How Much for That K-Idol Glow? Your Pharmacy Guide
Hello! It’s your favorite Korean guide, Maeil Hangeul, here to level up your Korean skills!
Ever been traveling in Korea and felt a bit lost at the pharmacy? You see all these amazing products but feel too shy to ask for the price? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Today, we’re going to learn the super useful phrases you need to shop confidently at any Korean pharmacy.
And here’s why this is extra fun right now: You know how K-pop idols and actors always have that amazing, glowing skin? Lately in Korea, the “Inner Beauty” (이너뷰티) trend is HUGE! People are flocking to pharmacies not just for medicine, but for collagen jellies, vitamin supplements, and all sorts of goodies to get that healthy glow from the inside out. So let’s learn how to ask for the price of these trendy items like a pro!
Your 3 Must-Know Pharmacy Phrases
Here are the essential expressions you’ll need. Let’s break them down!
- 한국어 표현: 이거 얼마예요?
- 발음 [로마자]: Igeo eolma-yeyo?
- 영어 뜻: How much is this?
- 상세 설명: This is your golden phrase! ‘이거’ (igeo) means “this” and ‘얼마예요?’ (eolma-yeyo?) means “how much is it?”. It’s a polite and universal way to ask for the price of anything you can point to. You can use it everywhere, from a pharmacy to a souvenir shop.
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한국어 표현: 더 싼 거 있어요?
- 발음 [로마자]: Deo ssan geo isseoyo?
- 영어 뜻: Is there a cheaper one?
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상세 설명: This is a super practical phrase for budget-conscious shoppers! ‘더’ (deo) means “more,” ‘싼 거’ (ssan geo) means “cheap thing/one,” and ‘있어요?’ (isseoyo?) means “is there?”. Don’t feel shy using this! It’s very common, and pharmacists are happy to show you different options.
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한국어 표현: [제품명] 주세요.
- 발음 [로마자]: [Product Name] juseyo.
- 영어 뜻: Please give me [Product Name].
- 상세 설명: You’ve made your choice, now how do you buy it? Just say the name of the item followed by ‘주세요’ (juseyo). It’s the magic word for “please give me…” in a polite way. For example, “비타민 주세요” (Bitamin juseyo) means “Vitamins, please.”
Example Dialogue: A K-Beauty Pharmacy Run!
Let’s see these phrases in action. Imagine you (A) are at a pharmacy talking to the pharmacist (B).
A: 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)
Hello.B: 안녕하세요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요? (Annyeonghaseyo. Mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?)
Hello. How may I help you?A: (Pointing at a box of collagen jellies) 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolma-yeyo?)
How much is this?B: 그 콜라겐 젤리는 3만원이에요. (Geu kollagen jellineun samman-won-ieyo.)
That collagen jelly is 30,000 won.A: 아… 더 싼 거 있어요? (A… Deo ssan geo isseoyo?)
Ah… Is there a cheaper one?B: 네, 이 비타민 C는 2만원이에요. 피부에 좋아요. (Ne, i bitamin C-neun iman-won-ieyo. Pibue joayo.)
Yes, this Vitamin C is 20,000 won. It’s good for your skin.A: 좋아요! 그럼 비타민 C 주세요. (Joayo! Geureom bitamin C juseyo.)
Great! Then, please give me the Vitamin C.
See? Simple and effective!
Culture Tip & Trend Deep Dive
Let’s talk more about that “Inner Beauty” (이너뷰티 – ineo byuti) trend. In Korea, great skin isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s about what you put in your body. Pharmacies are treasure troves for these products.
- K-Idol Endorsements: You’ll see famous K-drama actors and K-pop idols on the packaging for everything from drinkable collagen to vitamin powders. For example, a member of a famous girl group might be the face of a popular vitamin C supplement, making fans want to try it too!
- Pro Tip: When you’re at a Korean pharmacy like the famous chain “Olive Young” (which is like a pharmacy and beauty store in one!), don’t be afraid to use these phrases. The staff are very used to foreigners and customers asking about the popular, trendy items. Knowing “이거 얼마예요?” will make your K-beauty shopping haul so much easier and more fun!
Let’s Practice!
You did an amazing job today! Let’s quickly review what you’ve learned.
- Fill in the Blank: You see some cute character-themed band-aids (밴드 – baendeu) and want to know the price. You point and say:
이거 ________?
- Make a Sentence: You have a headache and need headache medicine (두통약 – dutongyak). How would you politely ask the pharmacist for it?
You’re ready for your next trip to a Korean pharmacy!
Leave a comment below using “____ 주세요” (____ juseyo) to tell us what Korean product you want to buy! See you in the next lesson
