Common Everyday Greetings
In Korean, greetings change with level of formality, time of day, and relationship. This guide focuses on reliable, everyday phrases you can use in person and in messages without sounding stiff or overly casual.
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo): Standard polite greeting for most situations.
- 안녕 (annyeong): Casual, with close friends or peers.
- 좋은 아침입니다 (joeun achimimnida): Good morning (formal).
- 안녕히 주무셨어요? (annyeonghi jumusheosseoyo?): Good morning (honorific, used for elders).
- 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo): Goodbye when you stay.
- 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo): Goodbye when you leave.
Polite vs Casual Register
Korean distinguishes formality based on your relationship and age. The polite suffix 요 makes verbs softer, while the casual form drops 요 and often uses simpler verbs. Understanding this helps you greet elders, coworkers, and friends appropriately.
When to Use Polite Language
Use polite language with people older than you, in workplaces, customer service, or whenever you are unsure. Answering with 너무 좋아요 (neomu johayo, I am very well) in polite style is common and safe in formal encounters.
When Casual Is Appropriate
Casual greetings fit conversations with close friends and peers of similar age. Even then, check the other person’s comfort before switching to a casual tone, especially in semi-formal settings.
Situational Greetings
Korean offers specific greetings for events, phone calls, and entering or leaving a space. These phrases signal respect and clarity in routine interactions.
| Phrase | Transliteration | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | General polite greeting |
| 안녕히 주무셨어요 | Annyeonghi jumusheosseoyo | Honorific morning greeting |
| 만나서 반갑습니다 | Mannaseo bangabseumnida | Nice to meet you (formal) |
| 어서 오세요 | Eoseo oseyo | Welcome (used by hosts) |
| 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi gaseyo | Polite leave-taking (host) |
| 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo | Polite leave-taking (guest) |
| 잘 가세요 | Jal gaseyo | Softer good-bye (polite) |
| 잘 가 | Jal ga | Casual good-bye |
| 전화 주세요 | Jeonhwa juseyo | Please put through on the phone |
| 바쁘지 않으세요? | Bappeujin aneusseoyo? | Are you busy? |
Pronunciation and Rhythm Tips
Korean pronunciation is more consistent than English, but stress and pitch matter. Keep endings soft and avoid adding extra vowels. For example, 안녕하세요 is pronounced ann-yeong-ha-se-yo with even stress on each syllable. Practice listening for the natural spacing between syllables, which improves clarity.
Cultural Notes and Etiquette
In Korean culture, greetings often include a slight bow. The depth and duration vary with age and status. Eye contact may be softer with elders. When replying to a greeting, match the level of formality used by the other person. If unsure, start polite and adjust based on the other person’s tone.
Practical Phrases for Common Interactions
Beyond basic greetings, useful lines help you manage conversations smoothly. These include asking about availability, confirming understanding, and transitioning topics politely.
- 잘 지내세요? (jal jinaeseyo?): How are you doing?
- 괜찮아요, 감사합니다. (gwaenchanhayo, gamsahamnida): I am fine, thank you.
- 죄송합니다. (joesonghamnida): I am sorry / Excuse me.
- 조금만 기다려 주세요. (jogeuman gidalyeo juseyo): Please wait a moment.
- 다시 말해 주실 수 있나요? (dasi malhae jusil su innayo?): Could you say that again, please?
- 좋은 하루 되세요. (joeun haru doeseyo): Have a good day.