Ever wondered how to say "hello" in Korean? If you're starting your language journey, knowing your greetings in korean is the perfect first step. It might seem like a small detail, but getting it right opens doors to friendly conversations and shows deep respect for the culture. The key phrase to remember is 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo). It’s your all-purpose greeting, perfect for almost any situation, from greeting a shopkeeper to meeting new friends.

This guide will walk you through the most essential Korean greetings, from formal to casual. We'll break down the pronunciation, explain the cultural etiquette behind bowing, and give you practical examples you can start using today. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot at first — every word you learn brings you one step closer to confidence. Let’s get started on your path to mastering greetings in Korean!

Your First and Most Important Korean Greeting

Seriously, if you only memorize one thing today, make it 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo). Think of it as your universal key for unlocking conversations in Korea. While it simply translates to "hello," its literal meaning is much deeper, closer to "Are you at peace?" or "Please be well." This sentiment really captures the deep-rooted respect that’s so central to Korean culture.

Getting the pronunciation right is the first step to sounding natural. Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

• 안 (An): Sounds just like the "an" in "ant."
• 녕 (nyeong): This is like "nyong," starting with a soft 'y' sound.
• 하 (ha): Easy enough, it's the "ha" from "haha."
• 세 (se): Pronounce this like the English word "say."
• 요 (yo): Just like you're saying "yo."

Put it all together, and you get: An-nyeong-ha-se-yo.

This greeting is more than just a word; it's a cultural cornerstone. It's almost always said with a slight bow, a habit that a Seoul National University survey found 85% of people do automatically. It's a fascinating blend of language and body language, and you can dive deeper into these cultural norms at Commisceo Global.

Now, while Annyeonghaseyo is your safest bet in most cases, you’ll definitely hear its shorter, more casual cousin: 안녕 (Annyeong). This is the version you'd use with close friends, siblings, or someone younger than you. Be careful, though—using Annyeong with an elder or a stranger would come across as quite rude.

Knowing when to use which greeting is your first real test in understanding Korean social etiquette. Let’s make it a bit clearer.

Formal vs Informal Greetings At a Glance

To help you get it right every time, here's a quick cheat sheet comparing the two main ways to say hello. It's a simple way to see how the situation and your relationship with the other person completely change the word you should choose.

Situation	Formal Greeting (To Elders, Strangers)	Informal Greeting (To Close Friends, Younger People)	Pronunciation Tip
Meeting a Teacher	안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)	안녕 (Annyeong) - Avoid	Keep your tone clear and respectful.
Greeting a Friend	안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) - Safe	안녕 (Annyeong) - Preferred	A friendly, relaxed voice works best.
Entering a Store	안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)	안녕 (Annyeong) - Avoid	Pair it with a slight nod of the head.
Seeing a Classmate	안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) - Safe	안녕 (Annyeong) - Common	Your choice really depends on how close you are.

This little table should help you navigate those first few interactions with confidence. As you can see, Annyeonghaseyo is almost always a safe choice, but using Annyeong correctly shows you have a real handle on the social nuances of the language.

Navigating Korean Politeness Levels

Ever noticed how there seem to be a dozen ways to say "hello" in Korean? It’s not your imagination. Unlike English, where a single "hello" can cover almost any situation, Korean greetings are deeply tied to a core cultural value: respect. The phrase you choose hinges entirely on who you're speaking to—their age, their position, and your relationship with them.

This system is built on two fundamental speech levels:

• 존댓말 (Jondaetmal): This is your go-to formal language. You'll use it with people older than you, strangers, teachers, bosses, and anyone in a position of authority. Think of it as the default setting for politeness in Korean society.
• 반말 (Banmal): This is the casual, informal speech you save for your closest friends, family, and people younger than you. Be careful, though—using it with the wrong person can come across as rude.

Getting this right is your first step to making a great impression. It shows you're not just learning the words, but you're also taking the time to understand the culture behind them.

Choosing the Right Greeting for the Situation

So, with all this in mind, how do you actually pick the right phrase? Let's break down the three most common ways to say "hello," each with its own flavour of formality.

Your most reliable, all-purpose greeting is 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo). This is the standard polite form, and it's your safest bet in almost any daily scenario. Whether you're greeting a shopkeeper, meeting a new colleague, or saying hello to a neighbour, this is the one you’ll use 90% of the time.

For moments that call for the highest level of respect, you have 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka). This is the heavyweight of Korean greetings. You'll hear it in news broadcasts, during formal business presentations, or when addressing a large crowd. It's not something you'd use to greet your local barista, but it's crucial to recognise its formal weight.

Then there's the short and sweet 안녕 (Annyeong). This is the casual, "hey" or "hi" you share exclusively with people you're very close to—think best friends, younger siblings, or a partner. It’s all about intimacy and a relaxed relationship.

This decision tree gives you a simple mental map for choosing the right greeting.

As you can see, the central question is always about your relationship with the person you're addressing. That relationship determines the level of respect your greeting needs to convey.

Key Takeaway: When in doubt, always default to the more formal option, 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo). It’s far better to be a little too polite than accidentally disrespectful. If the other person is comfortable with a more casual tone, they will usually let you know.

Expanding Your Conversational Toolkit

Once you've got a handle on saying hello, you're ready to add a few more essentials to your Korean phrasebook. Think of these as the next layer, the phrases that help you move beyond a simple greeting and into a real, natural-feeling conversation. They’re the bread and butter of daily interactions.

Your first meeting with someone new is a perfect example. After you've said 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo), the classic next step is to say, 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida). It's the Korean way of saying, "Nice to meet you."

Let's break that down:

• 만나서 (Mannaseo): "Because we meet" or "Since we're meeting"
• 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida): "I am glad" or "It is a pleasure"

This phrase is your go-to for pretty much any first encounter. Meeting a new coworker, your friend's parents, or a business associate? This polite, warm expression sets a respectful and friendly tone right from the start.

Essential Greetings for Specific Situations

Of course, not all greetings are for face-to-face meetings. Certain situations have their own unique phrases, and knowing them will make you sound much more like a local. Answering the phone is a prime case.

When you pick up a call, you don't say 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo). Instead, the magic word is 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo). This is exclusively for the phone—whether you're the one calling or the one answering. It’s the direct equivalent of picking up the phone and saying, "Hello?"

Just as important as starting a conversation is knowing how to end it properly. In Korean, saying goodbye isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. The phrase you use depends on a simple but crucial detail: who is leaving and who is staying.

• If the other person is walking away, you say 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo), which literally means "Go in peace."
• If you are the one heading out the door, you say 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo). This one translates to "Stay in peace."

This little detail is a fantastic window into the Korean mindset. The language is beautifully tuned to the context of the situation and shows a deep-seated respect for others. Just remember the basic rule: 가세요 (gaseyo) for the one who "goes," and 계세요 (gyeseyo) for the one who "stays." Getting this right will make you sound remarkably polished.

To help you keep these straight, here’s a quick-reference table with all the essential phrases we've just covered.

Essential Korean Greetings and Farewells

This table pulls together the most common greetings and goodbyes you'll need for various day-to-day scenarios, covering both polite and casual forms.

Situation	Korean Phrase	Romanization	When to Use
Meeting Someone New	만나서 반갑습니다	Mannaseo bangapseumnida	Use right after saying hello for the first time.
Answering the Phone	여보세요	Yeoboseyo	The standard greeting for all phone calls.
The Other Person is Leaving	안녕히 가세요	Annyeonghi gaseyo	Say this when you are staying and others are going.
You Are Leaving	안녕히 계세요	Annyeonghi gyeseyo	Use this when you are departing from a place.

By mastering these core greetings in Korean, you're building a solid foundation. You've moved beyond just "hello" and can now gracefully handle the beginning, middle, and end of simple exchanges.

Feeling ready to try these phrases out with a real person? You can put your skills to the test and get instant feedback by joining a free trial class on K-talk Live.

Understanding the Art of Bowing

In Korea, a greeting is often something you feel just as much as you hear. As you get the hang of the right words, remember the physical gesture that almost always comes with them: the bow. It's so much more than a simple movement. Bowing is a powerful, unspoken way to show respect, sincerity, and humility, and it’s stitched into the very fabric of daily Korean life.

Getting this part right is your secret weapon for making a fantastic first impression. The depth of your bow says everything. It's not a one-size-fits-all gesture; it’s a subtle signal about your relationship with the person you’re greeting. The angle changes depending on their age, social standing, and how formal the situation is. Nailing this shows you’ve taken the time to understand and respect the culture on a much deeper level.

Types of Bows and When to Use Them

Let's walk through the different kinds of bows you'll see and use. Each one has its own place and sends a different message.

• The Casual Nod (5-15 degrees): Think of this as a slight dip of the head and shoulders. It's your go-to informal bow for close friends, people your age, or when you bump into the same colleague for the fifth time in a day.

• The Standard Bow (30-45 degrees): This is your everyday, all-purpose bow for showing respect. You'll use this when meeting elders, teachers, your boss, or someone for the first time. Keep your back straight and bend from the waist.

• The Deep Bow (45-90 degrees): This is the most formal bow of all. It’s reserved for moments when you need to show profound gratitude, offer a heartfelt apology, or express the highest level of respect, like during major holidays or formal ceremonies.

In South Korea, the traditional bow isn't just a relic of the past; it's a cornerstone of modern greetings, with deep roots in Confucian values. In fact, approximately 95% of South Koreans still make bowing a part of their daily interactions, especially in formal settings or when greeting their elders. You can find more fascinating insights into Korean social customs online.

In a business context, you'll often see the bow combined with a handshake. The proper way to do it is to bow first, then extend your hand. As another sign of respect, the person of lower status will often support their right forearm with their left hand while shaking. Getting these small but meaningful details right is a huge part of truly mastering greetings in Korean.

Greetings in Korean Business Settings

Making the right impression in a professional environment is everything, and in South Korea, this starts the moment you greet someone. Business etiquette here is deeply tied to hierarchy, so navigating the corporate world is about more than just knowing the right words—it's about showing you understand and respect the system.

First impressions are made in a flash. In Korean business culture, you build immediate rapport by addressing people correctly. Unlike in many Western offices, using first names is a major faux pas and can come across as disrespectful. You should always use a person's professional title followed by the honorific suffix -님 (nim).

For example, you wouldn't just call a department head "Mr. Kim." Instead, you'd address them as 김 부장님 (Kim Bujangnim). This small detail shows you recognise their position and respect the workplace culture.

Exchanging Business Cards and Handshakes

The exchange of business cards, or 명함 (myeongham), isn't just a casual swap of contact info; it's a formal ritual. Think of it as a deliberate, respectful ceremony.

• Always use two hands: When you offer your card, present it with both hands. Make sure the Korean text is facing the recipient so they can read it without turning it.
• Receive with two hands: When someone gives you their card, accept it with both hands as a clear sign of respect.
• Take a moment to read it: This is key. Don't just stuff the card in your pocket. Briefly study the name and title, then place it carefully on the table in front of you or into a proper cardholder.

Handshakes are common, but they often happen at the same time as a bow, neatly blending Western and Korean customs. Usually, the senior person will offer their hand first. A great way to show extra respect is to support your right forearm with your left hand as you shake.

South Korean workplace greetings are meticulously structured. A survey by the Korea Chamber of Commerce noted that 89% of executives found greeting the highest-ranking person first significantly improves business outcomes. While handshakes occur in 67% of introductions, juniors avoid direct eye contact 82% of the time to show respect. You can find more details on Korean business etiquette and its impact.

Practical Business Dialogue Example

Let's walk through a typical first meeting with a new client. Here’s how you could combine the words and actions for a smooth, professional introduction.

You (bowing slightly):
안녕하십니까, 박 부장님. 처음 뵙겠습니다.
(Annyeonghasimnikka, Bak bujangnim. Cheoeum boepgesseumnida.)
"Hello, Department Head Park. It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time."

Client (bowing in return):
네, 반갑습니다.
(Ne, bangapseumnida.)
"Yes, it is nice to meet you."

By starting with the very formal 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka) and using their proper title, you immediately set a tone of mutual respect and get the relationship off to a great start.

Answering Your Top Questions About Korean Greetings

As you start using Korean greetings in the wild, you're bound to run into a few tricky situations. Don't worry, it happens to everyone! Let’s clear up some of the most common questions so you can navigate those moments with confidence and avoid any awkwardness.

Is It Okay to Just Wave Instead of Bowing?

You'll see a lot of waving in casual situations, especially between close friends or people around your own age. So, yes, it's perfectly fine in that context.

But if you're in a more formal setting or meeting someone older, a bow is always the right move. A wave can come off as a bit too casual, so if you're ever unsure, a quick, slight bow or even a respectful nod is always a safe and polite bet.

What if I Forget Someone's Professional Title?

It happens! You're meeting a lot of new people, and names and titles can get jumbled. The best way to handle this is with simple honesty.

You can fall back on a general term of respect like 선생님 (seonsaengnim). While it literally means 'teacher', it’s often used as a polite placeholder for professionals you respect. If you feel comfortable, you can also just ask again politely: "죄송하지만, 직책이 어떻게 되시나요?" (Joesonghajiman, jikchaegi eotteoke doesinayo?), which means, "I'm sorry, what is your title?" They'll appreciate that you care enough to ask.

How Do I Greet a Group with Different Ages?

When you walk up to a group, your first instinct should be to identify the most senior person present. Direct your main greeting and your deepest bow to them first. This simple act shows you recognize and respect the social hierarchy, which is a big deal in Korea.

Once you’ve greeted the eldest or highest-ranking person, you can then turn to the rest of the group with a collective greeting and a single bow.

A crucial tip for any beginner: always, always start with formal language (존댓말, jondaetmal). One of the classic mistakes learners make is jumping into informal speech (반말, banmal) way too soon. It doesn't matter if someone looks your age; stick with formal politeness until they suggest otherwise. It's much better to be seen as overly respectful than unintentionally rude.

Keep these pointers in your back pocket, and you'll handle Korean greetings like a pro.

Your Korean Journey Starts Now

Mastering greetings in Korean is more than just learning words; it’s about understanding a culture of respect and connection. From the all-purpose 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) to a well-timed bow, every greeting is a chance to make a positive impression. Remember to start with formal language, pay attention to social cues, and practice often. Don't worry about being perfect — what truly matters is your effort and willingness to learn. Keep going, and you'll be greeting people with confidence in no time! Your Korean journey starts now.

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