Learning Korean can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea or just want to connect with Korean culture, knowing some essential phrases can be incredibly helpful. Here are some basic yet crucial Korean phrases that every beginner should know.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
저는 마이클입니다. 안녕하세요?
This is the standard greeting in Korean, used any time of day.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
도와주셔서 감사합니다!
It’s important to be polite, and saying thank you is a great way to show appreciation.
실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me
실례합니다, 화장실이 어디인가요?
Use this phrase to politely get someone’s attention or to excuse yourself.
잘 모르겠습니다 (Jal moreugesseumnida) – I don’t understand
미안해요, 잘 모르겠습니다.
If you’re confused or need clarification, this phrase can be very helpful.
영어를 할 수 있나요? (Yeongeoreul hal su innayo?) – Can you speak English?
실례지만, 영어를 할 수 있나요?
This can be a lifesaver if you’re struggling with your Korean.
화장실이 어디에 있나요? (Hwajangshiri eodie innayo?) – Where is the bathroom?
죄송하지만, 화장실이 어디에 있나요?
A practical question that you’ll likely need on your visit.
이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
이거 얼마예요?
When shopping, this phrase will help you find out the price of items.
저기요 (Jeogiyo) – Excuse me / Hey
저기요, 메뉴판 좀 주시겠어요?
Catch someone’s attention, like a waiter in a restaurant, with this phrase.
도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me
잠깐, 도와주세요!
If you’re in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to use this phrase.
안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo) – Goodbye (when you are leaving)
안녕히 계세요, 다음에 봬요.
Say goodbye politely when you are the one leaving.
안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) – Goodbye (when someone else is leaving)
안녕히 가세요, 조심히 가세요.
Use this to say goodbye when someone else is leaving.
천천히 말씀해 주세요 (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly
천천히 말씀해 주세요, 잘 이해가 안 돼요.
If you’re having trouble keeping up, this phrase will help slow down the conversation.
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
죄송합니다, 제가 늦었습니다.
An essential phrase to apologize or to express sympathy.
네 (Ne) – Yes
네, 그렇습니다.
A simple affirmation.
아니요 (Aniyo) – No
아니요, 괜찮습니다.
Politely decline or disagree with this word.
제 이름은 ___ 입니다 (Je ireumeun ___ imnida) – My name is ___
제 이름은 다니엘 입니다.
Introduce yourself by filling in your name.
만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) – Nice to meet you
만나서 반갑습니다, 저는 소피아예요.
Use this phrase when meeting someone for the first time.
Knowing these basic phrases will not only help you navigate through daily interactions in Korea but also enrich your understanding of the culture. Practice them regularly, and you’ll find yourself gaining confidence in using the Korean language. Remember, language learning is a journey, and every phrase you learn is a step forward in that journey.
