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What are some common expressions in Korean for greeting someone?
Common Expressions for Greeting Someone in Korean
- Talk To Me In Korean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 164 Pages - 09/21/2015 (Publication Date) - Longtail Books (Publisher)
- Kim, Woojoo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) - Tuttle Publishing (Publisher)
In Korea, greetings are an essential part of social interaction, reflecting the culture’s emphasis on respect and politeness. Here are some widely used greetings that can help you initiate conversations and connect with Korean speakers.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
This is perhaps the most common way to say “hello” in Korean. It is polite and can be used in most situations, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or seeing a friend. The formal version, used in more respectful contexts, is 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka), which is often found in formal speeches or broadcasts.
안녕 (Annyeong)
For casual encounters among friends or those who are the same age, you can use 안녕 (Annyeong). This expression means “hi” or “bye” and is more laid-back. However, it’s important to use it only with someone you have a close relationship with or if they are younger than you.
여보세요 (Yeoboseyo)
This greeting is typically used when answering the phone. It functions similarly to “hello” but is specific to phone conversations. It’s a great way to show readiness to converse over the call, signaling attentiveness to the speaker on the other end.
잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaess-eoyo?)
After exchanging initial greetings, it is common to ask someone how they have been. 잘 지냈어요? translates to “Have you been well?” and serves as a friendly inquiry into the other person’s well-being. This question reflects a genuine interest in the other person’s life and builds a connection.
반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida)
This phrase means “Nice to meet you.” It is often used when you are introduced to someone for the first time and conveys your pleasure in meeting them. The informal version is 반가워 (Bangawo), suitable for friends or younger individuals.
어떻게 지내세요? (Eotteoke jinaeseyo?)
- Talk To Me In Korean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 164 Pages - 09/21/2015 (Publication Date) - Longtail Books (Publisher)
- Kim, Woojoo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) - Tuttle Publishing (Publisher)
Another way to ask about someone’s well-being, this phrase means “How are you?” It’s slightly more personalized than the previous greeting and can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on your tone and the context.
잘 가세요 (Jal gaseyo) / 잘 가 (Jal ga)
When parting ways, saying 잘 가세요 is a polite way to wish someone a good farewell, meaning “Please go well.” For friends or close acquaintances, you can shorten it to 잘 가, making it more casual.
시작하기 전에 (Sijakagi jeone)
You might also hear people use this phrase, which translates to “Before we start.” It’s often said during meetings or discussions, indicating that the speaker is ready to begin an interaction.
Each of these expressions plays a significant role in Korean social etiquette. By familiarizing yourself with them, you can show respect and friendliness, forging stronger relationships in Korean-speaking environments.
