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Korean Basic Phrases and Greetings

Jun 22, 2025

Overview

The lecture covers essential Korean phrases for greetings, introductions, politeness, numbers, and practical questions, with a focus on both formal and informal usage.

Introducing Yourself in Korean

  • Use “Annyeong. [Name]-ya. Bangawo.” for informal introductions (“Hi. I’m [Name]. Nice to meet you.”).
  • Use “Annyeonghaseyo. [Name]-eyo. Bangawoyo.” for formal introductions.
  • “Annyeong” means peace (hi), “-ya” is informal, and “-eyo” is formal after your name.
  • “Bangawo” is informal for “nice to meet you,” “Bangawoyo” is the polite version.
  • Bowing when introducing yourself is polite; men bow with hands at sides, women with hands in front.

Thanking & Responding

  • “Gamsahamnida” is formal for “Thank you.”
  • “Daedanhee gamsahamnida” means “Thank you very much.”
  • “Gomawo” is informal; “Gomawoyo” is a polite, friendly version.
  • Respond to thanks with “Anieyo” (no problem, informal) or less commonly, “Chonmaneyo” (you’re welcome).

Greetings & Goodbyes

  • “Annyeong” is informal for hello or goodbye, used with friends and those younger.
  • “Annyeonghaseyo” is formal and polite for hello.
  • Say “Annyeonghi-gyeseyo” (formal) or “Jal isseo” (casual) when you leave and the other stays.
  • Say “Annyeonghi-gaseyo” (formal) or “Jal ga” (casual) when you stay and they leave.

Asking “Do you speak English?” and Other Languages

  • “Yeongeo haseyo?” means “Do you speak English?”
  • “Yeongeo hal-su-isseoyo?” means “Can you speak English?”
  • Add “Sillyehajiman,” for “Excuse me, but…” to be more polite.
  • Use similar structure for other languages: “Ilboneo haseyo?” (Japanese), “Jungugeo haseyo?” (Chinese), etc.
  • Common answers: “Ye” (yes), “Jogeumiyo” (a little), “Ani mothaeyo” (no, I can’t).

Apologizing & Getting Attention

  • “Sillyehamnida” is formal for “Excuse me” (to ask a favor or question).
  • “Joisonghamnida” is formal for “I’m sorry” (when you’ve done something wrong).
  • “Mianhae” is informal for “Sorry.”
  • To get a waiter’s attention: “Yeogiyo!” or “Jeogiyo!”
  • Add “Jungmal” for “truly” to emphasize sincerity: “Jungmal mianhamnida.”

Numbers (Chinese-based, 1–10)

  • il (1), i (2), sam (3), sa (4), o (5), yuk (6), chil (7), pal (8), gu (9), sip (10).
  • “Yeong” (or “gong” for phone numbers) means zero.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Annyeong/Annyeonghaseyo — Hello (informal/formal)
  • Bangawo/Bangawoyo — Nice to meet you (informal/formal)
  • Gamsahamnida — Thank you (formal)
  • Gomawo/Gomawoyo — Thank you (informal/polite)
  • Anieyo — No problem/You’re welcome
  • Sillyehamnida — Excuse me (formal)
  • Joisonghamnida — I’m sorry (formal)
  • Mianhae — Sorry (informal)
  • Yeogiyo/Jeogiyo — Excuse me/Over here (to get attention)
  • il, i, sam, sa, o, yuk, chil, pal, gu, sip — Numbers 1–10

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice introducing yourself using both formal and informal phrases.
  • Memorize key greetings, thank-you phrases, and responses.
  • Learn and practice numbers 1–10 in Korean.
  • Prepare for the next lesson: native Korean counting system.