πŸ‘‹ How to Say Hello in Korean

How to Say Hello in Korean

Korean has several ways to say “hello” depending on the situation and level of politeness.
In this guide, you will learn the most common Korean greetings and when to use them.

1. μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” (Annyeonghaseyo)

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”

Meaning: Hello

Politeness Level: Polite / Standard

Usage: Used in most situations.

You can use μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” when greeting strangers, coworkers, teachers, or people you meet for the first time.

Example

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”!
Hello!

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš”. μ €λŠ” μ§€μ€μ΄μ—μš”.
Hello. I’m Jieun.

πŸ’‘ Tip
If you’re not sure which greeting to use, μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” is always safe.

2. μ•ˆλ…• (Annyeong)

μ•ˆλ…•

Meaning: Hi

Politeness Level: Casual

Usage: Used with friends or younger people.


Example

μ•ˆλ…•!
Hi!

μ•ˆλ…•, 뭐 ν•΄?
Hi, what are you doing?

⚠️ Warning
Do not use μ•ˆλ…• with teachers, strangers, or people older than you.

3. μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ (Annyeonghasimnikka)

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ

Meaning: Hello

Politeness Level: Very Formal

This greeting is used in very formal situations such as news broadcasts or formal presentations.

μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ.
Hello.

4. μ—¬λ³΄μ„Έμš” (Yeoboseyo)

μ—¬λ³΄μ„Έμš”

Meaning: Hello (on the phone)

Usage: Used when answering the phone.

 

μ—¬λ³΄μ„Έμš”?
Hello?

Quick Summary

Korean Pronunciation Meaning When to Use
μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ„Έμš” annyeonghaseyo Hello Most situations
μ•ˆλ…• annyeong Hi Friends
μ•ˆλ…•ν•˜μ‹­λ‹ˆκΉŒ annyeonghasimnikka Hello Very formal
μ—¬λ³΄μ„Έμš” yeoboseyo Hello Phone calls
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