Say Hello in Korean
Learning to say hello is important in any language, but it is crucial to learn the right ways to greet people in Korean to avoid causing offense. The standard way of saying “hello” in Korean is “anyoung haseyo,” but there are several variations you should consider using based on how casual or formal the greeting should be. There are also a few related greetings you can use depending on the circumstances. Here is a brief list of Korean “hellos” you might find helpful. Although it takes a few days to learn to read the Korean alphabet, it isn't difficult, and it's the easiest way to learn new words and pronounce things correctly. This article uses both the Latin alphabet and the Korean alphabet, Hangul.
Steps
Standard "Hello"
The phrases below are the most common ways to greet someone, and they all mean the same thing. The main difference between them is the degree of respect that goes with it. Be sure to use the correct one in the correct context.
- Say "anyoung" among friends. This is the most casual way of saying "hey" or "hi." In Hangul, it is written as 안녕, and is roughly pronounced as "ahn yong."
- Use this greeting with friends and relatives who are your age or younger. It is considered a very casual, informal way of greeting someone, so you can only use it with people you are on familiar terms with.
- Avoid using this expression with people who are in a position of authority over you, such as an instructor, supervisor, or elder. You should also avoid saying it to a stranger.
- This greeting means something along the lines of “be well” or “be peaceful.”
- Use "anyoung haseyo" in the majority of circumstances. Pronounce this greeting as ahn-yong hah-say-yoh. This is the most commonly used greeting, and can be said with almost everyone, particularly to people you would like to show some respect to. Using Hangul, this phrase would be written as 안녕하세요.
- You can use anyoung haseyo with both friends--particularly older ones--and elders. It is not the most formal way of greeting someone, but it is still considered to be a polite way to say “hello,” which makes it fitting for most if not all everyday greetings.
- This phrase is used throughout all parts of the day, and the greeting does not change based on time of day. There are no specific phrases for “good afternoon,” “good evening,” or “good day". However, there is a separate phrase for “good morning,” but it is not often used.
- This greeting roughly means “please be well” or “please be peaceful.” The only difference between it and "anyoung" is that this version is more polite.
- Switch to "anyoung hashimnikka" to show greater respect. Use this greeting when you want to show the greatest level of sincerity or respect possible. In Hangul it is 안녕하십니까, pronunced "ahn-yong hahshim-nee-kah."
- As a formal greeting, this phrase is not often used among friends and relatives on a day-to-day basis. An occasion that might warrant this greeting would be the arrival of an important or highly esteemed guest. You could also use it with loved ones you have not seen in a while to express greater emotion upon greeting them.
- A rough pronunciation of anyoung hashimnikka would be an-yoh hashim-nee-kah.
Other Greetings
- Answer the phone with "yeoboseyo." In Hangul, it is written as 여보세요, and pronounced yo-bo-say-yoh.
- Use this greeting when answering the phone, regardless of who may be on the other end of the line.
- This greeting is considered fairly polite, but it is only used when speaking over the telephone. You would not use yeoboseyo in person.
- Say "jo-un a-chim" in the morning. This phrase translates loosely into “good morning,” and its written as 좋은 아침. Pronounce this greeting as jong-un ah-chim.
- This is an alternate way to greet someone in the morning, but it is not the common morning greeting. Anyoung haseyo is still the standard way of saying “hello,” even in the morning. Jo-un a-chim is simply another option for you to use if you want a change of pace.
- State "mannaseo bangapseumnida" when meeting someone new. It is written as 만나서 반갑습니다, and said like Pronounce it as mahn-nah-soh pahn-ghap-sum-nee-dah.
- This phrase is the equivalent of "pleased to meet you." But a stricter translation would be, "because I met you I am so glad."
- The most formal, polite way to greet someone is with “mannaseo bangapseumnida,” and this is the phrase you should use when meeting anyone who might appear to be older than you or anyone in a formal or professional setting.
- You could also say “mannaseo bangawoyo” when meeting someone. This greeting is still considered to be polite, but it is slightly more casual. It might be appropriate when meeting a new classmate, a friend of a friend, or a stranger who appears to be your age or younger in a casual social setting.
- Write mannaseo bangawoyo as 만나서 반가워요 using Hangul. Pronounce it as mahn-nah-sayoh pahn-ghah-wo-yoh.
