How to Say Hello in Korean: A Guide for Beginners

Communication begins with a greeting. Korean, a language rich with honorifics and social nuances, offers several ways to say "hello" depending on context, relationship dynamics, and social settings. Mastering these essential greetings creates immediate connection opportunities and demonstrates respect for Korean cultural values—a critical first step for language learners.

Understanding the Cultural Context of Korean Greetings

Korean society operates with a sophisticated social hierarchy that directly influences language. This hierarchical structure manifests through speech patterns, vocabulary selection, and particularly in greetings. Respect forms the foundation of Korean social interactions, embedded deeply in linguistic expressions.

The language contains distinct speech levels reflecting varying degrees of formality and politeness. This intricate system ensures speakers acknowledge social distinctions while preserving harmony in relationships. For beginners, recognizing this cultural framework proves essential before attempting even basic greetings.

Essential Korean Greetings for Every Situation

1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) - The Standard Polite Hello

Annyeonghaseyo functions as the versatile standard greeting in Korean society. This expression works effectively in most everyday scenarios and serves as the default greeting when meeting someone new.

Pronunciation Guide:

Break it down: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo
The "eo" sounds closest to the "u" in the English word "huh"
Maintain even tone, with slight emphasis on "nyeong"
End with a gentle upward inflection on "yo"

When to use it:

Meeting someone for the first time
Speaking with store employees and service staff
Greeting colleagues or acquaintances
Addressing anyone older than you
Most public and semi-formal interactions

Etymologically, annyeonghaseyo carries the beautiful meaning of "Are you at peace?" This reveals the compassionate undercurrent of Korean greetings—not just acknowledging presence but inquiring about wellbeing.

2. 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka) - The Formal Hello

When situations demand maximum respect and formality, annyeonghasimnikka becomes the appropriate choice. This elevated greeting signals deference and recognition of significant status differences.

Pronunciation Specifics:

Articulate clearly: an-nyeong-ha-shim-ni-kka
Place subtle emphasis on "shim"
End with a slightly falling tone on "kka"
Overall rhythm should sound respectful and measured

Appropriate contexts:

Business presentations and formal meetings
First encounters with senior executives or officials
Academic settings when addressing professors
When meeting parents or grandparents of friends
Official ceremonies or institutional visits

In high-formality situations, pair this greeting with a proper bow (jeol). Bend forward approximately 15-30 degrees while maintaining a straight back. The depth of your bow should correlate with the status differential—deeper bows signal greater respect.

3. 안녕 (Annyeong) - The Casual Hello

For familiar relationships and informal settings, annyeong provides the perfect casual greeting. This shortened form creates immediate warmth and signals comfortable familiarity.

Pronunciation Notes:

Just two syllables: an-nyeong
Keep it light and bouncy
Even tone throughout

Appropriate usage limited to:

Close friends your age or younger
Family members younger than you
Children
Classmates in non-formal settings

Critical warning: Using annyeong inappropriately can create social awkwardness or even offense. Reserve this casual form exclusively for established relationships with appropriate age and status dynamics. When uncertain, defaulting to annyeonghaseyo represents the safer choice.

4. 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo) - The Telephone Hello

Korean telephone etiquette has its own specialized greeting. Yeoboseyo functions exclusively as the standard telephone greeting, regardless of the relationship between caller and receiver.

Pronunciation Details:

Articulate each syllable: yeo-bo-se-yo
Light rising intonation at the end, mimicking question-like curiosity
Keep the tempo moderately quick as natural for answering calls

Usage specifics:

When answering any incoming call
When making calls and the other person answers
Video calls and other distance communication forms
Traditionally also used when someone knocks at the door (though less common today)

This specialized greeting demonstrates how Korean communication patterns adapt to different modes of interaction. Mastering this phone-specific greeting prevents confusion during remote conversations.

Situation-Specific Korean Greetings and Expressions

Beyond the four core greetings, Korean offers specialized expressions for specific contexts and times of day. These targeted greetings add authenticity to your communication.

Time-Specific Greetings

Unlike English with its "good morning" and "good evening" variations, Korean typically uses annyeonghaseyo throughout the day. However, these specialized time greetings exist and add nuance:

좋은 아침이에요 (Joeun achimieyo) - Good morning
Use before approximately 11:00 AM
More common among younger Koreans influenced by Western patterns

2. 좋은 하루 되세요 (Joeun haru doeseyo) - Have a good day

Perfect for parting ways in the morning or early afternoon
Expresses genuine well-wishes for someone's day

3. 안녕히 주무세요 (Annyeonghi jumuseyo) - Good night

Specifically for when someone is going to sleep
Contains the honorific verb for "sleep" (jumuseyo)

Context-Specific Expressions

처음 뵙겠습니다 (Cheoeum boepgesseumnida) - Pleased to meet you
Formal introduction phrase
Literally means "I am seeing you for the first time"
Pairs naturally with annyeonghasimnikka

2. 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) - Nice to meet you

Slightly less formal than cheoeum boepgesseumnida
Expresses pleasure at the meeting
Commonly used in business contexts

3. 오랜만이에요 (Oraenmanieyo) - Long time no see

Perfect for reconnecting with acquaintances
Acknowledges the time gap since your last meeting

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Understanding what not to do proves as valuable as knowing the correct expressions. These common errors can undermine your communication efforts despite best intentions.

Formality Level Confusion

Problem: Using inappropriate formality levels creates social awkwardness and can suggest disrespect.

Examples of mismatches:

Using casual annyeong with a store clerk or professor
Addressing peers with overly formal annyeonghasimnikka when a relationship has already been established
Switching to casual speech too quickly before establishing rapport

Solution: Begin all new interactions with polite annyeonghaseyo, then adjust only if the other person initiates a shift in formality. Observe how Koreans address each other in similar contexts and follow their examples.

Pronunciation Pitfalls

Common struggles:

The "eo" sound: Non-native speakers often pronounce "eo" as "oh" instead of something closer to "uh"
Nasal "ng": The final consonant in "annyeong" requires proper nasal resonance
Syllable stress: Korean generally maintains even stress across syllables rather than emphasizing one
Final intonation: Rising versus falling tones affect meaning and impression

Improvement strategies:

Listen to native audio recordings repeatedly
Practice with Korean language partners who can correct your pronunciation
Exaggerate mouth positions initially to develop muscle memory
Record yourself and compare with native examples

Body Language Disconnects

Verbal greetings in Korean typically accompany appropriate physical gestures. Misalignment between words and body language creates confusion.

Common physical missteps:

Maintaining rigid eye contact during formal greetings (seen as confrontational)
Bowing too deeply or too shallowly for the context
Initiating handshakes when bows would be appropriate
Poor timing between verbal greeting and physical gesture

Solutions:

Observe Korean greeting behaviors in authentic settings
Practice synchronized verbal-physical greetings
Adopt a slight head nod even for casual greetings
Learn proper bowing techniques with appropriate angles

The Honorific System in Korean Greetings

Korean's intricate honorific system directly impacts greetings. Understanding these structural elements helps explain why greetings vary and how they reflect relationship dynamics.

Speech Levels Overview

Korean contains several distinct speech levels, from highest formality to most casual:

Hasipsio-che (하십시오체) - Highest formality
Used in public speeches, news broadcasts, formal writing
Contains annyeonghasimnikka

2. Haeyo-che (해요체) - Standard polite

Everyday polite speech for most situations
Contains annyeonghaseyo

3. Hae-che (해체) - Casual/intimate

Used among close friends, family, and with younger people
Contains annyeong

Status Markers in Language

Korean incorporates status awareness through:

Honorific particles (e.g., 께서, kkeseo)
Special honorific vocabulary for respected individuals
Grammatical inflections that signal respect levels
Speech level endings that encode relationship dynamics

Understanding this system explains why simply translating "hello" becomes complex in Korean—each greeting carries embedded social information about relationships.

Practical Exercises: Master Your Korean Greetings

Apply your knowledge with these practical exercises designed to build greeting fluency across various social contexts.

Scenario Practice

Imagine yourself responding appropriately in these situations:

You're visiting a traditional Korean restaurant for dinner. The host greets you at the entrance.
Your greeting: _______
(Appropriate response: 안녕하세요)

2. You're making a business call to a potential Korean partner company.

Your greeting: _______
(Appropriate response: 여보세요)

3. You're meeting the CEO of a major Korean corporation at a formal event.

Your greeting: _______
(Appropriate response: 안녕하십니까 with appropriate bow)

4. Your Korean language exchange partner (same age as you) arrives for your weekly meeting.

Your greeting: _______
(Context-dependent, but likely 안녕하세요 initially, possibly transitioning to 안녕 as friendship develops)

Role-Play Challenges

Practice these scenarios with a language partner:

Business meeting simulation:
Enter a room with three people of varying seniority
Deliver appropriate greetings to each person
Adjust bowing depth appropriately

2. Phone call sequence:

Practice answering calls with proper yeoboseyo
Transition from phone greeting to appropriate conversation
Practice ending calls with suitable farewell expressions

3. Social gathering navigation:

Enter a room with mixed age groups
Deliver appropriate age-based greetings
Maintain consistency in formality levels

Regional Variations in Korean Greetings

While standard Korean (Seoul dialect) dominates in media and education, regional variations exist. Understanding these differences enriches your cultural knowledge and prepares you for diverse Korean-speaking environments.

North vs. South Korean Differences

Despite sharing historical roots, North and South Korean language patterns have diverged significantly since the division:

North Korean greetings tend to emphasize collective references over individual ones
Some honorific patterns differ between North and South usage
Pronunciation variations affect how greetings sound
Certain greeting expressions have developed uniquely in each region

Dialect Variations Within South Korea

Major regional dialects in South Korea include:

Gyeongsang Dialect (경상도 사투리)
Southeastern region including Busan and Daegu
Features distinct tonal patterns affecting greeting intonation
Often perceived as more direct and abrupt

2. Jeolla Dialect (전라도 사투리)

Southwestern region
Contains unique vocabulary elements and endings
Known for melodic speech patterns

3. Jeju Dialect (제주도 사투리)

Jeju Island
So distinct it's sometimes considered a separate language
Contains unique greeting expressions specific to island culture

Most Koreans understand standard greetings regardless of region, but awareness of these variations demonstrates deeper cultural appreciation.

Technology and Modern Korean Greetings

Digital communication has influenced Korean greeting patterns, creating new expressions and contexts for traditional forms.

Text and Chat Greetings

Korean digital communication has developed specialized greeting forms:

안녕 (Annyeong) - Common in texts regardless of formality
ㅎㅇ (H-O) - Ultra-casual abbreviated form used among young friends
안녕하세요~ (Annyeonghaseyo~) - Tilde indicates friendly, soft tone
오셨어요? (Osyeosseoyo?) - "Have you arrived?" as a chat greeting

Video Call Etiquette

Video calls blend telephone and in-person greeting conventions:

Beginning with yeoboseyo then transitioning to visual-appropriate greetings
Including slight bowing motion when formal relationships exist
Adjusting greeting formality based on call context (business vs. personal)
Using hand waves and other non-verbal cues more frequently than in-person

Beyond Greetings: Continuing the Conversation

Effective communication extends beyond initial greetings. These follow-up expressions help sustain conversation after hello.

Common Follow-up Questions

After greeting someone in Korean, these natural follow-ups maintain conversation flow:

잘 지내셨어요? (Jal jinaesyeosseoyo?) - Have you been well?
오늘 어떠세요? (Oneul eotteoseyo?) - How are you today?
식사하셨어요? (Siksahasyeosseoyo?) - Have you eaten?
This question functions similarly to "how are you?" in Korean culture
Reflects cultural emphasis on food and communal dining

Transitioning to Conversations

Bridge from greetings to substantive conversation with:

요즘 어떻게 지내세요? (Yojeum eotteoke jinaesayo?) - How have you been lately?
무슨 일 하세요? (Museun il haseyo?) - What do you do? (profession)
어디에서 오셨어요? (Eodieso osyeosseoyo?) - Where are you from?

These transitional phrases build upon your initial greeting, creating natural conversation progression.

Learn Any Language with Kylian AI

Private language lessons are expensive. Paying between 15 and 50 euros per lesson isn’t realistic for most people—especially when dozens of sessions are needed to see real progress.

Many learners give up on language learning due to these high costs, missing out on valuable professional and personal opportunities.

That’s why we created Kylian: to make language learning accessible to everyone and help people master a foreign language without breaking the bank.

To get started, just tell Kylian which language you want to learn and what your native language is

Tired of teachers who don’t understand your specific struggles as a French speaker? Kylian’s advantage lies in its ability to teach any language using your native tongue as the foundation.

Unlike generic apps that offer the same content to everyone, Kylian explains concepts in your native language (French) and switches to the target language when necessary—perfectly adapting to your level and needs.

This personalization removes the frustration and confusion that are so common in traditional language learning.

Choose a specific topic you want to learn

Frustrated by language lessons that never cover exactly what you need? Kylian can teach you any aspect of a language—from pronunciation to advanced grammar—by focusing on your specific goals.

Avoid vague requests like “How can I improve my accent?” and be precise: “How do I pronounce the R like a native English speaker?” or “How do I conjugate the verb ‘to be’ in the present tense?”

With Kylian, you’ll never again pay for irrelevant content or feel embarrassed asking “too basic” questions to a teacher. Your learning plan is entirely personalized.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, just hit the “Generate a Lesson” button, and within seconds, you’ll get a lesson designed exclusively for you.

Join the room to begin your lesson

The session feels like a one-on-one language class with a human tutor—but without the high price or time constraints.

In a 25-minute lesson, Kylian teaches exactly what you need to know about your chosen topic: the nuances that textbooks never explain, key cultural differences between French and your target language, grammar rules, and much more.

Ever felt frustrated trying to keep up with a native-speaking teacher, or embarrassed to ask for something to be repeated? With Kylian, that problem disappears. It switches intelligently between French and the target language depending on your level, helping you understand every concept at your own pace.

During the lesson, Kylian uses role-plays, real-life examples, and adapts to your learning style. Didn’t understand something? No problem—you can pause Kylian anytime to ask for clarification, without fear of being judged.

Ask all the questions you want, repeat sections if needed, and customize your learning experience in ways traditional teachers and generic apps simply can’t match.

With 24/7 access at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, Kylian removes all the barriers that have kept you from mastering the language you’ve always wanted to learn.

Take your free lesson with Kylian today.