안녕하세요, 저는
annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun
The English phrase "hello, I am" is translated into Korean as 안녕하세요, 저는 (annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun).
This phrase is used as a polite greeting when introducing oneself to another person. To complete a full introduction, you typically follow this phrase with your name and the polite ending 입니다. For example, you can say 안녕하세요, 저는 [Name]입니다 to say "Hello, I am [Name]".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 안녕하세요, which means "hello" and 저는, which means "I" combined with a topic marker.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
안녕하세요, 저는 is a polite way to greet and introduce yourself. For even more formal contexts, you can use 안녕하십니까, 저는 [이름]입니다 or simply 안녕하십니까 for "greetings". In casual settings, such as when speaking to close friends or children, you can use the informal version 안녕, 나는 [이름]야 or 안녕, [이름]이야.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 저는, the word 저 is the humble form of "I", which is used to show respect to the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun
Did you know?
- When introducing themselves, Koreans often mention their affiliation or job title before their name. This provides the listener with the necessary context to decide which level of politeness to use in return.
- The Korean language has multiple versions of 'I' depending on who is listening. Using 나 instead of 저 when introducing yourself to a superior can be perceived as an intentional insult or a sign of arrogance.
- Depending on the context, a Korean speaker might omit the 저는 entirely when introducing themselves. Because the subject is often implied, saying 안녕하세요, [Name]입니다 is frequently more natural than using the pronoun.
Examples in context
- 안녕하십니까, 저는 민지입니다Hello, I am Minji.
- 안녕, 나는 지우야Hi, I am Jiwoo.
- 안녕하세요, 저는 학생입니다.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun haksaeng-imnida.Hello, I am a student.
- 안녕하세요, 저는 민수입니다.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun minsu-imnida.Hello, I am Minsu.
- 안녕하세요, 저는 한국 사람입니다.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun hanguk saram-imnida.Hello, I am Korean.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo introduces himself to Subin at a small gathering.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo안녕하세요, 저는 현우입니다.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun hyeon-u-imnida.Hello, I am Hyunwoo.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕하세요, 저는 수빈입니다. 만나서 반가워요.annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun subin-imnida. mannaseo bangawoyo.Hello, I am Subin. Nice to meet you.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 반갑습니다.ne, bangapsimnida.Yes, nice to meet you.
- 수빈 Su-bin잘 부탁드립니다.jal butakdeurimnida.I look forward to getting to know you.
