A Guide on “How to Say Informal Hello in Korean”

Learning how to greet someone in their native language is a wonderful way to connect with people from different cultures. If you’re interested in Korean culture or planning a visit to Korea, knowing how to say “hello” is a great starting point. This guide will introduce you to the formal and informal ways of greeting someone in Korean, and provide you with regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Greetings

Korean culture places great importance on politeness and respect, and this is reflected in the language used for formal greetings. Here are some ways to say “hello” formally in Korean:

Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요): This is the most common and universally used formal greeting in Korean. It can be used at any time of the day and in any situation. Pronounced as “An-nyeong-ha-se-yo,” this phrase is similar to the English “hello” and is a safe option to use in formal settings.

However, if you’re looking for a more traditional or professional greeting, you can use the following:

• Joesonghabnida (죄송합니다): This phrase means “I’m sorry” and is commonly used as a polite greeting when you want to express regret or apologize for any inconvenience caused. It is pronounced as “Jo-sung-hab-ni-da.”
• Gamsahabnida (감사합니다): Meaning “thank you,” this phrase is used when expressing gratitude or showing appreciation. It can also be used as a formal greeting in certain situations. Pronounce it as “Gam-sa-hab-ni-da.”

Informal Greetings

Informal greetings in Korean are typically used with close friends, family members, or people of the same age group. It’s important to note that the level of formality in Korean is influenced by the hierarchical structure of Korean society, so it’s crucial to use the appropriate level of politeness based on your relationship with the person you’re greeting. Here are some informal greetings you can use:

Annyeong (안녕): This is the casual version of “Annyeonghaseyo.” It’s used among friends and acquaintances to say “hi” or “bye.” The pronunciation is similar to “An-nyeong.” Yeoboseyo (여보세요): This informal greeting is commonly used when answering a phone call and is similar to saying “hello” over the phone. It can also be used when trying to get someone’s attention politely.

Aside from these basic informal greetings, there are regional variations in the way people say “hello” in Korea. Let’s explore some of them:

Regional Variations

Korea has several distinct dialects that vary from region to region. Although the standard Korean language is understood throughout the country, locals often use their unique dialects for informal conversations. Here are a couple of examples:

• Ahn Nyung (안녕): This is the informal greeting used in Busan and the surrounding areas. Pronounced as “Ahn-nyung,” it has a slight variation in pronunciation compared to the standard “Annyeong.”
• Mashi Eyo (마泌어요): In Jeju Island, people use “Mashi eyo” to say “hello.” Although it sounds different, its meaning remains the same as the standard greeting.

Tips and Examples

Now that you are familiar with formal and informal greetings in Korean, here are some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding:

1. Context Matters: Consider the context and your relationship with the person you are greeting when choosing between formal and informal greetings.
2. Bow or Nod: When greeting someone, it is common to accompany it with a slight bow or nod as a sign of respect, especially in formal situations.
3. Time of Day: Koreans also greet each other based on the time of day, so you can accompany your greeting with a phrase like “Annyeonghaseyo, jal jinaess-eoyo?” meaning “Hello, how have you been?”
4. Practice Intonation: The way you pronounce Korean words can greatly impact your communication, so pay attention to the intonation and emphasis on specific syllables when practicing greetings.

Example Conversations:

Formal:
Person A: Annyeonghaseyo! (안녕하세요!)
Person B: Annyeonghaseyo! Jal jinaess-eoyo? (안녕하세요! 잘 지내셨어요?)
Person A: Ne, gamsahabnida! (네, 감사합니다!)

Informal:
Person A: Annyeong! (안녕!)
Person B: Annyeong! Jal jinaess-eo? (안녕! 잘 지냈어?)
Person A: Ne, jal jinaess-eo! (네, 잘 지냈어!)