Korean Greetings Words & Phrases
Korean greetings are deeply tied to the culture of respect and hierarchy. The way you greet someone changes based on their age, social status, and your relationship. Here you'll find every greeting you need — from formal business settings to casual texting with friends.
100 words
Related Guides
Common Korean Confusions
안녕 (Annyeong) vs 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo): Hello in Korean
안녕 (annyeong) is the casual way to say hello (and goodbye) in Korean, used with close friends. 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the standard polite greeting used with everyone else, including strangers, elders, and colleagues.
고마워 (Gomawo) vs 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida): Thank You in Korean
고마워 (gomawo) is the casual way to say thank you in Korean, used with close friends and younger people. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is the formal and respectful form, appropriate for strangers, elders, and professional situations.
Cheonmaneyo vs Byeolmalsseumeul: You're Welcome in Korean
천만에요 is a formal 'you're welcome' often used in service contexts, while 별말씀을요 is a humble, modest response meaning 'don't mention it' in polite conversation.
아니에요 vs 천만에요: The Natural Way to Say You're Welcome in Korean
아니에요 is often the more natural everyday reply to thanks, meaning 'not at all' or 'it's nothing.' 천만에요 is correct but can sound formal, textbook-like, or uncommon in casual modern Korean.
어서 오세요 vs 환영합니다: Two Ways to Say Welcome in Korean
어서 오세요 is the natural greeting when someone enters a shop, restaurant, home, or class. 환영합니다 is a formal 'welcome' used for events, announcements, signs, and official messages.
감사합니다
Gamsahamnida
Thank you
Beginner안녕하세요
Annyeonghaseyo
Hello
Beginner안녕히 가세요
Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye
Beginner만나서 반갑습니다
Mannaseo bangapseumnida
Nice to meet you
Beginner좋은 아침이에요
Joeun achimieyo
Good morning
Beginner잘 자요
Jal jayo
Good night
Beginner행운을 빌어요
Haenguneul bireoyo
Good luck
Beginner잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
Take care
Beginner좋은 하루 보내세요
Joeun haru bonaeseyo
Have a good day
Beginner생일 축하해요
Saengil chukahaeyo
Happy birthday
Beginner새해 복 많이 받으세요
Saehae bok mani badeuseyo
Happy New Year
Beginner빨리 나으세요
Ppalli naeuseyo
Get well soon
Beginner오랜만이에요
Oraenmaieeyo
Long time no see
Beginner어떻게 지냈어요
Eotteoke jinaesseoyo
How have you been
Beginner보고 싶었어요
Bogo sipeoesseoyo
I missed you
Beginner나중에 봐요
Najunge bwayo
See you later
Beginner내일 봐요
Naeil bwayo
See you tomorrow
Beginner안녕히 가세요
Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye (when you stay)
Beginner안녕히 계세요
Annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye (when you leave)
Beginner어서 오세요
Eoseo oseyo
Welcome
Beginner들어오세요
Deureooseyo
Please come in
Beginner편히 계세요
Pyeonhi gyeseyo
Make yourself comfortable
Beginner잘 하셨어요
Jal hasyeosseoyo
You did great
Beginner수고하셨어요
Sugohasyeosseoyo
Thank you for your hard work
Beginner파이팅
Paiting
Fighting (encouragement)
Beginner힘내세요
Himnaeseyo
Cheer up
Beginner괜찮아요
Gwaenchanhayo
It's okay
Beginner걱정하지 마세요
Geokjeongaji maseyo
Don't worry
Beginner물론이죠
Mullonjyo
Of course
Beginner문제없어요
Munjeobeosseoyo
No problem
Beginner천만에요
Cheonmaneyo
You're welcome
Beginner언제든지요
Eonjedeunyiyo
Anytime
Beginner알겠어요
Algesseoyo
I understand
Beginner정말요
Jeongmalyo
Really?
Beginner와
Wa
Wow
Beginner대단해요
Daedanhaeyo
Amazing
Beginner많이 힘들겠어요
Mani himdeurgeosseoyo
That must be tough
Intermediate응원할게요
Eungwonhalgeyo
I'm rooting for you
Intermediate다 잘 될 거예요
Da jal doel geoyeyo
Everything will be okay
Intermediate잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
How are you
Beginner잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
I'm doing well
Beginner바빠요
Bbapayo
I'm busy
Beginner피곤해요
Pigonhaeyo
I'm tired
Beginner오늘 날씨 좋네요
Oneul nalsi jonne yo
Nice weather today
Beginner밥 먹었어요
Bap meogeosseoyo
Did you eat?
Beginner같이 먹어요
Gachi meogeoyo
Let's eat together
Beginner만나요
Mannayo
Let's meet up
Beginner잠깐 지나갈게요
Jamkkan jinaagalgeyo
Excuse me (passing through)
Beginner조심하세요
Josimhaseyo
Be careful
Beginner천천히 해요
Cheoncheonhi haeyo
Take it slow
Beginner지금 몇 시예요
Jigeum myeot siyeyo
What time is it?
Beginner금방 돌아올게요
Geumbang doraolgeyo
I'll be right back
Beginner늦을 것 같아요
Neujeul geot gatayo
I'll be late
Beginner잘 도착했어요
Jal dochakhaesseoyo
I arrived safely
Beginner가고 있어요
Gago isseoyo
I'm on my way
Beginner계속 연락해요
Gyesok yeollakaeyo
Let's keep in touch
Beginner문자 주세요
Munja juseyo
Message me
Beginner전화해 주세요
Jeonhwahae juseyo
Call me
Beginner다시 만나서 반가워요
Dasi mannaseo bangawoyo
Nice to see you again
Beginner가족은 잘 지내요
Gajokuneun jal jinaeyo
How is your family?
Intermediate안전하게 지내요
Anjeonhage jinaeyo
Stay safe
Beginner푹 쉬세요
Puk swiseyo
Rest well
Beginner잘 자요
Jal jayo
Sleep well
Beginner보고 싶어요
Bogo sipeoyo
I miss you
Beginner즐겁게 보내요
Jeulgeopge bonaeyo
Have fun
Beginner즐거웠어요
Jeulgeowosseoyo
I had fun
Beginner감사히 여기겠어요
Gamsahi yeogigesseoyo
I appreciate it
Intermediate신세 졌어요
Sinse jeosseoyo
I owe you one
Intermediate자랑스러워요
Jarangseureowoyo
I'm proud of you
Intermediate가요
Gayo
Let's go
Beginner먼저 하세요
Meonjeo haseyo
After you
Beginner잠깐만 기다려 주세요
Jamkkanman gidaryeo juseyo
Please wait a moment
Beginner메리 크리스마스
Meri Keuriseumaseu
Merry Christmas
Beginner졸업 축하해요
Joreop chukahaeyo
Congratulations on your graduation
Beginner안전하게 다녀오세요
Anjeonhage danyeooseyo
Have a safe trip
Beginner잘 다녀왔어요
Jal danyeowasseoyo
Welcome back
Beginner훌륭해요
Hullyunghaeyo
Well done
Beginner할 수 있어요
Hal su isseoyo
You can do it
Beginner시간 있어요
Sigan isseoyo
Are you free?
Beginner할까요
Halkkayo
Shall we?
Beginner오래 됐네요
Orae dwaennneyo
It's been a while
Beginner별말씀을요
Byeolmalsseumeulyo
My pleasure
Intermediate또 오세요
Ddo oseyo
Come again soon
Beginner맛있게 드세요
Masitge deuseyo
Enjoy your meal
Beginner잘 되길 바라요
Jal doegil barayo
I hope it goes well
Beginner좋은 저녁이에요
Joeun jeonyeogieyo
Good evening
Beginner좋은 주말 보내세요
Joeun jumal bonaeseyo
Have a good weekend
Beginner쉬고 있어요
Swigo isseoyo
I'm on break
Beginner나중에 얘기해요
Najunge yaegihaeyo
Talk later
Beginner걱정했어요
Geokjeonghаesseoyo
I was worried about you
Beginner연락해줘서 반가워요
Yeollakaejeoseo bangawoyo
It's nice to hear from you
Beginner이따 봐요
Ita bwayo
Catch you later
Beginner다음에 봐요
Daeume bwayo
See you next time
Beginner그럼요
Geureomyo
Sure
Beginner믿어요
Mideoyo
I believe in you
Beginner실례합니다
Sillyehamnida
Sorry to Bother You
Beginner다녀왔어요
Danyeowasseoyo
I'm Back
Beginner좋은 여행 되세요
Joeun Yeohaeng Doeseyo
Have a Good Trip
Intermediate오늘도 수고했어요
Oneuldo Sugohasseoyo
Nice Work Today
Beginner어서 오세요
Eoseo Oseyo
Welcome (Shop)
BeginnerLearning how to say hello in Korean, or "안녕하세요" (Annyeonghaseyo), is often the very first step for anyone embarking on their journey to master the language. Mastering fundamental greetings is not just about memorizing phrases; it's about unlocking meaningful connections and showing respect in Korean culture. These simple yet powerful expressions form the bedrock of daily communication, allowing learners to engage with native speakers from the outset. Imagine being able to politely thank someone with "감사합니다" (Gamsahamnida) or bid farewell with "안녕히 가세요" (Annyeonghi gaseyo) – these interactions instantly bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of warmth. Beyond mere translation, understanding the nuances of Korean greetings helps learners navigate social situations with confidence. For instance, knowing how to say "Nice to meet you" as "만나서 반갑습니다" (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) can make a memorable first impression, while a simple "잘 자요" (Jal jayo) for good night demonstrates thoughtfulness. These everyday phrases are more than just words; they are an invitation to participate in conversations, build rapport, and immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of Korean society. They provide the confidence to initiate interactions, making the learning process far more rewarding and practical. Without a solid grasp of these essential greetings, even advanced grammar can feel incomplete, as they are the fundamental building blocks upon which all further communication rests. Therefore, dedicating time to truly internalize these basic expressions is invaluable for any aspiring Korean speaker, paving the way for deeper linguistic and cultural understanding.
Start with these greetings words
These entries give you the fastest route into this category: the Korean term, how it is pronounced, and the kind of real sentence where it appears.
감사합니다
Gamsahamnida
Thank you
The most polite and universally safe way to say thank you in Korean. Use this with strangers, elders, or in any formal situation.
안녕하세요
Annyeonghaseyo
Hello
The standard greeting in Korean, appropriate for almost all situations. Literally means 'Are you at peace?' and is used any time of day.
안녕히 가세요
Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye
Said to someone who is leaving while you stay. If you are the one leaving, say '안녕히 계세요' instead. This distinction is unique to Korean.
만나서 반갑습니다
Mannaseo bangapseumnida
Nice to meet you
A formal greeting used when meeting someone for the first time. It expresses genuine pleasure at making someone's acquaintance. In Korean culture, this is often accompanied by a bow.
좋은 아침이에요
Joeun achimieyo
Good morning
A morning greeting expressing that it is a good morning. While 안녕하세요 works all day, this phrase specifically acknowledges the morning time. It's becoming more common among younger Koreans influenced by Western culture.
잘 자요
Jal jayo
Good night
Used when someone is going to sleep. The more formal version is 안녕히 주무세요 for elders or respected individuals. The casual form is 잘 자 for close friends. It's a warm farewell before bedtime.
행운을 빌어요
Haenguneul bireoyo
Good luck
Wishing someone good fortune or success. In Korean daily life, 파이팅 (fighting) or 잘 되길 바라요 (I hope it goes well) are more commonly used among friends. This phrase is more literary or formal in tone.
잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
Take care
A parting phrase wishing someone to stay well and healthy. Often used when saying goodbye, especially if you won't see someone for a while. It conveys warmth and genuine concern for the other person's wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Korean in different situations?+
"안녕하세요" (Annyeonghaseyo) is the most common and versatile way to say hello in Korean for most situations. For very close friends, you might use "안녕" (Annyeong). When answering the phone, Koreans typically say "여보세요" (Yeoboseyo). Understanding these variations helps you choose the appropriate greeting.
What are the polite ways to say thank you in Korean?+
The most common and polite way to say "thank you" in Korean is "감사합니다" (Gamsahamnida). For a slightly more casual but still polite expression, you can use "고맙습니다" (Gomapseumnida). When speaking informally to close friends, simply "고마워" (Gomawo) is appropriate to express your gratitude.
How do you say goodbye in Korean depending on who is leaving?+
When *you* are leaving and the other person is staying, say "안녕히 계세요" (Annyeonghi gyeseyo). If the *other person* is leaving and you are staying, use "안녕히 가세요" (Annyeonghi gaseyo). Both mean "goodbye" but reflect different directions of departure.
What is the Korean phrase for "nice to meet you"?+
The standard and most common way to say "nice to meet you" in Korean is "만나서 반갑습니다" (Mannaseo bangapseumnida). This polite phrase is appropriate for almost any first meeting, conveying genuine pleasure in meeting someone new.
Are there specific greetings for different times of day?+
"안녕하세요" (Annyeonghaseyo) is versatile, but specific greetings exist. "Good morning" is "좋은 아침이에요" (Joeun achimieyo), though less commonly used. "Good night" is "잘 자요" (Jal jayo), or "안녕히 주무세요" (Annyeonghi jumuseyo) for more formality.
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