Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say basic words in Korean! Whether you’re planning to visit Korea, interested in the language, or looking to expand your vocabulary, this guide will help you get started. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expression, and touch upon regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Greetings and Basic Expressions
Mastering basic greetings is the first step towards building conversational skills. Here are some commonly used Korean expressions:
- Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) – Hello (Formal) – Use this expression when meeting someone for the first time or in formal situations.
- Annyeong (안녕) – Hi/Goodbye (Informal) – Informal equivalent of “hello” and “goodbye”.
- Kamsahamnida (감사합니다) – Thank you (Formal) – Show your gratitude by using this polite expression.
- Gomawo (고마워) – Thanks (Informal) – Use this casual expression among friends or in informal situations.
- Mianhamnida (미안합니다) – Sorry (Formal) – Apologize formally using this expression.
- Silheyo (실례요) – Excuse me (Formal) – Use it to grab someone’s attention politely.
- Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) – Excuse me/Sorry (Formal) – Use this expression when you want to apologize or get someone’s attention formally.
2. Introducing Yourself
When meeting new people, it’s essential to introduce yourself. Here’s how to do it in Korean:
Jigeum salam-i issseumnida (지금 사람이 있습니다) – There is someone here at the moment.
You can then proceed to introduce yourself:
- Je ireum-eun [your name] ibnida (제 이름은 [your name] 입니다) – My name is [your name].
- [Your name]-imnida (―입니다) – I am [your name].
3. Numbers and Counting
Numbers play a crucial role in any language. Here are some basic Korean numbers to get you started:
- Hana (하나) – One
- Dul (둘) – Two
- Set (셋) – Three
- Net (넷) – Four
- Daseot (다섯) – Five
- Yeoseot (여섯) – Six
- Ilgop (일곱) – Seven
- Yeodeolb (여덟) – Eight
- Ahop (아홉) – Nine
- Yeol (열) – Ten
4. Basic Phrases for Daily Use
As you progress, it’s important to know useful phrases for day-to-day interactions. Here are a few:
- Eodi itnayo? (어디 있나요) – Where is it?
- Gongbu hanjaneul ju-seyo (공부 한 잔을 주세요) – Please give me a cup of coffee.
- Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요) – How much is it?
- Moreujyo (모르겠어요) – I don’t know.
- Haengboghaeyo (행복해요) – I am happy.
5. Time and Days of the Week
Understanding how to express time and the days of the week is useful for setting appointments, making plans, and organizing your schedule. Here are some key phrases:
- Jigeum myeot siyeyo? (지금 몇 시에요) – What time is it?
- Achim (아침) – Morning
- Jeonyeok (점투) – Noon
- Jeonyeok-ui jinae (저녁의 지내) – Evening
- Bam (밤) – Night
- Wol-yoil (월요일) – Monday
- Hwa-yoil (화요일) – Tuesday
- Su-yoil (수요일) – Wednesday
- Mok-yoil (목요일) – Thursday
- Geum-yoil (금요일) – Friday
- To-yoil (토요일) – Saturday
- Il-yoil (일요일) – Sunday
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing our comprehensive guide on how to say basic words in Korean! By mastering these fundamental expressions, you’ll be equipped to communicate with Korean speakers, whether in formal or informal settings. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to start using these phrases in your daily life. Enjoy your Korean language journey and keep expanding your vocabulary!
