How to Say Hello in Korean
Learn how to say hello in Korean. 'Annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요) is the polite standard; 'Annyeong' is casual. Pronunciation guide + Korean greeting formality and bowing.
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Quick answer
To say hello in Korean, say 'Annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요, ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo) — the standard polite greeting for almost everyone. With close friends or people younger than you, the casual version is just 'Annyeong' (안녕). Korean greetings depend heavily on formality (politeness levels), and a slight bow traditionally accompanies the greeting.
안녕하세요
/ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo/ — Korean
How to Say Hello in Korean
Korean greetings revolve around formality — the relationship between speakers shapes which words you use. Annyeonghaseyo is your safe, polite hello for almost everyone.
The Standard Greeting: Annyeonghaseyo
안녕하세요 — Annyeonghaseyo — pronounced ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo
Use it with strangers, elders, teachers, shopkeepers — anyone you should be polite to (which is most people). A slight bow traditionally accompanies it.
Copy the Phrase
The Korean word for hello is 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo, ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo).
The Formality Ladder
Korean has politeness levels, and greetings change accordingly:
| Korean | Romanization | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕 | Annyeong | Casual (close friends, younger people) |
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Polite standard (default — most situations) |
| 안녕하십니까 | Annyeonghasimnikka | Very formal (business, broadcasts, military) |
Use Annyeonghaseyo as your default — it’s polite and appropriate almost everywhere. Reserve Annyeong for close friends or people clearly younger than you (using it with an elder is rude).
What It Means
안녕 (Annyeong) comes from Hanja (Chinese-origin characters) meaning “peace” or “well-being.” So the greeting essentially asks “are you at peace / are you well?” The polite ending -하세요 (-haseyo) makes it respectful.
A handy fact: Annyeong also means “goodbye” in casual settings — it works both ways.
Other Useful Greetings
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 여보세요 | Yeoboseyo | Hello (ONLY on the phone) |
| 반갑습니다 | Bangapseumnida | Nice to meet you (polite) |
| 만나서 반가워요 | Mannaseo bangawoyo | Nice to meet you |
| 오랜만이에요 | Oraenmanieyo | Long time no see |
Pronunciation Tips
- an-nyeong-ha-se-yo — five quick, fairly even syllables
- The nyeong blends “n” + “yuhng”
- The final 요 (yo) is the politeness marker — keep it
- Korean has light stress — don’t over-emphasize any syllable
Bowing Etiquette
A slight bow traditionally accompanies Korean greetings:
- A small nod/bow of the head shows respect, especially to elders and superiors
- Deeper bows = more respect
- As a visitor, a small respectful nod with Annyeonghaseyo is perfect
- In business, a handshake with a slight bow is common
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Annyeonghaseyo?
'Annyeonghaseyo' is pronounced ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo (안녕하세요). Five syllables: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. The 'nyeong' part blends 'n' + 'yuhng.' Say it smoothly and fairly evenly — Korean has light stress. It looks long but flows quickly once you practice. The final 'yo' (요) is the politeness marker.
What is the difference between Annyeonghaseyo and Annyeong?
Formality. 'Annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요) is the polite/standard greeting — use it with strangers, elders, teachers, in shops, and anyone you should be respectful toward (which is most people). 'Annyeong' (안녕) is casual/informal — only for close friends or people clearly younger than you. Using 'Annyeong' with an elder or stranger is rude. When in doubt, always use 'Annyeonghaseyo.'
What does Annyeong literally mean?
'Annyeong' (안녕) comes from the Hanja (Chinese-origin characters) meaning 'peace' or 'well-being/tranquility.' So the greeting essentially asks/wishes 'are you at peace?' or 'be well.' 'Annyeonghaseyo' adds the polite verb ending, roughly 'are you doing well/at peace?' Interestingly, 'Annyeong' also means 'goodbye' in casual settings — it works both ways.
Is there an even more formal Korean hello?
Yes. For very formal or business situations, 'Annyeonghasimnikka' (안녕하십니까, ahn-nyong-ha-shim-ni-kka) is the highest formal greeting — used in business, news broadcasts, the military, and very respectful settings. It's more formal than 'Annyeonghaseyo.' For everyday politeness, 'Annyeonghaseyo' is the standard; 'Annyeonghasimnikka' is reserved for formal occasions.
Do you bow when saying hello in Korean?
Yes — a slight bow traditionally accompanies Korean greetings, especially when meeting elders, superiors, or in formal situations. A small nod or bow of the head shows respect. The deeper and more deliberate the bow, the more respect shown. As a visitor, a small respectful nod while saying 'Annyeonghaseyo' is appreciated. Handshakes (often with a slight bow) are common in business.