안녕하세요: Hello in Korean
Hello
Try it freeListen and repeat 안녕하세요Use the audio examples below to practice this exact intention.Open →Explanation
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the standard polite way to say “hello” in Korean. It is the safest greeting for unfamiliar adults, teachers, coworkers, neighbours, shop staff, and most ordinary first meetings.
Use 안녕하세요 at any time of day. Korean does not normally switch to separate everyday greetings for “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good evening,” so this one phrase covers all three in most face-to-face situations.
The phrase comes from 안녕하다, “to be well or at peace,” but learners should remember 안녕하세요 as one natural greeting rather than translating every syllable while speaking.
안녕 is the casual form for close friends, children, and relationships that already use 반말. 안녕하십니까 is more formal and deferential, so it fits formal presentations, announcements, military-style speech, and deliberately formal service better than everyday conversation.
안녕하세요 is a greeting, not the usual goodbye. Say 안녕히 가세요 to someone who is leaving while you stay, or 안녕히 계세요 when you leave someone who remains.
Examples
안녕하세요. 저는 민지예요.
Annyeonghaseyo. Jeoneun Minji-yeyo.
Hello. I am Minji.
안녕하세요, 선생님.
Annyeonghaseyo, seonsaengnim.
Hello, teacher.
Mini dialogue
A: 안녕하세요.
A: Hello.
B: 안녕하세요.
B: Hello.
Common mistakes
- Do not use 안녕 with a stranger unless they have invited a casual style.
- 안녕하세요 is a greeting, not the usual way to say goodbye.
How to practice
- Default polite greeting; safe for strangers and service situations.
- Use casual 안녕 only with close friends, peers, or younger people when appropriate.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
Which greeting is safest when meeting a shop employee?
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