Learn Basic Korean Greetings and Phrases
Ever been interested in learning Korean? If so, let's start with the basic Korean greetings and phrases! Learn how to say "Hi", "Thank you", "Happy Birthday", "Good morning" and "Good night" in the Korean language complete with the transliteration of the Korean characters to help you speak Korean like a native. It will surely surprise your Korean friends and will be much appreciated by any native speaker!
The Fundamentals
"Hi" or "Hello" in Korean
안녕 (Annyeong)
"Thank you" in Korean
감사합니다 (Gamsahabnida)
This is a formal yet all-around way to offer your gratitude. South Korea holds courtesy in high regard, so you’ll definitely want to learn this one to express gratitude and respect.
"You're welcome" in Korean
천만에요 (Cheonman-eyo)
It’s not often that Koreans respond to a “thank you” with “you’re welcome,” but if you want to show extra politeness, then you can throw in this phrase. Normally, a simple and humble 아닙니다 (ah-nib-nee-da) suffices, meaning “it’s nothing.”
"Goodbye" in Korean
안녕 (Ahn-nyung) / 안녕히 계세요 (Ahn-nyung-hee geh-seh-yo) / 안녕히 가세요 (Ahn-nyung-hee gah-seh-yo)
There are multiple ways to say "goodbye" in Korean. 안녕 is used for informal situations with friends and family, for example. Korean differentiates between saying goodbye before you are about to leave a situation and when the other person leaves. The former is 안녕히 계세요 (literally translating to “please stay well”) and the latter, 안녕히 가세요 (literally translating to "please leave well").
"Good night" in Korean
잘자요 (Jaljayo)
"Happy Birthday" in Korean
생일 축하해요 (Saeng-il chughahaeyo)
"I'm sorry" in Korean
미안해요 (Mianhaeyo)
"Excuse me" in Korean
실례합니다 (Shil-leh-hap-nee-da) / 잠시만요 (Jam-shi-mahn-yo)
실례합니다 is a great phrase to use in those situations where you'd like to politely get someone's attention. 잠시만요 literally translates to “wait a moment,” however, it can be used when accidently brushing past someone.
"I love you" in Korean
사랑해요 (Salanghaeyo)
"I miss you" in Korean
보고 싶어요 (Bogo sip-eoyo)
"Good luck/Go for it!" in Korean
화이팅 (Hwaiting)
Feelings
"cute" in Korean
귀여워요 (Gwiyeowoyo)
"handsome/good looking/cool" in Korean
멋있어요 (Meos-iss-eoyo)
"Uff I'm tired" in Korean (speaking to close friends or family)
아〜피곤해〜! (A〜pigonhae〜!)
"I'm sleepy" in Korean (speaking to close friends or family)
졸려 (Jollyeo)
Dining
South Korea is a food-lover’s paradise. On every street, you’ll be sure to find places selling everything from traditional Korean meals to delicious Korean street food.
"I'm hungry" in Korean（speaking to friends or family）
배고파 (Baegopa)
"I will eat well" in Korean (a phrase used to thank someone for a meal, before eating)
잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal meokgesseumnida)
"It's tasty" in Korean
이거 맛있어요 (Igeo mas-iss-eoyo)
"Thanks for the meal" in Korean
잘 먹었습니다 (Jal meogeossseumnida)
Learn Korean online for free with Tandem
Tandem Language Exchange connects language learners with native Korean speakers all over the world through our web and mobile app. With millions of members, you will have a pretty easy time finding a language exchange partner who matches your interests and language learning goals.
Through two-way, open, and direct communication with your language partner, you are given a unique insight into the Korean cultural identity. Use our in-app translation feature to help compose a message or translate an incoming one. Correct your Tandem partner's message or add a comment to help them learn and progress. Still not sure about Korean pronunciation? Simply tap on the message you want to hear and choose the “speak” option and use the transliteration feature to convert Korean characters.
Your learning preferences are covered on Tandem with options to practice your Korean via text, voice notes, and video calling. Download the Tandem app or head to our web app and master the Korean language now!
