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Basic Korean Phrases for Beginners (with Pronunciation)

Starting Korean? These are the phrases to learn first, the ones you'll use from day one. Korean's alphabet (Hangul) is famously quick to pick up, but you can start speaking with these right away. Pronunciation is included, plus quick answers at the end.

Greetings

안녕하세요

Annyeonghaseyo

Hello (polite, any time of day)

안녕히 가세요

Annyeonghi gaseyo

Goodbye (to someone leaving)

안녕히 계세요

Annyeonghi gyeseyo

Goodbye (to someone staying)

안녕

Annyeong

Hi / Bye (casual)

Please, thank you & manners

감사합니다

Gamsahamnida

Thank you (formal)

고마워요

Gomawoyo

Thanks (polite, warmer)

죄송합니다

Joesonghamnida

I'm sorry

실례합니다

Sillyehamnida

Excuse me

네 / 아니요

Ne / Aniyo

Yes / No

Getting by

영어 할 줄 아세요?

Yeongeo hal jul aseyo?

Do you speak English?

잘 모르겠어요

Jal moreugesseoyo

I don't understand / I'm not sure

천천히 말해 주세요

Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo

Please speak slowly

얼마예요?

Eolmayeyo?

How much is it?

화장실이 어디예요?

Hwajangsiri eodiyeyo?

Where is the bathroom?

Introduce yourself

처음 뵙겠습니다

Cheoeum boepgesseumnida

Nice to meet you (formal)

저는 [이름]이에요

Jeoneun [name]-ieyo

I'm [name]

만나서 반가워요

Mannaseo bangawoyo

Pleased to meet you

Numbers 1–10 (Sino-Korean)

일

il

1

이

i

2

삼

sam

3

사

sa

4

오

o

5

육

yuk

6

칠

chil

7

팔

pal

8

구

gu

9

십

sip

10

Korean alphabet & writing →Learn to speak Korean →Scenario guides →

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How to say it in Korean

How do you say hello in Korean?

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is the standard polite hello, used any time of day. Casually, among friends, you can say 안녕 (annyeong).

How do you say thank you in Korean?

감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) is the formal thank you; 고마워요 (gomawoyo) is a warmer, polite-casual version.

How do you say goodbye in Korean?

It depends on who's leaving: say 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) to someone who is leaving, and 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) to someone who is staying.

How do you count to ten in Korean?

Sino-Korean numbers are: il (1), i (2), sam (3), sa (4), o (5), yuk (6), chil (7), pal (8), gu (9), sip (10). Korean also has a native set (hana, dul, set…) used for counting objects and age.