How to Say Hello in Korean: 15 Greetings for Every Situation
How to Say Hello in Korean: 15 Greetings for Every Situation
If you're learning Korean, one of the first things you'll want to know is how to say hello.
Most beginners learn 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) first, but Korean actually has several greetings depending on the situation, the person's age, and how formal you want to sound.
In this guide, you'll learn the most useful Korean greetings with pronunciation, meaning, and real-life examples.
1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
This is the most common way to say hello in Korean.
It is polite, friendly, and appropriate in almost every situation.
Use it when speaking to:
strangers
teachers
coworkers
store employees
people older than you
Example:
A: 안녕하세요!
B: 안녕하세요!
Translation:
"Hello!"
2. 안녕 (Annyeong)
This is the casual version.
Use it only with:
close friends
classmates
siblings
younger people
Do not use it with teachers, your boss, or someone you just met.
Example:
안녕!
"Hi!"
3. 안녕하십니까? (Annyeonghasimnikka?)
This is the most formal greeting.
You'll hear it:
in the military
during presentations
in news broadcasts
at official ceremonies
Example:
안녕하십니까?
"Good morning/Hello."
4. 좋은 아침입니다 (Joeun achimimnida)
Meaning:
Good morning.
Unlike English, Koreans don't say this very often.
Most people simply say 안녕하세요, even in the morning.
5. 잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?)
Meaning:
How have you been?
This is commonly used when meeting someone after some time.
Example:
잘 지냈어요?
네, 잘 지냈어요.
6. 오랜만이에요 (Oraenmanieyo)
Meaning:
Long time no see.
Example:
오랜만이에요!
정말 반가워요.
7. 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida)
Meaning:
Nice to meet you.
Use this when meeting someone for the first time.
8. 잘 부탁드립니다 (Jal butakdeurimnida)
This expression doesn't have a direct English translation.
It means something like:
"I look forward to working with you."
or
"Please take good care of me."
You'll hear it:
on the first day at work
at school
in business
when joining a group
9. 어서 오세요 (Eoseo oseyo)
Meaning:
Welcome!
You'll hear this when entering:
restaurants
cafés
shops
hotels
10. 다녀오세요 (Danyeo oseyo)
Meaning:
"Have a good day."
Family members often say this when someone leaves home.
11. 잘 가요 (Jal gayo)
Meaning:
"Goodbye."
Use this when the other person is leaving.
12. 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
A polite version of "Goodbye."
Use it when the other person leaves.
13. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)
This also means "Goodbye."
However, use it when you are leaving and the other person stays.
This is one of the most confusing greetings for beginners.
Remember:
They leave → 안녕히 가세요
You leave → 안녕히 계세요
14. 반가워요 (Bangawoyo)
Meaning:
"Nice to see you."
This is a warm greeting used between friends and people who already know each other.
15. 좋은 하루 보내세요 (Joeun haru bonaeseyo)
Meaning:
"Have a nice day."
This expression is becoming more common in modern Korean, especially in customer service and online conversations.
Quick Summary
| Situation | Korean |
|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하세요 |
| Hi | 안녕 |
| Good morning | 안녕하세요 |
| Nice to meet you | 만나서 반갑습니다 |
| Long time no see | 오랜만이에요 |
| Welcome | 어서 오세요 |
| Goodbye (they leave) | 안녕히 가세요 |
| Goodbye (you leave) | 안녕히 계세요 |
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
❌ Saying 안녕 to a teacher.
✔ Say 안녕하세요 instead.
❌ Mixing up 안녕히 가세요 and 안녕히 계세요.
Remember:
They leave → 가세요
You leave → 계세요
Final Thoughts
Learning Korean greetings is about more than memorizing words.
The key is knowing which greeting fits each situation.
Start with 안녕하세요, practice the others naturally, and you'll sound much more confident when speaking Korean.