Greetings play an essential role in Korean culture, reflecting the respect and politeness valued by its people. Knowing how to say “kind regards” in Korean can greatly enhance your interactions, whether in a formal or informal setting. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express “kind regards” in Korean, covering both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, we will provide tips, examples, and address any regional variations as necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: 정중한 인사 (Jeongjung-han Insa)
In formal situations, it is important to display respect and politeness. The most common way to convey “kind regards” formally in Korean is through the phrase “정중한 인사” (Jeongjung-han Insa). This expression is commonly used in emails, formal letters, or when addressing someone in a professional setting.
Example:
신사님께,
저희 ABC 회사에 지원해 주셔서 감사드립니다.
첨부한 이력서를 확인해 주시고, 추가 문의 사항이 있으시면 언제든지 말씀해 주세요.
정중한 인사 올리며 건강과 성공을 기원합니다.
감사합니다.
홍길동 드림
You can use this example as a template for a formal email or letter, inserting your own details accordingly. The phrase “정중한 인사 올리며” (Jeongjung-han insa ol-limeo) translates to “With kind regards,” which nicely concludes a formal message.
Informal Expression: 애정어린 인사 (Aejung-eorin Insa)
In informal situations, such as conversations among friends or with acquaintances, a different phrase is commonly used. The expression “애정어린 인사” (Aejung-eorin Insa) translates to “affectionate regards” and is suitable for informal correspondence or exchanges.
Example:
안녕 지수야,
오랜만에 연락해서 반가워! 괜찮아? 요즘 어떻게 지내고 있는지 궁금해.
멀리서 애정어린 인사 전할게. 건강 유의하고 행복한 일만 가득하길 바랄게!
안녕!
영희
This example illustrates the usage of “애정어린 인사 전할게” (Aejung-eorin Insa jeon-hal-ge), which means “Sending affectionate regards.” It is a warm and friendly way to conclude an informal message.
Tips for Greetings in Korean
1. Non-verbal Greetings
Korean culture places importance on non-verbal greetings. It is common to bow slightly and make eye contact while exchanging greetings. The level of formality and depth of bow varies depending on factors such as age, social status, and relationship.
2. Politeness and Honorifics
Using the appropriate level of politeness and honorifics is crucial, especially in formal settings. Korean has different verb forms and sentence endings that emphasize politeness. It is important to adapt your speech level to the person you are addressing.
3. Learning Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely used throughout Korea, regional variations can exist. However, these variations are subtle, and using the phrases mentioned above will ensure you are understood and respected regardless of location.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “kind regards” in Korean is a valuable skill for various situations, whether in formal correspondence or casual conversations. By using “정중한 인사” (Jeongjung-han Insa) in formal contexts and “애정어린 인사” (Aejung-eorin Insa) in informal settings, you can convey your well-wishes genuinely. Remember to consider the level of politeness and honorifics when addressing others, and be mindful of non-verbal greetings. These cultural nuances will help you navigate social interactions smoothly in Korea. Practice these greetings, and you’ll foster warm and respectful connections with Korean speakers on your language journey.
