안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야
annyeong, nae ireumeun emmaya
The Korean phrase for "hi, my name is emma" is 안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야 (annyeong, nae ireumeun emmaya).
This phrase is a casual greeting used to introduce oneself to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down literally as 안녕 (Hi), 내 (my) 이름 (name) 은 (topic marker) 엠마 (Emma) and 야 (is).
Which one should you use?
The default form 안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야 is casual. If you need to use a polite or formal version to show respect, you would use 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 엠마입니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It should only be used with people of the same age or younger, or in very casual settings. In more formal settings, it is better to use polite forms such as 안녕하세요? 제 이름은 에마입니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
In polite Korean, the particle 입니다 is a polite way of saying "is."
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, nae ireumeun emmaya
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, people rarely introduce themselves by name without first establishing the other person's age or social rank to choose the correct level of politeness.
- The word 안녕 used in your greeting actually means 'peace' or 'serenity' rather than a simple 'hello'.
- If you use the casual 안녕 with someone older than you, it can be perceived as a major social blunder rather than just a friendly mistake.
Examples in context
- 안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야. 만나서 반가워.Annyeong, nae ireumeun Emma-ya. Mannaseo bangawo.Hi, my name is Emma. Nice to meet you.
- 안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야. 너는 이름이 뭐야?Annyeong, nae ireumeun Emma-ya. Neoneun ireumi mwoya?Hi, my name is Emma. What is your name?
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at school.
- 지은 Ji-eun안녕, 내 이름은 엠마야.Annyeong, nae ireumeun Emma-ya.Hi, my name is Emma.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕, 엠마. 나는 지훈이야.Annyeong, Emma. Naneun Jihun-iya.Hi, Emma. I am Jihun.
- 지은 Ji-eun만나서 반가워, 지훈아.Mannaseo bangawo, Jihun-a.Nice to meet you, Jihun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 만나서 반가워.Nado mannaseo bangawo.Nice to meet you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
