how to say Hello In Korean

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The best impression is the first one, and simply saying hello in Korean or good morning can impress a romantic interest, coworker, or potential friend.

안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) is translated as hello in Korean language and literally means “to be at peace.” but there are 3 other Korean words for hello are ” formal 안녕하십니까 (annyeong hasimnikka), the informal way 안녕 (annyeong) means “bye” in Korean and 여보세요(yeoboseyo) when answering the phone.

However, sometimes using just one word to greet someone can make them think you’re a tourist.

Alright world, Let’s dig in. 

How To Say Hello In Korean Language?

안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo)is the standard and respected way of saying hello in Korean, literally meaning “to do peace” or “to have peace”. 안녕 (annyeong) is the informal way of saying hello in the Korean language, meaning peace, and it’s equivalent to “hi in Korean.” The formal way to say “hello” is 안녕하십니까? (Annyeonghasimnikka). This is often used in announcements, speeches, or on the news.

Here’s how to say hello in Korean in casual, formal, and polite situations.

  • 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo)- The standard way to say hello in Korean.
  • 안녕 (annyeong)—say hello in Korean to friends.
  • 녕하십니까 (annyeong hasimnikka)—the formal way to hello in Korean
  • 여보세요 (yeoboseyo)-“Hello” when answering the phone.

안녕하세요 (Annyeong Haseyo)

This is the most common standard way to say hello in Korean is 안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) literally means “to do peace” or “to have peace”. It is made up of two words, which are 안녕 (annyeong) means “well-being” or “peace”, while 하세요 (haseyo) comes from the Korean verb 하다 (hada), meaning “to do”. It’s similar to asking, “Have you been doing well?”. You can use 안녕하세요 in any situation, like with your teacher, with coworkers, or when you greet someone as you walk into a store or restaurant, with strangers.

You can use the Formal ‘hello’ [안녕하세요] in these situations

  • Used between adults at the first meeting or strangers
  • Used by adults in formal settings
  • Used you are talking to someone older or higher in rank
  • Used by children when speaking to adults.
  • Used with coworkers
  • Used to you greet someone as you walk into a store or restaurant,

안녕하세요 can be  used as both a question and an answer almost as though asking “Are you doing well?”

You can use 안녕하세요 is used in question form, which literally means “are you at peace?”. You can simply reply, “예 (ye)[ with the Korean word for yes], 안녕하세요 (ne, annyeong haseyo) means” yes, I’m doing well.”

hi In Korean (안녕)

안녕 (annyeong) is the informal way of saying hello in the Korean language. It means peace and it’s basically equivalent to “hi in Korean.” You can only use it when talking to someone you’re close to or someone who’s younger than you. Additionally, 안녕 (annyeong) is an informal way to say “goodbye” in Korean.

You can use the informal ‘hello’ is 안녕 in these situations

  • Used between children
  • Used between young friends
  • Used between siblings, parents, and children (an adult in his or her 30’s is unlikely to use 안녕 to their parents.)
  • Used between adult females. (adults over the age of 30, it’s only used between women)

The main reason why adults, particularly men in their 40’s and over, don’t use 안녕 (annyeong) is that 안녕 is primarily used by children in Korea, and in a conservative society like Korea, it would be inappropriate for a male adult to use an expression that is used mainly by children.

안녕 (annyeong) is an informal way to say “goodbye” in Korean and it means ‘hello ‘and ‘goodbye’ but 안녕하세요 doesn’t mean goodbye. It is translated as “hello.” The polite form of goodbye in Korean is 안녕히 계세요 (an-nyeong-hi-ge-se-yo) which means “please stay comfortable”. 

안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka)

안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka) is a formal way of saying hello in Korean. 안녕 means “peace” and 하십니까 the honorific form. You can use this phrase by businesses to greet their customer, on a flight on a Korean airline.

But natives rarely say 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka). 

When someone greets you using this expression, you can reply with 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka).

Where to use 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka).

  • Used by businesses to greet their customers.
  • used in announcements, speeches, or on the news in South Korea.

The Correct Meaning Of 여보세요 [Yeoboseyo]

The correct meaning of 여보세요 [yeoboseyo] hello in Korean while answering the phone, even if you don’t know who the caller is. It is a polite way. You can use it with friends, family, and strangers. 

Conclusion

Great job. You finally know how to say hello in the Korean language.

The examples listed above aren’t the only ways that one can say hello in Korean, there are several others that you may hear or know. It is important that you consider which way of saying hello is appropriate to the situation that you are in, otherwise, it could become rather awkward.

I get it

It can be hard to remember which phrase to say and when to use it, but as long as you understand that잘 자 (jal ja) is only used to say hi in Korean to a friend or someone younger than you and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Because All these Korean greetings are widely used and accepted in Korea 

Well, it’s time for you to apply it in real life and improve your pronunciation.

So go out and next time you meet a Korean speaker, Be sure to greet them.

for more information, you can read the  article at fluenttongue.com