What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally asks if you are in a state of peace or well-being. It is composed of 안녕 (peace/well-being), 하 (do), 시 (an honorific marker) and ㅂ니까 (a formal question ending).
Which one should you use?
While 안녕하십니까 is the highest level of formal greeting used in business or news, the version 안녕하세요 is the standard polite version used in most daily social situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
안녕하십니까 is a formal, high-politeness greeting used when addressing superiors, customers or a large audience.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although it functions as a greeting, the phrase is grammatically a question, so a question mark is often used in writing.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeonghasimnikka?
When do people say it?
When using polite greetings like 안녕하세요, you should make sure to bow slightly to show additional respect.
Did you know?
- While 안녕하십니까 asks about peace, the root 안녕 (peace) is composed of two Chinese characters meaning 'comfortable' and 'carefree'.
- The root of the greeting, 안녕, is the same word used to say 'goodbye' in a casual setting, effectively asking the listener to remain in a state of peace.
- In traditional Korean etiquette, the depth of the bow accompanying 안녕하십니까 conveys the level of respect, with a deeper bend for higher-ranking individuals.
Examples in context
- 안녕하십니까, 선생님.annyeonghasimnikka, seonsaengnim.Hello, teacher.
- 안녕하십니까, 고객님.annyeonghasimnikka, gogaengnim.Hello, customer.
Example conversation
Jihoon is a new employee greeting Subin, the manager, at a formal office meeting.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕하십니까, 수빈 팀장님.annyeonghasimnikka, Subin timjangnim.Hello, Manager Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 지훈 씨 반갑습니다.ne, Jihoon ssi bangapseumnida.Yes, it is nice to meet you, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun앞으로 잘 부탁드립니다.apuro jal butakdeurimnida.I look forward to working with you.
- 수빈 Su-bin같이 열심히 해봅시다.gatchi yeolsimhi haebopsida.Let's work hard together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 안녕하십니까, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
