Signification
Asking someone for their preference of beverage.
Contexte culturel
In Korean culture, the person who suggests the drink or meal is often expected to pay. Asking '뭐 마실래요?' is a strong signal of this intention. When a guest visits an office, it is almost mandatory to offer a drink. Even if they say no, it is polite to ask at least once. Korea has one of the highest densities of cafes in the world. 'Going for a drink' usually means coffee or tea, not necessarily alcohol, unless specified. While Western cultures might offer 'water' immediately, Koreans often offer a variety of 'eumryosu' (juices, sodas, teas) as a sign of abundance and care.
Drop the Object Marker
In casual conversation, saying '음료수 뭐' is much more natural than '음료수를 뭐'.
Watch the Hierarchy
If the person is much older or higher rank, use '드시겠어요?' instead of '마실래요?'.
Signification
Asking someone for their preference of beverage.
Drop the Object Marker
In casual conversation, saying '음료수 뭐' is much more natural than '음료수를 뭐'.
Watch the Hierarchy
If the person is much older or higher rank, use '드시겠어요?' instead of '마실래요?'.
The 'I'll Pay' Nuance
If you say this at a cafe counter, be prepared to pay! It's the standard way to offer a treat.
Specifics are Better
If you know what's available, it's even more polite to list them: '커피나 주스 뭐 마실래요?'
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'to drink' using the -(으)ㄹ래요 ending.
A: 날씨가 너무 더워요. 음료수 뭐 _______? B: 저는 시원한 물 마실래요.
The context is an offer of a drink, which requires the -(으)ㄹ래요 ending.
Which sentence is the most natural way to offer a drink to a guest at your home?
Choose the best option:
Option 2 is the standard polite offer. Option 1 is a literal translation, 3 asks what they are currently doing, and 4 asks about the past.
Complete the dialogue at a cafe.
점원: 주문하시겠어요? 민수: 네, 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요. 지수 씨는 뭐 _______?
Minsu is asking Jisu for her preference before ordering.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Phrase: '음료수 뭐 마실래?'
The ending '-래' (without -요) is informal and only used with close friends or younger people.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels of 'What will you drink?'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: 날씨가 너무 더워요. 음료수 뭐 _______? B: 저는 시원한 물 마실래요.
The context is an offer of a drink, which requires the -(으)ㄹ래요 ending.
Choose the best option:
Option 2 is the standard polite offer. Option 1 is a literal translation, 3 asks what they are currently doing, and 4 asks about the past.
점원: 주문하시겠어요? 민수: 네, 아메리카노 한 잔 주세요. 지수 씨는 뭐 _______?
Minsu is asking Jisu for her preference before ordering.
Phrase: '음료수 뭐 마실래?'
The ending '-래' (without -요) is informal and only used with close friends or younger people.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually '술 뭐 마실래요?' or '뭐 마실래요?' (in a bar context) is used. '음료수' specifically implies non-alcoholic drinks like soda or juice.
'뭐' is the contracted, spoken form of '무엇'. In this phrase, '무엇을 마실래요?' sounds very stiff and textbook-like.
Use the present tense: '뭐 마셔요?' or '뭐 마시고 있어요?'.
Simply say '[Drink Name] 마실래요.' For example: '저는 콜라 마실래요.'
No, it's very polite but friendly. It's perfect for people you are acquainted with. It's only 'rude' if used toward someone of much higher status where extreme honorifics are expected.
No, for food you use '뭐 먹을래요?'.
'음료' is a more formal/technical term for beverages. '음료수' is the common word used in daily life.
In spoken Korean, object markers are often omitted when the meaning is clear from context.
No! That is informal (Banmal). You must use '요' at the end, or better yet, the honorific '드시겠어요?'.
Technically yes, but usually if you just want water, you ask '물 마실래요?'. '음료수' often suggests something with flavor.
Expressions liées
어떤 거 마실래요?
similarWhich one would you like to drink?
목 안 말라요?
builds onAren't you thirsty?
한 잔 할래요?
similarDo you want to have a glass/drink?
뭐 먹을래요?
similarWhat do you want to eat?
음료수 좀 드릴까요?
specialized formShall I give you some beverage?
