안녕, 미인
annyeong, miin
The English phrase "hello beautiful" is translated into Korean as 안녕, 미인 (annyeong, miin).
This phrase is a flirtatious or affectionate greeting used when addressing a woman. Although 미인 means a beautiful person, calling someone directly by this word sounds somewhat poetic or stylized rather than how people speak in casual daily conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 안녕 (hello/hi) and 미인 (a beautiful person/beauty).
Which one should you use?
For a more formal approach, you can use 안녕하세요, 아름다운 분, which means "Hello, beautiful person." In an informal setting, you might use 하이, 이뻐!, which means "Hi, pretty!"
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, miin
Did you know?
- The word 안녕 is actually a wish for someone to be in a state of 'peace' or 'tranquility'. When you say 'hello', you are literally asking if the person is experiencing a state of safety and calm.
- If you use the informal 안녕 with someone much older than you, it is not just 'casual', it is actually considered quite rude. Even if you follow it with a compliment, the lack of honorifics is the bigger issue.
- In Korea, calling a stranger 미인 can sometimes be perceived as 'catcalling' rather than a compliment depending on the tone and location.
Examples in context
- 하이, 이뻐! 오늘 메이크업 정말 멋지게 했네!Hi, pretty! Your makeup looks really cool today!
Example conversation
Minjun greets Subin as she arrives at a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun안녕, 미인! 기다리고 있었어.Annyeong, miin! Gidarigo isseosseo.Hello, beautiful! I was waiting for you.
- 수빈 Su-bin뭐라는 거야, 민준!Mworaneun geoya, Minjun!What are you talking about, Minjun!
- 민준 Min-jun진심이야. 정말 아름다워.Jinsimiya. Jeongmal areumdawo.I'm serious. You are truly beautiful.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워. 너도 멋지네.Gomawo. Neodo meotjine.Thanks. You look great too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 미인, 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
