여보세요 vs 안녕하세요
Hello on the phone / hello in person
Try it freeTake the 1-question 여보세요 / 안녕하세요 testChoose the right form, then read the explanation for each answer.Open →Explanation
여보세요 is channel-specific: it opens or checks an ordinary phone call. 안녕하세요 is the normal polite greeting for face-to-face interactions.
When answering an unknown call, 여보세요? is natural. After that, identify yourself or ask who is calling. In a formal business call, an organization may use a set company greeting instead.
When entering a classroom, meeting a neighbor, greeting a clerk, or introducing yourself in person, use 안녕하세요 rather than 여보세요.
A video call can vary: 여보세요 may be used while establishing the connection, but once the interaction functions like a meeting, 안녕하세요 may sound more natural.
Examples
여보세요? 누구세요?
yeoboseyo? nuguseyo?
Hello? Who is this?
안녕하세요. 예약하러 왔어요.
annyeonghaseyo. yeyakhareo wasseoyo.
Hello. I came to make a reservation.
여보세요. 소리가 잘 안 들려요.
yeoboseyo. soriga jal an deullyeoyo.
Hello? I cannot hear you well.
Common mistakes
- Do not shout 여보세요 at a person across a room as a substitute for “excuse me.”
- Do not answer every business line with only 안녕하세요 when the organization expects identification.
How to practice
- Use the communication channel as the first decision.
- Phone connection: 여보세요.
- Ordinary in-person encounter: 안녕하세요.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
You answer an unknown phone call. What is natural?
Connected learning paths
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