Urooj Niazi 
Say Hello in Korean
Knowing how to say hello in Korean language is the initial step that a person interested in the culture of Korea, K-pop, K-dramas or travelling to South Korea should know. Korean greetings are very peculiar in that the language is varied according to the level of politeness, age and social status. This implies that you have to select the right greeting based on the person you are conversing. In formal greetings with people of older age and with greetings to friends, Korean has various possibilities of saying hello. This paper is a thorough and simple to follow guide on the most Say Hello in Korean popular Korean greetings, pronunciation, rules of use and cultural etiquette to ensure you talk with confidence.
Common Ways to Say Hello in Korean
There are some greeting styles in Korean and they are applied in various circumstances. The commonest greeting is the polite and formal one that is use of 안녕haraseyo (Annyeonghaseyo). The version can be used in the majority of conversations, like greeting strangers, teachers, coworkers, and older people. It is literally: Are you at peace? but is used just as a usual greeting: hello.
To the inexperienced, it is important to keep in mind that politeness is a key ingredient that can be used to prevent embarrassment. In case of uncertainty, it is always safe to use the polite form which is 안녕하세요 since it is respective and acceptable to everyone.
Formal Greeting: 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka)
You should use the phrase, Annyeonghasimnikka when addressing people in very formal contexts like in a business meeting, official event or when speaking to seniors. It is the best manner of saying hello in the Korean language. It is also used in cases of the military and news broadcasts as it is very formal and commands authority.
The pronunciation is also difficult to learn at the beginning, though learning how to pronounce it correctly can make a huge impression among communicating in the Korean working settings. It is not something one needs in their daily communication, but knows in case of special events.
Casual Greeting: 안녕 (Annyeong)
The informal version of Annyeong, which is 안녕 (Annyeong), is absolutely ok among close friends, younger people, classmates or even siblings. It is also amiable and easy going like saying, hi in the English language. Nevertheless, 안rancak cannot be used with elders or strangers as it can be viewed as disrespectful.
One rule that can help a person: when a person is of your age or younger and you are close friends, you can comfortably use 안녕. Otherwise it is best to remain with the polite 안녕haraseyo.
Say Hello in Korean on the Phone: 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo)
Korean uses a special greeting when calling on the phone: “여보세요” (Yeoboseyo). This is the right kind of form whether it is answering or calling someone. It is not formal or casual it is just standard telephone language.
This is not a face-to-face expression and therefore, do not say it when you are in front of someone. Just imagine it was the Korean form of saying hello? when answering the phone.
Additional Korean Greetings to Know
- 안녕히 주무셨어요? – Did you sleep well?
- 좋은 아침이에요 – Good morning
- 오랜만이에요 – Long time no see
- 환영합니다 – Welcome
Although they are not literal translations to the word hello, they are typical Korean greetings that are used to establish a natural conversation.
Cultural Tips for Greeting in Korean
The Korean culture believes in respect particularly to the elderly. In greeting someone, a subtle bow is acceptable. The young people normally bow more while a simple nod suffices in informal contexts. Also, be friendly and use a warm tone since Koreans like talking in a polite and sincere manner.
Knowing when to apply each level of greeting will make you sound natural and respectful in a Korean speech in a real life situation.
