친구들 안녕
chin-gudeul annyeong
The English phrase "hello friends" is translated into Korean as 친구들 안녕 (chin-gudeul annyeong).
This phrase is used to greet a group of friends. In an informal context, the word 안녕 can serve as both a greeting (hello) and a farewell (goodbye).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 친구 (friend), the plural suffix -들 (plural marker) and 안녕 (hi/bye).
Which one should you use?
While 친구들 안녕 is a casual way to say hello to a group, other variations exist depending on the desired level of politeness. For example, 안녕 친구들 is also used as an informal "Hi friends".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. For a polite version suitable for people you are not extremely close with, use 친구들 안녕하세요. Formal alternatives include 안녕하세요 친구들 or 친구여러분 안녕하세요 to say "Hello friends", and 여러분 안녕하세요 to say "Hello everyone".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural marker -들 is attached to the noun 친구 to specify that the greeting is directed at multiple people.
How do you pronounce it?
chin-gudeul annyeong
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 친구 (friend) is strictly used for people of the exact same age. If a person is even one year older or younger, they are usually addressed by a different kinship term instead of 'friend'.
- Because 안녕 is rooted in the characters for 'peace' and 'tranquility', saying 'hello' is etymologically equivalent to asking if someone is in a state of peaceful repose.
- Using 안녕 to a person who is older than you, even if you consider them a friend, can be perceived as an insult or a lack of manners in traditional Korean culture.
Examples in context
- 여러분 안녕! 오늘 날씨가 참 좋네요!Hi everyone! The weather is really nice today!
- 안녕 친구들! 같이 맛있는 저녁 식사하러 가자.Hi friends! Let's go for a delicious dinner together.
- 친구들 안녕, 오늘 날씨 정말 좋다.chin-gu-deul an-nyeong, o-neul nal-ssi jeong-mal jot-da.Hello friends, the weather is really nice today.
- 친구들 안녕! 다들 잘 지냈어?chin-gu-deul an-nyeong! da-deul jal ji-naet-eo?Hello friends! Has everyone been doing well?
- 친구들 안녕, 이제 게임 시작하자.chin-gu-deul an-nyeong, i-je ge-im si-jak-ha-ja.Hello friends, let's start the game now.
Example conversation
Dohyun meets Minji and their group of friends at a cafe.
- 도현 Do-hyeon친구들 안녕, 많이 기다렸어?chin-gu-deul an-nyeong, man-i gi-da-ryeot-eo?Hello friends, have you been waiting long?
- 민지 Min-ji아니, 도현아, 우리도 방금 왔어.a-ni, Do-hyeon-ah, u-ri-do bang-geum wat-eo.No, Dohyun, we just arrived too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon다행이다, 민지야, 주문부터 할까?da-haeng-i-da, Min-ji-ya, ju-mun-bu-teo hal-kka?That's a relief, Minji, shall we order first?
- 민지 Min-ji그래, 맛있는 거 먹자!geu-rae, mat-it-neun geo meok-ja!Sure, let's eat something delicious!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
