How to Meet Your Partner's Parents in Korean: Polite Phrases
Meeting your partner's parents in Korean is a moment where register and etiquette matter as much as the words. Here are the formal phrases to greet them respectfully, the cultural moves that signal good manners, and the lifelines for when your Korean runs short.
Use the most formal speech (습니다), not just 요
With elders, and especially a partner's parents, go beyond the everyday 요 ending to the formal 습니다/ㅂ니다 form. This is the highest level of politeness and the right one for showing respect to people senior to you.
Greeting respectfully
안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다.
Annyeonghaseyo, cheoeum boepgesseumnida.
Hello, it's nice to meet you. (formal)
만나 뵙게 되어 영광입니다.
Manna boepge doeeo yeonggwang-imnida.
It's an honor to meet you. (very formal)
말씀 많이 들었습니다.
Malsseum mani deureosseumnida.
I've heard a lot about you.
At the meal & showing respect
잘 먹겠습니다.
Jal meokgesseumnida.
I'll enjoy the meal. (say before eating)
정말 맛있습니다.
Jeongmal masisseumnida.
It's really delicious.
제가 도와드릴까요?
Jega dowadeurilkkayo?
May I help you?
잘 먹었습니다.
Jal meogeosseumnida.
Thank you for the meal. (say after eating)
When your Korean runs short
죄송합니다, 한국어가 아직 서툴러서요.
Joesonghamnida, hangugeoga ajik seotulleoseoyo.
Sorry, my Korean is still clumsy.
천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?
Could you speak slowly, please?
안녕히 계세요.
Annyeonghi gyeseyo.
Goodbye. (to someone staying)
Tips to sound natural
- Use the formal 습니다 endings, not just 요 — it signals the respect elders expect.
- Bring a small gift (fruit, a treat, health drinks); offer and receive everything with two hands.
- Wait for the parents to begin eating, and say 잘 먹겠습니다 before you start.
- A slight bow or a two-handed handshake on greeting goes a long way.
Now practice it out loud
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