Learning Korean can be an exciting and enriching experience. As you embark on your language learning journey, it’s important to have a solid foundation of basic phrases to help you communicate effectively. Here are some essential Korean phrases for beginners that will assist you in everyday conversations.
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
저는 마이클이에요. 안녕하세요?
This is perhaps the most common greeting in Korean, used to say hello. It’s polite and can be used at any time of the day.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
도움을 주셔서 감사합니다.
Expressing gratitude is important in any culture, and this phrase will help you show your appreciation in Korean.
실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse me
실례합니다, 화장실이 어디인지 아세요?
Whether you’re trying to get someone’s attention or navigate through a crowded space, this phrase is very useful.
잘 모르겠습니다 (Jal moreugesseumnida) – I don’t know
이 단어의 뜻이 무엇인지 잘 모르겠습니다.
When you’re learning a new language, it’s perfectly fine to admit when you don’t know something. This phrase will come in handy.
이해했습니다 (Ihaehaessseumnida) – I understand
네, 이해했습니다. 감사합니다!
Communicating that you’ve understood something is as important as asking for clarification.
모르겠습니다 (Moreugesseumnida) – I don’t understand
미안하지만, 모르겠습니다. 다시 설명해 주실래요?
When you need someone to repeat or explain something in a different way, this phrase will be essential.
안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo) – Goodbye (when leaving)
잘 지내세요. 안녕히 계세요!
This is a formal way to say goodbye when you are the person leaving.
안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) – Goodbye (to someone leaving)
다음에 또 뵙겠습니다. 안녕히 가세요!
Use this phrase to bid farewell to someone who is leaving.
제 이름은 ____ 입니다 (Je ireumeun ____ imnida) – My name is ____
제 이름은 소피아입니다.
Introducing yourself is one of the first steps in making a connection with someone. Fill in the blank with your name.
만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida) – Nice to meet you
처음 뵙겠습니다, 만나서 반갑습니다.
After introducing yourself, this phrase is used to express that you are pleased to meet someone.
어디에서 왔어요? (Eodieseo wasseoyo?) – Where are you from?
어디에서 왔어요? 저는 서울에서 왔어요.
This question can help you start a conversation and learn more about the person you’re speaking with.
화장실이 어디에 있어요? (Hwajangshiri eodie isseoyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
실례하지만, 화장실이 어디에 있어요?
Knowing how to ask for the bathroom is crucial, especially when traveling in Korea.
얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
이것은 얼마예요?
When shopping or dining, this phrase will help you find out the price of items or services.
이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) – Please give me this
이거 주세요, 감사합니다.
Whether you’re pointing at a menu item or a product in a store, this phrase will help you request what you need.
도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me
잠시 도와주세요, 이 가방이 너무 무거워요.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, this phrase is vital.
By mastering these essential Korean phrases, you’ll be able to navigate basic conversations and integrate more smoothly into Korean society. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases as much as possible to improve your proficiency. Happy learning!
