Essential Korean Greetings: Say Hello Like a Local
Want to make a great first impression in Korea? These 15 greetings will help you sound polite and natural anywhere—shops, Zoom meetings, or with new friends.
Greetings carry respect in Korean. Start with safe, polite forms and switch levels only when the relationship allows. Below you’ll find Hangul, romanization (RR), usage tips, mini dialogues, and a 10-minute practice plan.
인사말은 존중을 담습니다. 처음엔 안녕하세요처럼 안전한 격식/표준체로 시작하고, 친해지면 단계적으로 조절하세요.
📑 Table of Contents (open/close)
🎯 Learning Goals
- Use 15 core greetings with correct politeness level (formal / standard / casual).
- Match each greeting to real contexts (shops, meetings, friends).
- Practice daily with a short 10-minute routine.
🧩 Core Greetings (Top 15 with Usage)
Rule of thumb: If unsure, default to 안녕하세요 (standard polite). Reserve 안녕 for close peers or younger people, and 안녕하십니까 for very formal settings.
| Hangul | RR | Meaning / Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeong-haseyo | Hello (standard polite) |
| 안녕 | annyeong | Hi / Bye (casual) |
| 안녕하십니까 | annyeong-hasimnikka | Hello (formal/business) |
| 좋은 아침입니다 | joeun achim-imnida | Good morning (formal) |
| 굿모닝 | gut-moning | “Good morning” (Konglish/casual) |
| 좋은 밤 되세요 | joeun bam doeseyo | Have a good night (polite) |
| 잘 자요 | jal jayo | Sleep well (polite) |
| 잘 자 | jal ja | Sleep well (casual) |
| 반갑습니다 | bangapseumnida | Nice to meet you (formal) |
| 반가워요 | bangawoyo | Nice to meet you (polite) |
| 반가워 | bangawo | Nice to meet you (casual) |
| 오랜만이에요 | oraenmanieyo | Long time no see (polite) |
| 어서 오세요 | eoseo oseyo | Welcome (shop/host) |
| 다녀오세요 | danyeo-oseyo | See you later (said to someone leaving) |
| 다녀오겠습니다 | danyeo-ogetseumnida | I’ll be back (said by person leaving) |
💬 Examples / Dialogue / Quiz
Shop entry (standard polite)
🧍♀️ You: 안녕하세요.
🧑💼 Staff: 어서 오세요! 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Online meeting (formal)
🧍♂️ You: 안녕하십니까. 발표를 시작하겠습니다.
👥 Team: 네, 잘 부탁드립니다.
📝 Quick Quiz (open)
- Which greeting is safest with a new teacher? (a) 안녕 (b) 안녕하세요 (c) 반가워 → Answer: (b)
- Fill in: “오랜만이에요” means “________.” → Answer: Long time no see.
Mini task: Post one sentence using today’s greeting (context + who you say it to).
👩🏫 Teacher’s Tips
- Default to polite: Start with 안녕하세요; downgrade only if invited.
- Mirror the setting: Shops → 어서 오세요 / Meetings → 안녕하십니까.
- Say it + bow slightly: A small nod makes greetings feel natural.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Using 안녕 with strangers → Fix: 안녕하세요.
- Overusing 굿모닝 in formal contexts → Fix: 좋은 아침입니다.
- Mixing levels in one talk (안녕 + 하십니까) → Fix: keep one level per situation.
🌏 Did You Know?
A deeper bow signals higher respect. On holidays like Seollal, a 90-degree bow is traditionally used toward parents or grandparents, while light nods are fine for everyday greetings.
명절 인사는 크게, 일상 인사는 가볍게—상황에 맞춰 인사의 깊이를 조절하세요.
📝 Practice Plan (10 Minutes a Day)
- Repeat 5 greetings ×3 aloud (focus on rhythm).
- Record 30-sec voice memo; compare with native audio (news clips/dramas).
- Role-play: shop / meeting / friends—switch levels on purpose.
- Shadow 1 short scene; mimic intonation.
- Sticky notes: Hangul + RR on your desk/phone.
📘 More Posts You’ll Find Helpful!
Keep exploring and build momentum day by day.
🎓 italki Lesson
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