"Annyeong haseyo" (안녕하세요) is the standard, polite way to say "Hello," "Good morning/afternoon/evening," or "How are you?" in Korean, conveying a wish for peace and well-being, suitable for most situations, though the informal "Annyeong" (안녕) is for close friends, while "Yeoboseyo" (여보세요) is for answering the phone.
Hello - 안녕하세요 [annyeong-haseyo]
안녕하세요 [a-nyeong-ha-se-yo] is the formal, polite way to say hello in Korean and is the most important for you to know when you are just beginning learning Korean or if you are in need of some simple travel Korean. A fun fact about this word: it has the literal meaning of 'be in peace'.
Korean uses two number systems, Sino-Korean (il, i, sam...) for dates, money, minutes, and Native Korean (hana, dul, set...) for general counting, age, and hours; 1-10 in Sino-Korean are 일 (il), 이 (i), 삼 (sam), 사 (sa), 오 (o), 육 (yuk), 칠 (chil), 팔 (pal), 구 (gu), 십 (sip), while in Native Korean they are 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot), 여섯 (yeoseot), 일곱 (ilgop), 여덟 (yeodeol), 아홉 (ahop), 열 (yeol).
It can be either, depending on the language and context: "Gaja" (가자) is the common Korean informal word for "Let's go," though pronounced closer to "Kaja" by many, while "Kaja" is used in some Slavic languages (like Slovenian) as a name or for "effort/work," and the Italian wine brand Gaja is pronounced "Gah-yah," not "Gaja," notes a YouTube video.
What is the difference between 안녕 (annyeong) and 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)? 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the formal and polite form of greeting someone. This is the phrase that is used most often with people. 안녕 (annyeong) is the informal way that is used with people you are close to.
Another common way of saying "goodbye" in Korean is to simply say 가세요 (gaseyo). Often older people use this word when saying "goodbye" to younger people.
Korean terms for a lover vary from cute nicknames like 자기야 (jagiya - honey/babe) and 애기야 (aegiya - baby) to respectful terms like 여보 (yeobo - darling, for married couples), while general terms include 애인 (aein - sweetheart) and 내 사랑 (nae sarang - my love), with unique options like 공주님 (gongjunim - princess) or 왕자님 (wangjanim - prince) also used.
"Aja aja" (아자아자) in Korean is a powerful cheer or interjection used for encouragement, similar to saying "Let's go!", "Do your best!", "Keep it up!", or "Cheer up!" in English, often repeated and frequently paired with "Hwaiting!" (파이팅) for extra motivation, especially before sports, exams, or challenges.
Perhaps the most popular of the Korean terms of love between couples it means "honey," "darling," or "baby," which you'll often hear among couples in K-dramas. You can also just shorten it to 자기 (jagi). Use this term along with Korean love phrases. It's used for both men and women.
Basic Korean words include greetings like 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo - Hello) and 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida - Thank you), essentials such as 네 (Ne - Yes) and 아니요 (Aniyo - No), common verbs like 하다 (hada - to do) and 가다 (gada - to go), and useful nouns like 사람 (saram - person) and 이름 (ireum - name). Key phrases also cover "Excuse me" (잠시만요 - Jamshimanyo), "I'm sorry" (죄송합니다 - Joesonghamnida), and "How much is it?" (얼마예요? - Eolmayeyo?).
Korean Double Consonants
There are 5 double consonants: ㄲ (kk) - a stronger, more forceful "k" sound. ㄸ (tt) - a stronger, more forceful "t" sound. ㅃ (pp) - a stronger, more forceful "p" sound.
이거 (하나) 주세요 (igeo (hana) juseyo) please give me (one of) this (so you can point on the menu)
안녕 (Annyeong)
This is the casual way to say goodbye. It's also the casual way to say "hello." Same word 안녕, totally different from the polite expressions above.
"Jadu" means "Plum" in Korean.
(Korean: 파이팅, pronounced [pʰaitʰiŋ]) or Hwaiting! (Korean: 화이팅, pronounced [ɸwaitʰiŋ]) is a Korean word of support or encouragement. It is frequently used in sports or whenever a challenge such as a difficult test or unpleasant assignment is met. It derives from a Konglish borrowing of the English word "Fighting!"
According to the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “oppa” is a kinship term used by women for an older brother born to the same parents or an older male relative in the same generation. Originally limited to family ties, it has since broadened to refer to male friends or romantic partners.
1. 사랑해 (saranghae) - For romantic relationships and close bonds This informal phrase works with your lover, boyfriend, girlfriend, or anyone you're intimate with. In Korean culture, this is deeply personal.
The name Suk has its origins in the Korean language. It derives its meaning from two words: stone and strong.
The most common Korean slang for "WTF" includes 헐 (Heol) for shock/disbelief, 뭐야? (Mwoya?) meaning "What is this?", and for stronger vulgarity, the abbreviation ㅅㅂ (S-B) for 씨발 (Ssi-bal), similar to the English f-word.
-Informal "Good night" in Korean: 잘 자[jal ja]
If you want to say "no" in Korean to emphasize that something isn't allowed, you can use the Korean word 안돼요 (andwaeyo).