안녕하십니까
annyeonghasimnikka?[a̠nɲʌ̹ŋɦa̠ɕʰimnik͈a̠]
The Korean phrase for "hello formally" is 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka?).
안녕하십니까 is used as a polite greeting in formal settings. It is most commonly heard in professional environments, news broadcasts, military contexts or when a speaker is addressing a large audience.
Which one should you use?
While 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the standard polite form used in most everyday social situations, 안녕하십니까 represents the highest level of formal politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although 안녕하십니까 is used as a greeting, it is grammatically a question because it ends with a question particle.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeonghasimnikka?
Did you know?
- Using 안녕하십니까 with a close friend would actually be quite strange, as it creates an artificial, stiff distance between you.
- The root word 안녕 (annyeong) is derived from Chinese characters meaning 'peace' and 'comfort'.
- In South Korean military settings, 안녕하십니까 is often shouted with a sharp, loud cadence and accompanied by a rigid salute.
Examples in context
- 안녕하십니까, 처음 뵙겠습니다.annyeonghasimnikka, cheoeum boepgetseumnida.Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you for the first time.
- 선생님, 안녕하십니까?seonsaengnim, annyeonghasimnikka?Hello, teacher.
- 안녕하십니까, 모두 잘 지내셨습니까?annyeonghasimnikka, modu jal jinaesyeotseumnikka?Hello, has everyone been doing well?
Example conversation
A formal business meeting between two professionals.
- 도현 Do-hyeon안녕하십니까, 서연 씨.annyeonghasimnikka, seoyeon ssi.Hello, Ms. Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon안녕하십니까, 도현 씨.annyeonghasimnikka, dohyun ssi.Hello, Mr. Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon오늘 만나서 반갑습니다.oneul mannaseo bangapseumnida.It is nice to meet you today.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 저도 반갑습니다.ne, jeodo bangapseumnida.Yes, nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 안녕하십니까, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕하십니까, CC BY-SA 4.0.
