What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 제 이름은 translates to "my name (topic)". It consists of the humble possessive pronoun 제 (my), the noun 이름 (name) and the topic marker 은 (is/as for).
Which one should you use?
There are different levels of politeness available depending on the situation. The form 안녕, 나는 사만다야 is the informal version. While 사만다입니다 is highly formal, the form 사만다예요 is the standard polite form used in everyday social situations that are less stiff.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 사만다입니다 is formal and uses the formal polite style (하십시오체). It is appropriate for business settings, meeting elders or first-time introductions in professional environments. In contrast, 안녕, 나는 사만다야 is informal. The version 사만다예요 is used for standard polite social situations.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun samandaimnida
When do people say it?
You might also follow your introduction with the informal phrase 만나서 반가워 (nice to meet you) if the setting allows.
Did you know?
- When saying 안녕하세요, it is customary to perform a slight bow, as the depth of the bow indicates the level of respect given to the other person.
- If you are introducing yourself to someone much older or in a high position, you might change the word for 'name' from 이름 to the more respectful 성함.
- In professional settings, Koreans often omit their name entirely and introduce themselves by their job title or position instead.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 사만다입니다. 만나서 반가워요.annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun samandaimnida. mannaseo bangawoyo.Hi, my name is Samantha. Nice to meet you.
- 처음 뵙겠습니다. 안녕하세요, 제 이름은 사만다입니다.cheoeum boepgetseumnida. annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun samandaimnida.It is a pleasure to meet you. Hi, my name is Samantha.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a class.
- 지훈 Ji-hun안녕하세요, 제 이름은 지훈입니다.Annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun Jihun-imnida.Hello, my name is Jihun.
- 민지 Min-ji안녕하세요, 제 이름은 사만다입니다.Annyeonghaseyo, je ireumeun Samanda-imnida.Hello, my name is Samantha.
- 지훈 Ji-hun만나서 반가워요, 사만다 씨.Mannaseo bangawoyo, Samanda ssi.It is nice to meet you, Samantha.
- 민지 Min-ji저도 만나서 반가워요.Jeodo mannaseo bangawoyo.It is nice to meet you too.
