Korean greetings and goodbyes
A greeting opens the conversation. Start with six polite expressions you can use every day.
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A rough reading aid, not exact pronunciation. Hyphens separate syllables. Listen first, then try with hints hidden. “eu” is said with unrounded lips; “uh” only approximates ㅓ. Doubled consonants are tense, not extra syllables. Do not add a vowel after a final consonant.
Six phrases you can use today
These are polite everyday expressions for someone you have just met, a shop employee or an older person. You do not have to bow deeply or use a long sentence. A friendly greeting is a useful first step.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Focus on the Korean audio as you learn.
안녕하세요
Sound hintahn-nyuhng-hah-seh-yoh
annyeonghaseyo
Hello.
A polite everyday greeting. It works in the morning, afternoon and evening.
감사합니다
Sound hintgahm-sah-hahm-nee-dah
gamsahamnida
Thank you.
A polite thank-you for help, an answer or a purchase.
죄송합니다
Sound hintjweh-sohng-hahm-nee-dah
joesonghamnida
I’m sorry.
Use this to apologize, for example after bumping into someone.
실례합니다
Sound hintseel-ryeh-hahm-nee-dah
sillyehamnida
Excuse me.
A polite way to get someone’s attention before asking a question or passing by.
안녕히 가세요
Sound hintahn-nyuhng-hee gah-seh-yoh
annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye. (To someone leaving.)
가세요 refers to going. Say this to a person who is leaving.
안녕히 계세요
Sound hintahn-nyuhng-hee gyeh-seh-yoh
annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye. (To someone staying.)
계세요 refers to staying. Say this when you leave and the other person stays.
A real-life conversation
안녕하세요.
Hello.
안녕하세요.
Hello.
감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.
Thank you. Goodbye. (You leave.)
안녕히 가세요.
Goodbye. (The staff member stays.)
Start polite, then follow the relationship
안녕 is a casual hello or goodbye between close friends and in some other familiar relationships. Use 안녕하세요 when meeting someone for the first time. You can learn casual language later, once you know when it fits.
Make yourself heard.
Listen once. Record yourself saying the phrase, then listen back.
감사합니다
Up to 20 seconds. Your recording stays in this page and is never uploaded by HangulHada.
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