How to Greet Naturally Like a Korean

How to Greet Naturally Like a Korean

Learning how to greet people is one of the most important skills in Korean. But greetings in Korean go beyond just saying “hello.” They reflect respect, age, and relationship. If you’ve only been saying 안녕하세요 everywhere, this guide will show you how to sound more natural—just like a real Korean.

1) 안녕하세요 vs. 안녕

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the polite, standard greeting. Use it with strangers, elders, or anyone you should respect.
안녕 (annyeong) is casual, used with close friends or younger people.

• Polite: 안녕하세요, 선생님. — Hello, teacher.
• Casual: 안녕! 잘 지냈어? — Hey! How have you been?

2) 밥 먹었어요? — Did You Eat?

In Korean culture, food equals care. Asking 밥 먹었어요? is not just about eating but also about checking someone’s well-being.

• 오늘 밥 먹었어요? — Did you eat today?
• Usage: Often used as a friendly greeting among family or close colleagues.

3) 수고하세요 — Keep Up the Good Work

This phrase is common when leaving workplaces or stores. It literally means “Keep working hard,” but it’s used to politely say goodbye.

• 수고하세요. — Thank you for your effort / Goodbye (polite).

4) 안녕히 가세요 / 안녕히 계세요

English has one “goodbye,” but Korean has two depending on who is leaving.

• 안녕히 가세요 — Say this when the other person is leaving.
• 안녕히 계세요 — Say this when you are leaving.

5) 만나서 반갑습니다 — Nice to Meet You

A formal, polite way to greet someone when you meet for the first time.

• 처음 뵙겠습니다. 만나서 반갑습니다. — It’s my first time meeting you. Nice to meet you.

6) Cultural Note

Greetings in Korea are often paired with a bow. Even a small nod shows respect. Using the right words and the right body language will make your greeting truly natural.

Final Words

Korean greetings are about more than words—they show care, respect, and relationships. Mastering phrases like 안녕하세요, 수고하세요, and 밥 먹었어요? will help you sound authentic and connect deeply with Koreans.
Next time, we’ll explore Korean idioms and proverbs often heard in dramas—expressions full of wisdom and culture.
Aloha to words that connect hearts—안녕하세요! 🌸