Learning a new language can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, and Korean is no exception. Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea or just want to expand your linguistic skills, knowing some basic phrases can be incredibly useful. Here’s a guide to some essential Korean phrases that will help you in everyday conversations.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
김 선생님, 안녕하세요!
This is perhaps the most well-known Korean greeting. It is polite and can be used at any time of the day.
감사합니다 (Gamsahabnida) – Thank you
도와줘서 감사합니다.
Use this phrase to show gratitude. It’s formal and respectful, making it suitable in almost all situations where you need to thank someone.
천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo) – You’re welcome
감사합니다! 천만에요.
This is a polite way to respond when someone thanks you.
실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me
실례합니다, 화장실이 어디인가요?
Use this phrase to get someone’s attention politely, such as when asking for directions or when navigating through a crowd.
미안합니다 (Mianhamnida) – I’m sorry
지각해서 미안합니다.
This phrase is used to apologize and is formal enough for most situations.
잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?) – How are you?
오랜만이에요! 잘 지냈어요?
This is a common way to ask someone if they are doing well, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while.
네 (Ne) – Yes
이것이 맞나요? 네, 맞아요.
This is the standard way to affirm something or agree with someone.
아니요 (Aniyo) – No
이거 당신 거예요? 아니요, 아닙니다.
Use this to disagree or deny something politely.
이름이 뭐예요? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?) – What is your name?
안녕하세요, 이름이 뭐예요?
This is a useful phrase when you meet someone new and want to know their name.
제 이름은 ___입니다 (Je ireumeun ___ imnida) – My name is ___
제 이름은 홍길동입니다.
Fill in the blank with your name to introduce yourself.
화장실이 어디예요? (Hwajangsil-i eodi-yeyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
실례합니다, 화장실이 어디예요?
A practical question that can be very useful in everyday situations.
몇 시예요? (Myeot siyeyo?) – What time is it?
지금 몇 시예요?
This question can help you stay on schedule while traveling or during daily activities.
이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
저기요, 이거 얼마예요?
When shopping, this phrase will come in handy to find out the price of items.
도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me
잠시 도와주세요.
If you’re ever in a situation where you need assistance, this phrase is essential.
알겠습니다 (Algetseumnida) – I understand
알겠습니다, 감사합니다.
This phrase is useful when you want to acknowledge that you have understood what was said.
모르겠습니다 (Moreugesseumnida) – I don’t understand
미안합니다, 모르겠습니다.
If you don’t understand something, it’s perfectly okay to use this phrase to ask for clarification.
한국어를 조금 할 수 있어요 (Hangug-eoreul jogeum hal su isseoyo) – I can speak a little Korean
한국어를 조금 할 수 있어요, 하지만 아직 배우는 중이에요.
This phrase can be used to let others know that you are still learning Korean and might not be fluent.
By mastering these basic phrases, you will be able to handle many common situations in Korea or any Korean-speaking environment. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases as much as possible to become more comfortable with the Korean language. Happy learning!
