여보세요
yeoboseyo[jʌ̹bo̞sʰe̞jo]
The English phrase 'hello when answering the phone' is expressed in Korean as 여보세요 (yeoboseyo).
여보세요 is the most common and widely used way to say hello when answering the phone in Korean, translating to 'Hello?'
Which one should you use?
While 여보세요 is the standard way to say hello on the phone, 안녕하세요 is the standard way to say hello when meeting someone face-to-face.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 안녕하세요 when answering a phone call, but 여보세요 is the natural and expected response in a telephonic context.
Did you know?
- The phrase 여보세요 literally translates to 'look here' or 'hey, look at me'.
- Using 여보세요 in a face-to-face meeting is generally considered unnatural and can sound as if you are questioning if the other person is awake or conscious.
- The phrase 여보세요 is used to get someone's attention when you think they cannot hear you, even if you are not on the phone.
Examples in context
- 여보세요. 저는 [Your Name]이에요Hello. This is [Your Name].
- 여보세요, 누구세요?yeoboseyo, nuguseyo?Hello, who is it?
- 여보세요, 말씀하세요.yeoboseyo, malsseumhaseyo.Hello, please go ahead.
- 여보세요? 소리가 안 들려요.yeoboseyo? soriga an deullyeoyo.Hello? I can't hear you.
Example conversation
Minjun is calling Minji on her mobile phone.
- 민지 Min-ji여보세요?yeoboseyo?Hello?
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 저 민준이에요.minji ssi, jeo minjunieyo.Minji, it is me, Minjun.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 민준 씨 안녕하세요!a, minjun ssi annyeonghaseyo!Oh, hello Minjun!
- 민준 Min-jun지금 통화 가능하세요?jigeum tonghwa ganeunghaseyo?Can you talk right now?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 여보세요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여보세요, CC BY-SA 4.0.
