[Learn][Korean] 10 Essential Korean Greetings: From "Annyeonghaseyo" to "Bangawoyo"

 

annyeonghaseyo & bangawoyo

If you're learning Korean, greetings are one of the first and most important things to master. They help you connect with people, show politeness, and express emotion in everyday life. In this post, we’ll go over 10 common Korean greetings you can use in different situations—from casual to formal.

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1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello / Hi

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The most common and polite way to greet someone. Use it in almost any situation with someone you don’t know well.

Usage: Meeting someone for the first time, greeting a teacher, or at work.

 

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2. 안녕 (Annyeong) – Hi / Bye (casual)

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A casual version of "hello" or "bye" used with close friends or people younger than you.

Usage: With friends, siblings, or children.

 

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3. 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka) – Hello (formal)

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A very formal version of "hello", usually used in news broadcasts or official announcements.

Usage: Business settings, customer service, or speeches.

 

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4. 처음 뵙겠습니다 (Cheoeum boepgetseumnida) – Nice to meet you (formal)

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Used when meeting someone for the first time in formal situations. It literally means “I’m seeing you for the first time.”

Usage: Interviews, business meetings, formal introductions.

 

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5. 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida) – Nice to meet you

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A slightly less formal but still polite version. Great for everyday introductions.

Usage: Meeting a friend of a friend, new classmates, coworkers.

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6. 반가워요 (Bangawoyo) – Nice to see you (friendly)

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More casual and warm. You can use it with people you’re meeting in a friendly setting.

Usage: Social gatherings, casual events.

 

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7. 잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?) – How have you been?

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Used when you haven't seen someone for a while. A friendly way to reconnect.

Usage: After a vacation or when meeting an old friend.

 

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8. 오랜만이에요 (Oraenmanieyo) – Long time no see

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Literally means “It’s been a long time.” A common expression between friends or acquaintances.

Usage: When seeing someone again after weeks or months.

 

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9. 좋은 아침입니다 (Joeun achimimnida) – Good morning (formal)

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While not as common as in English, Koreans sometimes use this in professional settings.

Usage: Office settings, formal morning meetings.

 

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10. 안녕히 주무세요 (Annyeonghi jumuseyo) – Good night (formal)

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A respectful way to say “good night,” especially to elders or people you respect.

Usage: To parents, teachers, or older people before bedtime.

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Bonus Tip: Bowing Matters

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In Korean culture, greetings often come with a slight bow. The deeper the bow, the more respect it shows. So when you say "안녕하세요", a small bow makes a big difference.

 

By learning and practicing these greetings, you’ll not only sound more natural but also show cultural respect—an important part of Korean communication. Try them out and see how people respond!