How to say "Hello" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "Hello" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
안녕하세요
annyeonghaseyo
Literally: Are you at peace?
When to use it
The default greeting for everyone, any time of day. There is no separate good morning or good evening you need to learn first.
Polite form
- 안녕하십니까annyeonghasimnikkaUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 안녕annyeong= Hi (casual)Friends and children only. It also means bye.
- 안녕하십니까annyeonghasimnikka= Hello (formal)News anchors, the military, formal speeches.
In a sentence
- 안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다.annyeonghaseyo, cheoeum boepgesseumnida.Hello, nice to meet you.
- 안녕! 오랜만이야.annyeong! oraenmaniya.Hi! Long time no see.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
essentialgreeting