Basic greetings are important to learn in any language. However, in a conservative culture like Korean culture, it's important that you learn how to greet people properly so as not to offend the other person. The standard phrase for saying "hello" in Korean (used by adults who don't know each other) is "안녕하세요" (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, with the vowel "eo" sounding like a compound "e" in the word why. and "o" in the word ball). If you are talking to a close friend or relative, there are several informational greetings you can use. Additionally, there are several words or phrases you can use to greet other people, depending on the context and time of day.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Showing Politeness and Respect
Step 1. Say “안녕하세요” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) when you meet someone for the first time
If you're an adult and need to talk to someone you don't know, the phrase “안녕하세요” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) is the best way to say “hello”. This greeting is considered quite formal and reflects respect for the person being addressed.
- This greeting can also be used in any context that requires someone to maintain formality, such as at work, even if you are actually speaking to someone you know closely.
- Children also use this greeting when greeting adults.
Tip:
The “-요” (-yo) suffix at the end of a greeting signifies a polite and formal form (존뎃말 or “jon-dem-mal”). Whenever you see a word ending in “-요” (-yo), you can expect that the word or phrase is polite and can generally be used with other adults to show respect.
Step 2. Use “안녕” (an-nyeong) when speaking to children
The phrase “안녕” (an-nyeong) is an informational and shortened version of the standard greeting “안녕하세요” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo). This greeting is generally used by fellow children and family members. However, this phrase itself is not used very often by adults, except when greeting children.
“안녕” (an-nyeong) is also used by fellow friends. However, for adults over the age of 30, this greeting is usually only used by other women. If ever, men rarely use it, except when talking to children. In Korean society, it is not normal or "proper" for adult men to use greetings or expressions that are generally used by children
Tip:
the phrase “안녕” (an-nyeong) can be used to say “hello” and “goodbye”. However, the greeting "안녕하세요" (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) is only spoken to say "hello".
Step 3. Try another informal greeting if you are a grown man
Adult men in Korea will not greet their friends with the greeting “안녕” (an-nyeong) because the phrase is used by women and children. However, there are other phrases they use to greet friends more informally than “안녕하세요” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo), but still reflect politeness. These greetings include:
- “반갑다!” (bang-gap-ta): This phrase means “Nice to meet you” and is the most common informal greeting used among adult male friends. In addition, this greeting can also be used by teenagers and children.
- “?” (jal ji-nae-sseo, with the vowel sound “ae” similar to the “e” sound in “desk”, but with a wider mouth): Similar to “how are you”, this phrase literally means “how are you just fine?". In addition to adult male friends, this phrase can also be used by fellow friends or children.
- ”오랜만이야” (o-raen-man-ni-ya): This phrase means “Long time no see” and is used by male friends who haven't seen each other in a long time. Children and teenagers can also say the phrase in different contexts. same.
- ”얼굴” (eol-gul bo-ni-kka jo-ta): This phrase literally means “Nice to see your face” and is a casual type of conversation used only by adult friends.
Step 4. Notice the use of “안녕하십니까” (an-nyeong-ha-shim-mi-ka) in a business context
The greeting “안녕하십니까” (an-nyeong-ha-shim-mi-ka) is a very formal phrase to say “hello” in Korean and is usually used by business owners who want to show respect to their customers. This phrase reflects respect and reverence.
- While you won't always be greeted with this phrase in every shop or restaurant while in Korea, you can usually hear it when you visit more upscale places. Korean airline staff also use this phrase when greeting you on the plane.
- You may be greeted or greeted with this phrase while in Korea, but it is likely that you will rarely use it unless you work in a customer service position. If you use this phrase in another context, the person you are addressing may feel awkward or awkward.
Step 5. Complete a polite or formal greeting by bowing
When greeting anyone using a formal greeting, bend your head and waist 45 degrees forward while looking at the ground. If you're using a polite greeting for someone you know, bow 15-30 degrees forward.
- The depth of bowing depends on the other person and the context of the conversation. You should bow more deeply to someone older or with a higher position.
- Never show eye contact with the other person when bowing. This is considered impolite.
Method 2 of 2: Using Other Greetings
Step 1. Answer phone calls with the greeting “여보세요” (yeo-bo-se-yo)
The phrase “여보세요” (yeo-bo-se-yo) can be used to say “hello”, but it is only spoken when answering a phone call. Its use to someone directly or in other contexts is considered inappropriate and slightly disrespectful.
Because it ends in “-요” (-yo), this phrase is considered polite and appropriate, regardless of who is calling you
Step 2. Use the phrase “좋은” (jo-eun a-chim, with the vowel “eu” pronounced like the “eu” sound in the name “Euis”) in the morning
Unlike Indonesian and other languages, there is no specific greeting in Korean that is time dependent. However, to greet someone in the morning, you can say “좋은 “(jo-eun a-chim) which literally means “good morning”.
Even though people understand when you say it, it's rarely used as a greeting. The phrase “좋은” (jo-eun a-chim) works better with people you already know well, especially if they say it first
Step 3. Say “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-gap-seum-mi-da) after being introduced to a new person
The phrase “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-gap-seum-mi-da) means more or less “nice to meet you”. If you are meeting someone in a formal or professional situation, this phrase can be used.
- Don't forget to bow when you say it, unless you've already bowed to the other person.
- This phrase is also appropriate when meeting someone who seems older or more authoritative.
Step 4. Say “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-ga-wo-yo) when you meet someone your age or younger
The phrase “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-ga-wo-yo) is an informational form of “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-gap-seum-mi-da) and means “nice to meet you This greeting is appropriate when you are introduced to someone your age or younger.
Remember to pay attention to the context as well as the age of the other person. If you meet someone your age in a professional or formal situation, you usually still need to use the phrase “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-gap-seum-mi-da). The greeting “만나서” (man-na-seo bang-ga-wo-yo) is more suitable for casual social situations, such as when a friend introduces you to another
Culture Tip:
If you're not sure what level of politeness to use, stick to a more polite greeting. The other person won't blame you for using overly polite or formal language, but you can offend the other person when you say something too casual.
