안녕, 내 친구
annyeong, nae chingu
In Korean, "hello, my friend" is expressed as 안녕, 내 친구 (annyeong, nae chingu).
The phrase is a casual greeting used to address a friend. However, in natural Korean conversation, people rarely use the literal translation 내 친구 (my friend) to address a friend directly. They usually use the friend's name or a title instead.
Which one should you use?
While 안녕, 내 친구 is a direct translation, you might encounter other variations depending on the context: 안녕, 친구야 is a casual way to say 'hello, my friend' when addressing a single friend and 안녕하세요, 친구여러분 is a polite way to say 'hello, my friends' in formal situations or when addressing a group of friends.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, nae chingu
Did you know?
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo meet at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji안녕, 내 친구! 여기 앉아.Annyeong, nae chingu! Yeogi anja.Hello, my friend! Sit here.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워, 민지야. 반가워!Gomawo, Minji-ya. Bangawo!Thanks, Minji. Good to see you!
- 민지 Min-ji커피 마실래?Keopi masillae?Do you want some coffee?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 좋아.Eung, joha.Yes, I'd love to.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
