What does it mean word for word?
The greeting 안녕하세요 is a standard expression that literally translates to "are you at peace?"
Which one should you use?
While 여러분 안녕하세요 is a standard polite greeting, you can use 안녕하세요 여러분 as a common formal way to say "Hello, everyone." For even more formal situations, 여러분 안녕하십니까 is a more polite version. If you are addressing a very large audience or giving a speech, the highly respectful and formal expression 여러분들 안녕하십니까 is suitable. For casual settings, you can use the informal 여러분 안녕 or the casual 다들 안녕.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 여러분 안녕하세요 is polite and suitable for most social settings. For formal environments, use 안녕하세요 여러분 or the more polite 여러분 안녕하십니까. In highly respectful or-large scale contexts like speeches, use 여러분들 안녕하십니까. Conversely, 여러분 안녕 and 다들 안녕 are informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 여러분 is used to address a group directly and does not change its form based on the number of people being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
yeoreobun annyeonghaseyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using only 안녕 to address a group unless you are with close friends or people younger than you, as this is very informal.
Did you know?
- When addressing a group, Koreans may avoid saying 'you' entirely and rely solely on 여러분 because the English 'you' (plural) can feel overly direct or confrontational.
- In modern Korean pop culture, idols often start their videos with 여러분 안녕하세요 followed by a synchronized group gesture or a unique 'team greeting' signature.
- While 여러분 means 'everyone', it is rarely used to refer to a group of people in the third person. It is almost exclusively used as a direct address to a group you are speaking to.
Examples in context
- 여러분 안녕하세요, 반갑습니다.yeoreobun annyeonghaseyo, bangapseumnida.Hi all, nice to meet you.
- 자, 여러분 안녕하세요!ja, yeoreobun annyeonghaseyo!Well, hi all!
Example conversation
Subin enters the classroom where Dohyun and others are waiting.
- 수빈 Su-bin여러분 안녕하세요!yeoreobun annyeonghaseyo!Hi all!
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 안녕하세요.Subin ssi, annyeonghaseyo.Hello, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin오늘 다들 모였네요.oneul dadeul moyeotneyo.Everyone is gathered today.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 같이 공부하려고요.ne, gachi gongbu-haryeogoyo.Yes, we are going to study together.
