Learn Korean and express various greetings

Learn basic Korean greetings

In Korean language learning, greeting expressions are divided into 

several forms depending on the situation.

Below are basic Korean greeting expressions and their explanations.

Memorize them without fail.

1. Basic Greetings

🔘안녕하세요 (An nyeong ha se yo)

This is the most basic and polite greeting in Korean. It can be used at 

any time and in any place. 

It shows respect and is the most commonly used greeting 

in everyday conversations.

🔘안녕 (An nyeong)

This is a casual greeting used among close friends or family.

It’s typically used when the other person is a friend, 

of the same age, or younger.

🔘안녕하십니까 (An nyeong ha sim nik ka)

A very formal greeting, often used in official or formal settings,

such as at work or in important meetings.

It’s a polite way to greet someone you’re meeting for the first time.

2. Time-based Greetings

🔘좋은 아침이에요 (Jo eun achim-ie yo)

This means Good morning and can be used to greet someone in the morning.

🔘좋은 하루 보내세요 (Joeun haru bo nae se yo)

Meaning Have a good day, this expression is commonly 

used in the afternoon as a parting phrase to wish someone a nice day.

🔘안녕히 주무세요 (An nyeong hi ju mu se yo)

This means Good night or Sleep well and is a polite way to wish 

someone a restful night’s sleep.

3. Situation-based Greetings

🔘오랜만이에요 (O raen man ie yo)

This is used to greet someone you haven’t seen in a long time. 

It’s similar to saying Long time no see in English and can also be used

formally as 오랜만입니다 (O raen man im ni da).

🔘다녀오겠습니다 (Da nyeo-o get seum ni da)

This is said when leaving home, and it means I’ll be back later

or I’m leaving and will return. It implies that you will come back home later.

🔘다녀왔습니다 (Da nyeo wat seum ni da)

This is used upon returning home after going out.

When saying 다녀왔습니다, people at home usually respond with

Welcome back" or Good job.

🔘수고하셨습니다 (Su go ha syeots eum ni da)

This is a way to express gratitude and encouragement after working 

together or making an effort. 

In studying Korean, greeting expressions are used in various forms,

including formal and informal speech, and depending on the time or situation.

Therefore, it is most important to choose the appropriate expression 

considering the relationship with the other person and the situation.

It’s a respectful way to acknowledge someone’s hard work.