안녕하세요
annyeonghaseyopolite, everyday
The polite everyday 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is both a greeting and its normal reply. You simply say it back, and with friends the casual version is 안녕 (annyeong). It is also called 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka).
Meaning: hello and how to answer it (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | polite, everyday |
| 안녕 | annyeong | casual |
| 안녕하십니까 | annyeonghasimnikka | very formal |
When someone says 안녕하세요, you answer with 안녕하세요 too, often with a small nod or bow. There is no separate word for "hello" as a response.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka) is the most formal form, heard in announcements, business and the military. 안녕 is for close friends and younger people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 안녕 with teachers, older people or strangers. It sounds too casual.
Did you know?
- 안녕 comes from Chinese-based roots meaning "peace" or "well-being", and 안녕하세요 literally asks if you are at peace.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다.annyeonghaseyo, cheoeum boepgetseumnida.Hello, nice to meet you.
- 안녕, 오랜만이야.annyeong, oraenmaniya.Hi, it has been a while.
Example conversation
Mr. Park greets the new neighbor Mrs. Lee in the hallway of their apartment building.
- Mr. Park안녕하세요.annyeonghaseyo.Hello.
- Mrs. Lee안녕하세요. 새로 이사 왔어요.annyeonghaseyo. saero isa wasseoyo.Hello. I just moved in.
- Mr. Park아, 반갑습니다.a, bangapseumnida.Oh, nice to meet you.
