan-nayo?
- English Meaning: Are we almost there? / Are we nearly there?
- Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and polite way to ask if you’re close to your destination. Let’s break it down:
- 거의 (geoui) means “almost.”
- 다 왔나요 (da wan-nayo) is a polite question form of “arrived.”
It’s a perfect, gentle phrase to use with any taxi driver.
- 2. 얼마나 더 가야 돼요? (How much further?)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Eol-ma-na deo ga-ya dwae-yo?
- English Meaning: How much further do we have to go?
- Detailed Explanation: This is a great follow-up question if you want more details.
- 얼마나 (eolmana) means “how much” or “how long.”
- 더 (deo) means “more.”
- 가야 돼요 (gaya dwaeyo) means “have to go.”
Use this when you want to know if it’s 5 minutes or 15 minutes away!
- 3. 여기에서 세워 주세요. (Please stop here.)
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Yeo-gi-e-seo se-wo ju-se-yo.
- English Meaning: Please stop here. / Please let me out here.
- Detailed Explanation: This is your magic phrase for when you spot your destination!
- 여기에서 (yeogi-eseo) means “at here.”
- 세워 주세요 (sewo juseyo) is a polite way to say “please stop (the car).”
When you see the building you’re looking for, you can say this phrase confidently to the driver.
Example Conversation
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation! Imagine passenger A is going to Gyeongbok Palace.
A (Passenger): 기사님, 혹시 거의 다 왔나요?
(Gisanim, hoksi geoui da wan-nayo?)
Driver, are we almost there by any chance?
B (Driver): 네, 저기 큰 문 보이시죠? 5분 안에 도착해요.
(Ne, jeogi keun mun bo-i-sijyo? Obun an-e dochak-haeyo.)
Yes, do you see that big gate over there? We’ll arrive within 5 minutes.
A (Passenger): 아, 감사합니다! 저기 입구 앞에서 세워 주세요.
(A, gamsahamnida! Jeogi ipgu ap-eseo sewo juseyo.)
Ah, thank you! Please stop in front of the entrance over there.
B (Driver): 알겠습니다.
(Algesseumnida.)
Okay. / Understood.
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
You’re all set with the phrases, but here’s a tip to sound even more like a local!
✨ Tip: The Magic of “기사님” (Gisanim)!
In our example conversation, the passenger says “기사님” (Gisanim). This means “driver” and is the polite and standard way to address a taxi driver in Korea. Instead of just shouting to get their attention, starting your sentence with “기사님…” sounds much more natural and respectful.
📈 Trend Alert: Kakao T is Your Best Friend!
These days, almost everyone in Korea uses a taxi-hailing app called Kakao T. It’s connected to the country’s most popular messaging app, KakaoTalk. You can set your destination directly in the app, so you don’t even need to explain where you’re going! But even when using the app, knowing today’s phrases is super helpful for checking in during the ride. Using Kakao T and these phrases will make you look like a seasoned Seoulite!
Let’s Practice!
Time to check what you’ve learned!
- You are getting close to your hotel. How do you ask the driver, “Are we almost there?”
- A) 안녕하세요? (Annyeonghaseyo?)
- B) 거의 다 왔나요? (Geoui da wan-nayo?)
- C) 여기에서 세워 주세요. (Yeogi-eseo sewo juseyo.)
- Fill in the blank: You see the restaurant you were looking for! You tell the driver, “_______ 세워 주세요.” (Hint: here)
You did an amazing job today! Now you’re ready to navigate the streets of Korea by taxi.
Try making your own sentence in the comments below using one of today’s phrases! We’d love to see it! Happy learning
