🙏 Say It Politely! Must-Know Korean Expressions for Beginners – Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
Want to sound kind and respectful when speaking Korean? Learn these polite expressions to make a great impression and build real connections in Korea! 🌏
- 🤝 Why Politeness Matters in Korean
- 💬 Essential Polite Expressions
- 🙇 Honorific Basics for Beginners
- 📚 Example Sentences
- 🎭 Practice Dialogue
- 💡 Did You Know?
- 💬 Final Thoughts
- 🔗 Related Posts
🤝 Why Politeness Matters in Korean
Korean is a language deeply rooted in respect and social hierarchy. Using polite expressions isn’t just good manners—it’s a basic part of communication. Even beginners are expected to speak politely with strangers, teachers, and elders.
💬 Essential Polite Expressions
- 안녕하세요 – annyeonghaseyo – Hello
- 감사합니다 – gamsahamnida – Thank you
- 죄송합니다 – joesonghamnida – I’m sorry
- 괜찮아요 – gwaenchana-yo – It’s okay / I’m fine
- 실례합니다 – sillyehamnida – Excuse me
- 잠시만요 – jamsimanyo – Just a moment
🙇 Honorific Basics for Beginners
Here are common honorific markers you’ll see in polite Korean:
- -요: Makes a sentence polite
가요 (gayo) – I go / He goes (polite) - -ㅂ니다 / -습니다: More formal than -요
갑니다 (gamnida) – I go (very formal)
💡 Use -요 form in everyday polite conversation. Use -ㅂ니다 form in announcements, business settings, or when speaking on TV/radio.
📚 Example Sentences
- 안녕하세요!
annyeonghaseyo!
Hello! - 감사합니다.
gamsahamnida
Thank you. - 죄송합니다.
joesonghamnida
I’m sorry. - 잠시만요.
jamsimanyo
Just a moment.
🎭 Practice Dialogue
A: 안녕하세요!
annyeonghaseyo!
Hello!
B: 안녕하세요. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
annyeonghaseyo. mueoseul dowadeurilkkayo?
Hello. How can I help you?
A: 이거 얼마예요?
igeo eolmayeyo?
How much is this?
B: 15,000원이에요.
man ocheon won-ieyo
It’s 15,000 won.
A: 감사합니다!
gamsahamnida!
Thank you!
💡 Did You Know?
In Korean culture, even small things like **nodding with “안녕하세요”** or **receiving items with both hands** are signs of politeness. Also, “감사합니다” and “고맙습니다” both mean “thank you,” but the former is slightly more formal. 😊
💬 Final Thoughts
I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!
🔗 Related Posts
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