10 Essential Korean Greetings
Korean has different levels of formality, and choosing the right greeting matters. Here are the 10 greetings you'll use most often, from formal to casual.
1. 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) — Hello
This is the universal greeting. It works in almost every situation — meeting someone new, greeting a colleague, entering a shop. It literally means "Are you at peace?" and is the safest choice when you're unsure which formality level to use.
Usage: Any time, any situation, any person.
2. 안녕 (annyeong) — Hi / Bye
The casual version. Only use this with close friends, people younger than you, or children. Using 안녕 with a stranger or someone older would be considered rude.
Usage: Friends, peers, casual situations.
3. 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) — Thank you
The formal way to say thank you. You'll hear this everywhere — in shops, restaurants, offices, and on TV. It's polite and appropriate in any situation.
Usage: Universal — always appropriate.
4. 고마워요 (gomawoyo) — Thanks
A softer, more conversational "thanks." Less formal than 감사합니다 but still polite. Good for casual interactions with people you're friendly with.
Usage: Friendly but still polite contexts.
5. 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) — I'm sorry
The formal apology. Use this when you've made a mistake, need to get someone's attention politely, or want to express genuine regret.
Usage: Formal apologies, getting attention politely.
6. 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida) — Excuse me
Used when you need to pass by someone, interrupt a conversation, or enter a room. It translates roughly to "I'm being rude" — which is the Korean way of politely acknowledging you're imposing.
Usage: Passing by, interrupting, entering.
7. 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida) — Nice to meet you
The go-to phrase when meeting someone for the first time. Often accompanied by a slight bow.
Usage: First meetings, introductions.
8. 잘 지내세요? (jal jinaeseyo?) — How are you?
Literally "Are you spending time well?" This is how you ask someone how they're doing. Unlike the English "How are you?", Koreans generally expect a real answer.
Usage: Checking in on someone you haven't seen recently.
9. 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) — Goodbye (to someone leaving)
Used when the other person is the one leaving. Literally means "Go in peace."
Usage: When someone else is departing.
10. 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — Goodbye (to someone staying)
Used when you're the one leaving and the other person is staying. Literally means "Stay in peace."
Usage: When you're the one departing.
The Formality System
Korean has several speech levels, but for beginners, focus on two:
- 존댓말 (jondaenmal) — Polite/formal speech. Use with strangers, elders, colleagues, and in professional settings. Most of the greetings above are in this form.
- 반말 (banmal) — Casual speech. Use with close friends of similar age, younger people, and children.
When in doubt, use 존댓말. It's always better to be too polite than too casual in Korean culture.
Practice These on Chamelingo
Chamelingo's Chapter 2 covers greetings and self-introductions with audio from native speakers. You'll practice pronunciation, learn when to use each formality level, and test your knowledge with interactive quizzes.
Want to understand the grammar behind these greetings? Check out our interactive grammar reference — especially 이에요/예요 (the copula) and 은/는 (the topic marker). You can also browse all vocabulary by unit.