Meaning and Usage
"손님" primarily means "customer" or "guest" in Korean. It is used to refer to people who visit a place such as a store, restaurant, or home. The word carries a polite and respectful nuance, especially when addressing or talking about someone who is being served or welcomed.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "손님" in business settings like shops and restaurants, where it refers to paying customers. It is also used in social contexts when referring to guests visiting a home or event.
Collocations and Patterns
- 손님이 오다: a customer or guest arrives
- 손님을 맞이하다: to welcome guests
- 손님께 서비스하다: to provide service to customers
These collocations highlight typical actions involving 손님, emphasizing hospitality and service.
Register and Politeness
"손님" is a polite term and is appropriate in both formal and informal situations. When combined with honorifics like "손님께", it shows respect toward the customer or guest.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "손님" with "고객" (client/customer in a more formal or business sense). Use "손님" for general customers or guests, especially in everyday conversation and hospitality contexts.