The Most Common Korean Greetings for Different Times of Day - Learning Korean

 

The Most Common Korean Greetings for Different Times of Day

Learning how to greet people properly in Korean is essential for making a good impression and showing respect in Korean culture. Korean greetings vary depending on the time of day, the social context, and the level of formality required. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the most common Korean greetings for different times of day, along with explanations of when and how to use them appropriately.

Morning Greetings

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

This is the standard, all-purpose formal greeting in Korean, similar to "hello" in English. While it can be used at any time of day, it's perfectly appropriate in the morning.

• Pronunciation: ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo
• Formality level: Formal/polite
• When to use: In most situations, especially with people you don't know well, those older than you, or in professional settings

좋은 아침이에요 (Joeun achimieyo)

This phrase translates directly to "good morning" in English.

• Pronunciation: jo-eun a-chi-mi-e-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: From early morning until around 10-11 AM with friends, colleagues, and family

잘 주무셨어요? (Jal jumusyeosseoyo?)

This greeting asks "Did you sleep well?" and is often used as a morning greeting among people who are close.

• Pronunciation: jal ju-mu-syeo-sseo-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: When greeting family members or close friends in the morning

Afternoon Greetings

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

Again, this all-purpose greeting works perfectly well in the afternoon.

점심 먹었어요? (Jeomsim meogeosseoyo?)

Literally meaning "Have you eaten lunch?", this is a common afternoon greeting in Korean culture.

• Pronunciation: jeom-sim meo-geo-sseo-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: Around lunchtime with friends, family, or colleagues

오후 안녕하세요 (Ohu annyeonghaseyo)

A more literal "good afternoon" greeting.

• Pronunciation: o-hu an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
• Formality level: Formal/polite
• When to use: During afternoon hours in more formal settings

Evening Greetings

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

Yes, this versatile greeting works in the evening too!

저녁 식사 하셨어요? (Jeonyeok siksa hasyeosseoyo?)

This means "Have you had dinner?" and is commonly used as an evening greeting.

• Pronunciation: jeo-nyeok sik-sa ha-syeo-sseo-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: During evening hours with acquaintances, friends, or family

좋은 저녁이에요 (Joeun jeonyeogieyo)

The direct translation of "good evening."

• Pronunciation: jo-eun jeo-nyeo-gi-e-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: In the evening hours, especially in slightly more formal situations

Night Greetings

안녕히 주무세요 (Annyeonghi jumuseyo)

This means "sleep well" or "good night" and is used when parting ways at night.

• Pronunciation: an-nyeong-hi ju-mu-se-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: When saying goodbye to someone who is going to sleep

좋은 밤 되세요 (Joeun bam doeseyo)

A more direct translation of "have a good night."

• Pronunciation: jo-eun bam doe-se-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: When parting ways with someone in the evening

Informal Greetings

안녕 (Annyeong)

This is the informal version of "안녕하세요," used among close friends and people of the same age or younger.

• Pronunciation: an-nyeong
• Formality level: Informal
• When to use: With close friends, younger siblings, or children; never with elders or superiors

밥 먹었어? (Bap meogeosseo?)

The informal version of "Have you eaten?" which can be used at various times of day.

• Pronunciation: bap meo-geo-sseo
• Formality level: Informal
• When to use: With close friends or younger people

Greetings for Specific Situations

오랜만이에요 (Oraenmanieyo)

This means "It's been a long time" or "Long time no see."

• Pronunciation: o-raen-ma-ni-e-yo
• Formality level: Polite
• When to use: When meeting someone you haven't seen for a while

처음 뵙겠습니다 (Cheoeum boepgesseumnida)

This means "Nice to meet you" and is used when meeting someone for the first time.

• Pronunciation: cheo-eum boep-ge-sseum-ni-da
• Formality level: Very formal
• When to use: In formal situations when meeting someone for the first time

반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida)

Another way to say "Nice to meet you" or "Pleased to meet you."

• Pronunciation: ban-gap-seum-ni-da
• Formality level: Formal
• When to use: When meeting someone new in formal settings

Cultural Notes on Korean Greetings

1. Bowing: Korean greetings are often accompanied by a bow. The depth of the bow indicates the level of respect—a slight nod for peers, a deeper bow for elders or superiors.
2. Age and social hierarchy: In Korean culture, age and social status are important factors in determining the appropriate level of formality in greetings.
3. Food-related greetings: Asking if someone has eaten (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) is a common form of greeting in Korean culture and shows care for the other person's well-being.
4. Physical contact: Unlike Western cultures, traditional Korean greetings do not involve handshakes, hugs, or kisses, although handshakes are becoming more common in business settings.

Learning these common Korean greetings will help you navigate social interactions in Korea more confidently and respectfully. Remember that showing proper respect through language is highly valued in Korean culture, so it's worth taking the time to learn these expressions and use them appropriately.