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25 Ways to Greet a Person in Korean

Greeting someone in Korean is a fundamental aspect of building relationships and showing respect. While simple greetings like "안녕하세요" (Annyeong haseyo) are widely used, employing more advanced vocabulary can elevate your interactions and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the language. Here are 25 ways to greet someone in Korean, categorized by formality and context:

25 Ways to Greet a Person in Korean

Formal Greetings


1. 안녕하십니까 (Annyeong hasimnikka): The most formal and respectful greeting, suitable for elders, superiors, or formal occasions. This greeting conveys utmost respect and politeness.

2. 성함이 어떻게 되십니까? (Seonghami eotteoke doesimnikka?): Meaning "What is your honorable name?", this is a polite way to inquire about someone's name.

3. 오래전부터 존경해 왔습니다 (Oraejeonbuteo jongyeonghae watseumnida): Meaning "I have long admired you," this is a highly respectful greeting for someone you admire.

4. 만나 뵙게 되어 영광입니다 (Manna boepge doeeo yeongwangimnida): Meaning "It’s an honor to meet you," this is a formal way to greet someone for the first time.

5. 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida): Meaning "Nice to meet you," this is a polite and formal greeting suitable for new acquaintances.


Informal Greetings


6. 안녕하세요 (Annyeong haseyo): A casual and versatile greeting suitable for most situations. It is equivalent to "Hello" and can be used with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

7. 좋은 아침입니다 (Joeun achimimnida): Meaning "Good morning," this greeting is used in the morning. It is a friendly and polite way to start the day.

8. 안녕히 주무셨어요? (Annyeonghi jumusyeosseoyo?): Meaning "Did you sleep well?", this greeting is used in the morning to inquire about someone's night.

9. 안녕히 주무세요 (Annyeonghi jumuseyo): Meaning "Good night," this is a polite way to bid someone goodnight.

10. 잘 지내셨어요? (Jal jinaesyeosseoyo?): Meaning "How have you been?", this is a casual way to inquire about someone's well-being.

11. 오랜만이에요 (Oraenmanieyo): Meaning "Long time no see," this is a warm greeting for someone you haven't seen in a while.

12. 뭐하고 지냈어요? (Mwohago jinaesseoyo?): Meaning "What have you been up to?", this shows interest in the other person's recent activities.


Greetings Based on Relationships


13. 아버지, 안녕하세요 (Abeoji, annyeong haseyo): Greeting a father. This shows respect and acknowledges the familial relationship.

14. 어머니, 안녕하세요 (Eomeoni, annyeong haseyo): Greeting a mother. It is a polite and respectful way to address female elders in the family.

15. 형, 안녕 (Hyeong, annyeong): Greeting an older brother. This reflects respect and affection within the family.

16. 누나, 안녕 (Nuna, annyeong): Greeting an older sister. It shows respect and acknowledges the sibling relationship.

17. 동생, 안녕 (Dongsaeng, annyeong): Greeting a younger sibling. It is a friendly and warm way to acknowledge a younger family member.

18. 삼촌, 안녕하세요 (Samchon, annyeong haseyo): Greeting an uncle. This shows respect and acknowledges the familial relationship.

19. 이모, 안녕하세요 (Imo, annyeong haseyo): Greeting an aunt. It is a polite and respectful way to address female elders in the family.


Creative and Expressive Greetings


20. 잘 지내고 있나요? (Jal jinaego innayo?): Meaning "Are you doing well?", this is a concerned and caring greeting.

21. 요즘 어떻게 지내세요? (Yojeum eotteoke jinaeseyo?): Meaning "How have you been these days?", this is a more detailed inquiry about someone's well-being.

22. 기분이 어때요? (Gibuni eottaeyo?): Meaning "How are you feeling?", this shows concern for the other person's emotional state.

23. 오늘 날씨 좋네요 (Oneul nalssi johneyo): Meaning "The weather is nice today," this is a casual and friendly opener.

24. 오늘 하루 어땠어요? (Oneul haru eottaesseoyo?): Meaning "How was your day today?", this shows interest in the other person's daily life.

25. 모든 것이 잘 되고 있나요? (Modeun geosi jal doego innayo?): Meaning "Is everything going well?", this is a concerned and caring greeting.


Learning Korean with Flash Cards

Learning Korean with Flash Cards

If you're eager to start learning Korean or want to enhance your vocabulary, the "Korean Flash Cards - Learn Korean Language Vocabulary Words and Phrases - Basic Korean for Beginners" by Travelflips is an excellent tool. These flash cards offer a fun and effective way to grasp essential Korean words and phrases, making them an ideal gift for travelers, kids, and adults alike. Designed to cater to beginners, each card features a Korean word or phrase with its English translation and pronunciation guide, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Korea, helping your child explore a new language, or embarking on your own language-learning journey, these flash cards will make the process engaging and accessible.


By mastering these diverse greetings, you can effectively communicate and build rapport with people from different backgrounds and in various social settings. These greetings not only show respect and politeness but also demonstrate a deeper understanding of Korean and its cultural nuances. Whether you are meeting someone for the first time, catching up with a friend, or acknowledging a family member, using these advanced greetings will enhance your interactions and leave a positive impression.

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