How to Pronounce “안녕하세요”, “Thank You”, and Other Korean Greetings162

Learning how to pronounce Korean greetings is an essential part of understanding the basics of the language. Whether you're planning to travel to Korea or simply want to expand your cultural knowledge, mastering these greetings will help you make a positive first impression and build meaningful connections with Korean people.

1. 안녕하세요 (Hello)

The most common way to greet someone in Korean is "안녕하세요" (pronounced as "ahn-nyong-hah-say-oh"). This versatile greeting can be used in both formal and informal settings, and it conveys a sense of respect and politeness. When saying "안녕하세요," it's important to slightly elongate the last syllable, emphasizing the "oh" sound.

2. 감사합니다 (Thank You)

Expressing gratitude is an essential part of any culture, and Korean is no exception. The most common way to say "thank you" in Korean is "감사합니다" (pronounced as "gam-sa-ham-ni-da"). This polite form of thanks conveys a sense of appreciation and respect. When saying "감사합니다," make sure to emphasize the first syllable, slightly elongating the "gam" sound.

3. 안녕히 계세요 (Goodbye)

When it's time to say goodbye, the most common Korean phrase is "안녕히 계세요" (pronounced as "ahn-nyong-hee gye-say-oh"). This formal farewell is typically used when parting ways with someone you respect or in a professional setting. When saying "안녕히 계세요," it's important to elongate the last syllable, emphasizing the "oh" sound.

4. 잘 지내세요 (Have a Good Day)

If you want to wish someone well before parting ways, you can use the phrase "잘 지내세요" (pronounced as "jal ji-nay-say-oh"). This informal greeting is commonly used among friends, family, and acquaintances. When saying "잘 지내세요," be sure to slightly emphasize the first syllable, elongating the "jal" sound.

5. 반갑습니다 (Nice to Meet You)

When meeting someone for the first time, it's customary to say "반갑습니다" (pronounced as "ban-gap-sum-ni-da"). This polite phrase expresses your pleasure in making their acquaintance. When saying "반갑습니다," it's important to slightly elongate the last syllable, emphasizing the "da" sound.

6. 실례합니다 (Excuse Me)

If you need to get someone's attention or ask them for help, you can use the phrase "실례합니다" (pronounced as "shil-lye-ham-ni-da"). This polite expression shows that you are being respectful and mindful of their time. When saying "실례합니다," be sure to emphasize the first syllable, elongating the "shil" sound.

7. 미안합니다 (I'm Sorry)

Apologizing is an important part of interpersonal communication, and Korean is no exception. The most common way to say "I'm sorry" in Korean is "미안합니다" (pronounced as "mi-ahn-ham-ni-da"). This polite apology conveys a sense of regret and sincerity. When saying "미안합니다," be sure to slightly elongate the last syllable, emphasizing the "da" sound.

8. 천만에요 (You're Welcome)

If someone thanks you for something, you can respond with the phrase "천만에요" (pronounced as "chon-man-ay-oh"). This polite expression means "You're welcome" and shows that you appreciate their gratitude. When saying "천만에요," be sure to emphasize the first syllable, slightly elongating the "chon" sound.

9. 괜찮습니다 (It's Okay)

If someone apologizes to you, you can use the phrase "괜찮습니다" (pronounced as "gwaen-chanh-sum-ni-da") to let them know that it's okay. This polite response conveys a sense of understanding and forgiveness. When saying "괜찮습니다," be sure to slightly elongate the last syllable, emphasizing the "da" sound.

10. 좋은 하루 보내세요 (Have a Nice Day)

If you want to wish someone well as they go about their day, you can use the phrase "좋은 하루 보내세요" (pronounced as "jo-eun ha-ru bo-nay-say-oh"). This informal greeting is commonly used among friends, family, and acquaintances. When saying "좋은 하루 보내세요," be sure to slightly emphasize the first syllable, elongating the "jo" sound.

2025-02-12

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