Should I use 반말 or 존댓말 when introducing myself in Korean?

Always start with 존댓말 (polite speech) when meeting someone new. 반말 (casual speech) is reserved for close friends or clearly younger people, and switching to it is something you negotiate, not assume.

What does 잘 부탁드립니다 actually mean?

Literally it's something like "please treat me well," but functionally it's a warm set phrase used to close an introduction — closer to "I look forward to working with / knowing you." Just learn it as a fixed expression.

How do I practice a Korean self-introduction out loud?

Rehearse it as a two-way exchange, including the questions you'll be asked back (name, age, where you're from). Renza lets you practice the full meeting-someone-new scene in Korean with feedback on your politeness level afterward.

← All guides

Korean·Meeting someone new

How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: Phrases & Politeness Levels

A first introduction in Korean is mostly formula — which is good news, because it means you can get it reliably right with a little practice. Here are the phrases, the polite speech level you'll want with someone new, and the small cultural moves that make a good first impression.

Start in 존댓말 (polite speech)

When you meet someone for the first time, use 존댓말 — the polite register marked by 요 endings and 입니다/습니다 in more formal settings. Casual 반말 is only for close friends or people clearly younger, and using it too early reads as rude. When in doubt, stay polite.

The core introduction

안녕하세요.

Annyeonghaseyo.

Hello. (polite)

처음 뵙겠습니다.

Cheoeum boepgesseumnida.

Nice to meet you. (formal, lit. 'meeting you for the first time')

저는 [이름]이라고 합니다.

Jeoneun [ireum]-irago hamnida.

My name is [name].

만나서 반갑습니다.

Mannaseo bangapseumnida.

Pleased to meet you.

A little about you

저는 미국에서 왔어요.

Jeoneun miguk-eseo wasseoyo.

I'm from the US.

Swap 미국 for your country.

한국어를 공부하고 있어요.

Hangugeo-reul gongbuhago isseoyo.

I'm studying Korean.

아직 잘 못해요.

Ajik jal mothaeyo.

I'm not very good yet.

A modest, very natural thing to say.

잘 부탁드립니다.

Jal butakdeurimnida.

I look forward to getting to know you. (set phrase)

Keeping it going

성함이 어떻게 되세요?

Seonghami eotteoke doeseyo?

May I ask your name? (polite)

천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?

Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?

Could you speak slowly, please?

다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요.

Dasi han beon malsseumhae juseyo.

Please say that once more.

Tips to sound natural

A slight bow with your greeting is normal and appreciated when meeting someone for the first time.
Koreans often ask your age early — it's not rude; it determines the speech level and how you'll address each other.
잘 부탁드립니다 has no clean English translation. Treat it as a polite set phrase that closes an introduction warmly.
Use 존댓말 until the other person suggests speaking 반말 (말 놓을까요?). Let them offer first.

Now practice it out loud

Reading phrases isn't speaking them. Rehearse this exact scene with an AI partner in Korean, at your level — and get feedback after.

Practice Korean free