A Simple Guide to Korean Greetings for Beginners
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Are you just starting to learn Korean? Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea, love K-dramas, or just want to learn something new, knowing how to greet someone is a great first step! In this post, we’ll go over three must-know Korean greetings that are simple, useful, and fun to say.
Let’s get started!
1. “안녕하세요” vs. “안녕” – How to Say Hello
There are two main ways to say “hello” in Korean:
👩🏫 Formal:
안녕하세요 (Ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
✅ Use this when speaking to someone older, new, or in a polite situation (like at a store or restaurant).
It’s respectful and safe to use anytime!
Try saying it slowly: Ahn-nyeong-ha-se-yo~
Now say it naturally: 안녕하세요!
👯 Casual:
안녕 (Ahn-nyeong)
✅ Use this with close friends, kids, or people your age (once you’re comfortable).
It’s sweet and friendly!
Try saying it slowly: Ahn-nyeong~
Now say it naturally: 안녕!
💡 Tip: When in doubt, go with “안녕하세요.” It’s polite and always appreciated.
2. “반갑습니다” – Nice to Meet You!
Meeting someone for the first time? Here’s how to say “Nice to meet you” in Korean.
👩🏫 Formal:
반갑습니다 (Ban-gap-seum-ni-da)
✅ Perfect for first meetings, formal situations, or when you’re unsure what tone to use.
Try it slowly: Ban-gap-seum-ni-da~
Now try it naturally: 반갑습니다!
👯 Casual:
반가워 (Ban-ga-wo)
✅ Friendly version to use with people your age or younger once you’re comfortable.
Try it slowly: Ban-ga-wo~
Now try it naturally: 반가워!
3. “오랜만이에요” – Long Time No See!
When you see an old friend after a while, this phrase is perfect!
👩🏫 Formal:
오랜만이에요 (O-ren-man-i-e-yo)
✅ Use this in polite or formal situations, especially with older people.
Try it slowly: O-ren-man-i-e-yo~
Now try it naturally: 오랜만이에요!
👯 Casual:
오랜만이야 (O-ren-man-i-ya)
✅ Great for friends or people close to your age.
Try it slowly: O-ren-man-i-ya~
Now try it naturally: 오랜만이야!
💬 Let’s Practice Together!
Now you know three essential Korean greetings:
• 안녕하세요 / 안녕 = Hello
• 반갑습니다 / 반가워 = Nice to meet you
• 오랜만이에요 / 오랜만이야 = Long time no see
👏 You’re doing great!
🌸 Try saying one of these greetings out loud! Who would you like to say it to?
Let us know in the comments!
And don’t forget—follow us for more easy & fun Korean tips made just for beginners like you!