1. 사다
The verb 사다 means to buy or purchase. It is one of the most essential verbs for shopping and daily life.
Common Word Combinations
옷을 사다 · to buy clothes
선물을 사다 · to buy a gift
표를 사다 · to buy a ticket
When you want to state where you bought something, typically use the location particle 에서 .
Sentence Frames
[Place]에서 샀어요. (I bought it at [Place].)
백화점에서 샀어요.
인터넷으로 자주 사요.
2. 고르다 (To choose, to pick)
Before you buy something, you usually have to choose it. 고르다 is used when you select an item, a size, a color, or a menu from multiple options.
Common Word Combinations
메뉴를 고르다 · to choose a menu
색을 고르다 · to choose a color
선물을 고르다 · to choose a gift
Sentence Frames
어떤 것을 고를까요? (Which one should I choose?)
마음에 드는 것을 고르세요. (Please choose the one you like.)
3. 주문하다
주문하다 is used when you request a service, order food at a restaurant or cafe, or purchase items online to be delivered.
Common Word Combinations
커피를 주문하다 · to order coffee
피자를 주문하다 · to order pizza
물건을 주문하다 · to order an item
Sentence Frames
[Item] 주문할게요. (I will order [Item].)
아이스 아메리카노 한 잔 주문할게요.
4. Common Mistake: 사다 vs 주문하다
Beginners sometimes confuse 사다 (to buy) and 주문하다 (to order) when talking about food.
Use 사다 when you purchase food items at a grocery store, bakery, or market to take with you.
마트에서 빵을 샀어요.