Lesson 3: Mastering Basic Korean Greetings - Essential Phrases for Everyday Conversations

In this lesson, we're diving into basic Korean greetings. Whether you're traveling to Korea, meeting Korean friends, or just starting your language learning journey, knowing these phrases is crucial. From saying "hello" to expressing gratitude, this guide will provide you with the key phrases you need, complete with over 50 examples to practice.

1. Saying "Hello" in Korean

• 안녕하세요? (Annyeonghaseyo?) - Hello (formal)

  • Example: 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 마크입니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun Maku imnida.) - Hello, my name is Mark.

• 안녕? (Annyeong?) - Hi (informal)

  • Example: 안녕, 잘 지냈어? (Annyeong, jal jinaesseo?) - Hi, how have you been?

• 안녕하십니까? (Annyeonghasimnikka?) - Hello (very formal, often used in business)

  • Example: 안녕하십니까? 만나서 반갑습니다. (Annyeonghasimnikka? Mannaseo bangapseumnida.) - Hello, nice to meet you.

2. Saying "Goodbye" in Korean

• 안녕히 가세요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo.) - Goodbye (to someone leaving)

  • Example: 안녕히 가세요, 내일 봐요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo, naeil bwayo.) - Goodbye, see you tomorrow.

• 안녕히 계세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo.) - Goodbye (to someone staying)

  • Example: 안녕히 계세요, 좋은 하루 되세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo, joeun haru doeseyo.) - Goodbye, have a nice day.

• 잘 가. (Jal ga.) - Bye (informal, to someone leaving)

  • Example: 잘 가, 나중에 연락해. (Jal ga, najunge yeollakhae.) - Bye, contact me later.

• 잘 있어. (Jal isseo.) - Bye (informal, to someone staying)

  • Example: 잘 있어, 곧 봐. (Jal isseo, got bwa.) - Bye, see you soon.

3. Expressing Gratitude in Korean

• 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.) - Thank you (formal)

  • Example: 도와주셔서 감사합니다. (Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.) - Thank you for your help.

• 고맙습니다. (Gomapseumnida.) - Thank you (slightly less formal)

  • Example: 선물 고맙습니다. (Seonmul gomapseumnida.) - Thank you for the gift.

• 고마워요. (Gomawoyo.) - Thanks (polite)

  • Example: 저녁 고마워요. (Jeonyeok gomawoyo.) - Thanks for the dinner.

• 고마워. (Gomawo.) - Thanks (informal)

  • Example: 도움 고마워. (Doum gomawo.) - Thanks for the help.

4. Other Essential Korean Phrases

• 네. (Ne.) - Yes

  • Example: 네, 이해했습니다. (Ne, ihaehaetseumnida.) - Yes, I understand.

• 아니요. (Aniyo.) - No

  • Example: 아니요, 아직 안 했어요. (Aniyo, ajik an haesseoyo.) - No, I haven't done it yet.

• 죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.) - I'm sorry (formal)

  • Example: 지각해서 죄송합니다. (Jigakhaeseo joesonghamnida.) - I'm sorry for being late.

• 미안합니다. (Mianhamnida.) - I'm sorry (less formal)

  • Example: 실수해서 미안합니다. (Silsuhaeseo mianhamnida.) - I'm sorry for the mistake.

• 미안해요. (Mianhaeyo.) - Sorry (polite)

  • Example: 늦어서 미안해요. (Neujeoseo mianhaeyo.) - Sorry for being late.

• 미안해. (Mianhae.) - Sorry (informal)

  • Example: 일찍 가서 미안해. (Iljjik gaseo mianhae.) - Sorry for leaving early.

• 예. (Ye.) - Yes (formal)

  • Example: 예, 맞습니다. (Ye, majseumnida.) - Yes, that's correct.

• 아뇨. (Anyo.) - No (informal)

  • Example: 아뇨, 괜찮아요. (Anyo, gwaenchanayo.) - No, it's okay.

• 잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?) - How have you been? (polite)

  • Example: 잘 지냈어요? 오랜만이에요. (Jal jinaesseoyo? Oraenmariyeo.) - How have you been? It's been a while.

• 어떻게 지내세요? (Eotteoke jinaeseyo?) - How are you? (formal)

  • Example: 어떻게 지내세요? 요즘 바쁘세요? (Eotteoke jinaeseyo? Yojeum bappeuseyo?) - How are you? Have you been busy lately?

• 잘 지내? (Jal jinae?) - How are you? (informal)

  • Example: 잘 지내? 요즘 어때? (Jal jinae? Yojeum eottae?) - How are you? How's it going lately?

• 좋은 아침입니다. (Joeun achimimnida.) - Good morning (formal)

  • Example: 좋은 아침입니다, 오늘 기분 좋으신가요? (Joeun achimimnida, oneul gibun joeusinayo?) - Good morning, are you feeling good today?

• 안녕히 주무세요. (Annyeonghi jumuseyo.) - Good night (formal)

  • Example: 안녕히 주무세요, 내일 뵙겠습니다. (Annyeonghi jumuseyo, naeil boepgetseumnida.) - Good night, see you tomorrow.

• 잘 자요. (Jal jayo.) - Sleep well (polite)

  • Example: 잘 자요, 꿈에서 봐요. (Jal jayo, kkumeso bwayo.) - Sleep well, see you in my dreams.

• 잘 자. (Jal ja.) - Good night (informal)

  • Example: 잘 자, 내일 봐. (Jal ja, naeil bwa.) - Good night, see you tomorrow.

• 좋은 하루 되세요. (Joeun haru doeseyo.) - Have a nice day (polite)

  • Example: 좋은 하루 되세요, 건강하세요. (Joeun haru doeseyo, geonganghaseyo.) - Have a nice day, stay healthy.

• 화이팅! (Hwaiting!) - Good luck! (cheerful encouragement)

  • Example: 시험 잘 보세요, 화이팅! (Siheom jal boseyo, hwaiting!) - Good luck on your exam, you got this!

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning these basic Korean greetings will help you navigate daily conversations with ease. To master them, practice using these phrases in different contexts. Try greeting your friends in Korean, or incorporate these phrases into your daily routine. The more you practice, the more natural they will become.

Conclusion

Understanding and using basic Korean greetings is a fundamental step in your language learning journey. With over 50 examples provided, you now have the tools to start engaging in simple conversations. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to greet people confidently in Korean!

For more lessons and resources, stay tuned to our blog and continue building your Korean language skills. Happy learning!