Learn korean - Hello 안녕하세요 (An nyeong ha se yo) in korean

 How to Say “Hello” 안녕하세요 (An nyeong ha se yo)

in Korean: A Guide for Language Learners

Learning to say “hello” 안녕하세요 (An nyeong ha se yo) in Korean is 

essential for anyone starting their journey with the language. 

Korean greetings vary based on the formality level and social context, 

making it important to choose the right phrase to match your situation.

 Here’s a breakdown of the common ways to say “hello” 

in Korean and when to use each expression.

The Standard “Hello”: 안녕하세요 (An nyeong ha se yo)

The most common way to greet someone in 

Korean is 안녕하세요 (an nyeong ha se yo). 

This phrase is polite and works well in most situations, 

from greeting a stranger to meeting someone you know.

Usage:

When greeting someone in a polite, neutral setting.

Perfect for daily interactions with people of any age or status 

if you want to be respectful but not overly formal.

Formal Greeting: 안녕하십니까 (An nyeong ha sim ni kka)

For very formal situations, such as greeting a superior, 

elder, or in business settings, 

you can use 안녕하십니까 (an nyeong ha sim ni kka). 

This version is even more respectful and formal than 

안녕하세요 (an nyeong ha se yo)

and is commonly used in professional contexts.

Usage:

When greeting someone in a business or formal setting.

Often used in interviews, public announcements, 

or when speaking with elders.

Informal Greeting: 안녕 (An nyeong)

Among friends, family, or people of a similar age, 

you can simply say 안녕 (an nyeong), which is the informal version of “hello.

” It’s a casual way to greet someone and is 

best reserved for people you know well.

Usage:

With friends, family members, and close acquaintances.

Suitable for informal or casual situations 

where you don’t need to be overly polite.

Additional Greetings

Beyond just saying “hello,” there are other expressions 

you might hear or want to use in specific contexts:

여보세요 (Yeo bo se yo): 

This is the standard way to say “hello” when answering the phone in Korean. 

It’s unique to phone conversations and is neither formal nor informal.

Understanding Korean Social Context

Korean culture emphasizes respect and hierarchy in social interactions. 

Choosing the right greeting depends on the social context and 

relationship with the person. 

Using 안녕하세요 (an nyeong ha se yo) as a default is safe 

if you’re unsure, as it’s polite and neutral.

Practice Your Greetings

Practice these greetings with native speakers or 

language partners to get comfortable with 

the phrases and the situations where they’re appropriate. 

Practicing real-life interactions will help you understand 

when to use each form and build your confidence in Korean.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say “hello” 안녕하세요 

(an nyeong ha se yo) in Korean is a small but significant 

step in learning the language. 

By using the right greeting for each situation, 

you’ll communicate with respect and cultural understanding. 

So next time you meet someone, try saying 안녕하세요 

(an nyeong ha se yo) 

and start your conversation with a friendly, respectful hello!