안녕하십니까
annyeonghasimnikka?[a̠nɲʌ̹ŋɦa̠ɕʰimnik͈a̠]
The English phrase 'hello to elders' is expressed in Korean as 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka?).
안녕하십니까 is a formal greeting used to show respect when speaking to older people or those in higher positions. It is most appropriate when addressing someone in a professional setting, such as a customer, a superior at work or an elder in a formal ceremony.
Which one should you use?
While 안녕하십니까 is the highest level of formal greeting, 안녕하세요 is a standard polite greeting that is more common in daily life but slightly less formal.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeonghasimnikka?
Did you know?
- The greeting 안녕하십니까 literally translates to 'Are you in a state of peace or well-being?', focusing on the listener's safety and stability rather than just a casual greeting.
- Using 안녕하십니까 in a casual setting with close friends can be interpreted as a joke or sarcasm, as the level of formality is intentionally excessive.
- In highly formal settings, a person may use 안녕하십니까 even when speaking to a group of people who are younger than them if those people are clients or customers.
Examples in context
- 안녕하십니까, 선생님.Annyeonghasimnikka, seonsaengnim.Hello, teacher.
- 사장님, 안녕하십니까.Sajangnim, annyeonghasimnikka.Hello, director.
Example conversation
Ji-eun greets Min-jun, who is her elderly grandfather.
- 지은 Ji-eun할아버지, 안녕하십니까?halabeoji, annyeonghasimnikka?Grandfather, hello.
- 민준 Min-jun오, 지은아, 왔니?o, jieun-a, watni?Oh, Ji-eun, you've arrived?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 오랜만에 뵙겠습니다.ne, oraenmane boepgetseumnida.Yes, it has been a long time since I saw you.
- 민준 Min-jun어서 들어오너라.eoseo deureoonora.Come on in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 안녕하십니까, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
