How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: Basic Phrases Every Learner Should Know - Learning Korean

 

How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: Basic Phrases Every Learner Should Know

Making a good first impression is important in any culture, but particularly so in Korean society, where proper introductions establish the foundation for relationships. Learning to introduce yourself in Korean demonstrates respect for the culture and opens doors to meaningful connections. This guide will equip you with essential phrases for self-introductions (자기소개/jagi-sogae) in various social contexts.

Korean introductions follow specific etiquette rules influenced by Korea's hierarchical social structure. Age, social status, and context greatly impact the formality level and language choices. Don't worry though—we'll guide you through everything you need to know to make a positive impression!

Understanding Formality Levels

Before diving into specific phrases, it's important to understand that Korean has distinct levels of speech formality:

1. Formal polite (합쇼체/hapsyo-che): Used when speaking to strangers, elders, superiors, or in professional settings.
2. Informal polite (해요체/haeyo-che): Used in everyday situations with people you don't know well or who are older than you.
3. Casual (반말/banmal): Used only with close friends, younger siblings, or children.

For introductions, beginners should focus primarily on formal and informal polite forms. Using these ensures you won't accidentally offend anyone by being too casual.

Greetings: The First Step

Begin your introduction with an appropriate greeting:

Formal Greetings

• 안녕하십니까? (Annyeong-hasimnikka?) - Hello? (very formal)
• 만나서 반갑습니다. (Mannaseo bangapseumnida.) - Pleased to meet you. (formal)

Informal Polite Greetings

• 안녕하세요? (Annyeong-haseyo?) - Hello? (standard polite form)
• 만나서 반가워요. (Mannaseo bangawoyo.) - Nice to meet you. (polite)

Stating Your Name

After greeting, introduce your name:

Formal

• 저는 [YOUR NAME]입니다. (Jeoneun [YOUR NAME]-imnida.) - I am [YOUR NAME].
• 제 이름은 [YOUR NAME]입니다. (Je ireumeun [YOUR NAME]-imnida.) - My name is [YOUR NAME].

Informal Polite

• 저는 [YOUR NAME]이에요/예요. (Jeoneun [YOUR NAME]-ieyo/yeyo.) - I am [YOUR NAME].
• 제 이름은 [YOUR NAME]이에요/예요. (Je ireumeun [YOUR NAME]-ieyo/yeyo.) - My name is [YOUR NAME].

Note: Use 이에요 after names ending with consonants and 예요 after names ending with vowels.

Name Etiquette Tips

• Korean names typically have the family name first, followed by the given name.
• If your name is difficult for Koreans to pronounce, consider creating a simple Korean name for yourself or simplifying the pronunciation.
• When writing your name in Hangul, focus on how it sounds rather than how it's spelled in your language.

Mentioning Your Nationality

Koreans often ask about nationality when meeting foreigners:

Formal

• 저는 [COUNTRY] 사람입니다. (Jeoneun [COUNTRY] saram-imnida.) - I am a [COUNTRY] person.
• 저는 [COUNTRY]에서 왔습니다. (Jeoneun [COUNTRY]-eseo wassseumnida.) - I came from [COUNTRY].

Informal Polite

• 저는 [COUNTRY] 사람이에요. (Jeoneun [COUNTRY] saram-ieyo.) - I am a [COUNTRY] person.
• 저는 [COUNTRY]에서 왔어요. (Jeoneun [COUNTRY]-eseo wasseoyo.) - I came from [COUNTRY].

Common Countries in Korean

• America: 미국 (Miguk)
• England/UK: 영국 (Yeongguk)
• Canada: 캐나다 (Kaenada)
• Australia: 호주 (Hoju)
• France: 프랑스 (Peurangseu)
• Germany: 독일 (Dogil)
• Spain: 스페인 (Seupein)
• Japan: 일본 (Ilbon)
• China: 중국 (Jungguk)
• India: 인도 (Indo)
• Brazil: 브라질 (Beurajil)
• Mexico: 멕시코 (Meksiko)

Sharing Your Age

Age is an important social factor in Korean culture as it determines speech levels and relationship dynamics:

Formal

• 저는 [AGE]살입니다. (Jeoneun [AGE]-sal-imnida.) - I am [AGE] years old.

Informal Polite

• 저는 [AGE]살이에요. (Jeoneun [AGE]-sal-ieyo.) - I am [AGE] years old.

Note: If you prefer not to share your exact age, you can politely say:

• 나이는 말씀드리기 좀 어렵습니다. (Naineun malsseumdrigi jom eoryeopseumnida.) - It's a bit difficult for me to say my age.

Occupation and Studies

Sharing what you do is common in introductions:

Formal

• 저는 [OCCUPATION]입니다. (Jeoneun [OCCUPATION]-imnida.) - I am a [OCCUPATION].
• 저는 [COMPANY/SCHOOL]에서 일합니다/공부합니다. (Jeoneun [COMPANY/SCHOOL]-eseo ilhamnida/gongbuhamnida.) - I work/study at [COMPANY/SCHOOL].

Informal Polite

• 저는 [OCCUPATION]이에요/예요. (Jeoneun [OCCUPATION]-ieyo/yeyo.) - I am a [OCCUPATION].
• 저는 [COMPANY/SCHOOL]에서 일해요/공부해요. (Jeoneun [COMPANY/SCHOOL]-eseo ilhaeyo/gongbuhaeyo.) - I work/study at [COMPANY/SCHOOL].

Common Occupations in Korean

• Student: 학생 (Haksaeng)
• Teacher: 선생님 (Seonsaengnim)
• Office worker: 회사원 (Hoesawon)
• Doctor: 의사 (Uisa)
• Engineer: 엔지니어 (Enjinieo)
• Artist: 예술가 (Yesulga)
• Musician: 음악가 (Eumakga)

Talking About Your Korean Learning Journey

Mentioning that you're learning Korean is appreciated:

Formal

• 저는 한국어를 공부하고 있습니다. (Jeoneun hangugeo-reul gongbuhago itseumnida.) - I am studying Korean.
• 한국어를 배운지 [TIME]되었습니다. (Hangugeo-reul baeun-ji [TIME] dwaeotseumnida.) - I've been learning Korean for [TIME].

Informal Polite

• 저는 한국어를 공부하고 있어요. (Jeoneun hangugeo-reul gongbuhago isseoyo.) - I am studying Korean.
• 한국어를 배운지 [TIME]되었어요. (Hangugeo-reul baeun-ji [TIME] dwaeeosseoyo.) - I've been learning Korean for [TIME].

Expressing Your Interests

Sharing interests helps establish connections:

Formal

• 저는 [ACTIVITY]을/를 좋아합니다. (Jeoneun [ACTIVITY]-eul/reul joahamnida.) - I like [ACTIVITY].
• 제 취미는 [HOBBY]입니다. (Je chwimineun [HOBBY]-imnida.) - My hobby is [HOBBY].

Informal Polite

• 저는 [ACTIVITY]을/를 좋아해요. (Jeoneun [ACTIVITY]-eul/reul joahaeyo.) - I like [ACTIVITY].
• 제 취미는 [HOBBY]예요/이에요. (Je chwimineun [HOBBY]-yeyo/ieyo.) - My hobby is [HOBBY].

Putting It All Together: Complete Self-Introduction Examples

Formal Example

안녕하십니까? 만나서 반갑습니다.
저는 마이클입니다.
저는 캐나다 사람입니다.
저는 27살입니다.
저는 서울대학교에서 국제관계학을 공부하고 있습니다.
한국어를 배운지 1년 되었습니다.
저는 한국 음식과 K-POP을 좋아합니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.

Translation:

Hello? Pleased to meet you.
I am Michael.
I am Canadian.
I am 27 years old.
I study International Relations at Seoul National University.
I've been learning Korean for 1 year.
I like Korean food and K-POP.
Please take care of me.

Informal Polite Example

안녕하세요? 만나서 반가워요.
저는 에밀리예요.
저는 호주 사람이에요.
저는 24살이에요.
저는 선생님이에요.
한국어를 배운지 6개월 되었어요.
저는 한국 드라마 보는 것을 좋아해요.
잘 부탁해요.

Translation:

Hello? Nice to meet you.
I am Emily.
I am Australian.
I am 24 years old.
I am a teacher.
I've been learning Korean for 6 months.
I like watching Korean dramas.
Please take care of me.

Closing Your Introduction

End your introduction with these polite expressions:

Formal

• 잘 부탁드립니다. (Jal butakdeurimnida.) - Please take care of me/Please treat me well.
• 만나서 반갑습니다. (Mannaseo bangapseumnida.) - Pleased to meet you.

Informal Polite

• 잘 부탁해요. (Jal butakhaeyo.) - Please take care of me/Please treat me well.
• 만나서 반가워요. (Mannaseo bangawoyo.) - Nice to meet you.

Cultural Tips for Korean Introductions

1. Bowing: A slight bow accompanies introductions. The depth indicates respect level.
2. Business cards: Exchange with both hands, studying it briefly before putting it away respectfully.
3. Handshakes: Becoming more common, though often lighter than Western handshakes.
4. Eye contact: Moderate eye contact shows attentiveness; excessive may be perceived as challenging.
5. Personal questions: Don't be surprised by questions about age, marital status, or occupation.
6. Titles: Address people by their professional title when possible.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to become comfortable with introductions is through practice. Try recording yourself introducing yourself in Korean, or practice with language exchange partners. Many language apps also offer features for practicing these fundamental phrases.

Remember, Koreans appreciate the effort foreigners make to speak their language, so don't worry about making mistakes! Your willingness to try will be warmly received.