Essential Korean Phrases for Everyday Conversations

Common Phrases for Greetings, Introductions, and Farewells

Navigating daily interactions in Korean becomes more enjoyable when armed with essential phrases. Mastering greetings, introductions, and farewells sets the foundation for meaningful conversations. Here are some indispensable phrases:

Greetings

1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo): Hello (Formal)
2. 안녕 (Annyeong): Hi/Hello (Informal)
3. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo): Goodbye (To someone staying)
4. 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo): Goodbye (To someone leaving)

Introductions

• 제 이름은 [Your Name] 입니다 (Je ireumeun [Your Name] imnida): My name is [Your Name].
• 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida): Nice to meet you.

Farewells

• 다음에 또 봐요 (Daeume tto bwayo): See you again.
• 잘 가 (Jal ga): Go well (casual farewell).
• Useful Expressions for Shopping, Dining, and Navigating Daily Life

Beyond greetings, everyday conversations often involve activities like shopping, dining, and navigating the city. Familiarize yourself with these expressions for a seamless experience:

Shopping

• 이거 얼마에요? (Igeo eolmaeyo): How much is this?
• 할인이 있나요? (Halingi innayo): Is there a discount?
• 카드 받아요? (Kadeu badayo): Do you accept cards?

Dining

• 주문할게요 (Jumunhalgeyo): I will place an order.
• 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo): It's delicious.
• 계산할게요 (Gyesanhalgeyo): I will pay the bill.

Navigating Daily Life

• 어디에요? (Eodieyo): Where is it?
• 왼쪽 (Oenjjok): Left.
• 오른쪽 (Oreunjjok): Right.
• 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo): Please help.
• Practical Examples and Scenarios for Application
• Let's apply these phrases to real-life scenarios:

Scenario 1: Meeting Someone New

You: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo).

Stranger: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo).

You: 제 이름은 [Your Name] 입니다 (Je ireumeun [Your Name] imnida).

Stranger: 만나서 반갑습니다 (Mannaseo bangapseumnida).

Scenario 2: Shopping for Souvenirs

You: 이거 얼마에요? (Igeo eolmaeyo)

Shopkeeper: 5,000 원 입니다 (5,000 won imnida).

You: 할인이 있나요? (Halingi innayo)?

Shopkeeper: 아니요 (Aniyo).

Scenario 3: Dining at a Restaurant

You: 주문할게요 (Jumunhalgeyo).

Waiter: 무엇을 주문하시겠어요? (Mu-eoseul jumunhasigesseoyo)?

You: 떡볶이 한 그릇 주세요 (Ddeokbokki han geureut juseyo).

Learning and incorporating these phrases into your daily interactions will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Korean. Practice regularly to build confidence and fluency in your conversations.