Learning the most common Korean phrases is an essential step for anyone looking to dive into the Korean language, whether for travel, work, or simply to connect with Korean culture. While mastering a new language can seem challenging, starting with basic phrases can quickly boost your confidence and help you navigate everyday conversations with ease.
From simple greetings to polite expressions, the frequently used phrases in this post will allow you to communicate more effectively in a variety of situations. I’ll keep adding more common Korean phrases to this list, so bookmark this page for future reference!
List of 10 Most Common Korean Phrases
네 / 예 (yes)
“네” /ne/ means “yes” and is a polite way to answer affirmatively to questions or requests. “예” /ye/ has the same meaning, and you can use “네” and “예” interchangeably.
- 신디님? (Ms. Cindy?) / 네 (Yes.)
아니요 (no)
The Korean phrase “아니요” /a-ni-yo/ means “no” in English and is used to respond negatively or to disagree with something in a polite way. It is appropriate in most situations, especially when speaking to someone older or in a respectful setting.
In casual conversations, you can say the informal version “아니” /a-ni/ instead. Both convey the same meaning but differ in the level of politeness.
- 도와드릴까요 (May I help you?) / 아니요, 괜찮습니다. (No, it’s okay.)
실례합니다 (Excuse me)
“실례합니다” /sil-lye-ham-ni-da/ is a polite expression in Korean, similar to “Excuse me” in English.
You can say “실례합니다” in various situations, such as when you’re about to approach someone, interrupt a conversation, or ask for assistance.
- 실례합니다. 좀 지나갈게요. (Excuse me, I’ll pass through.)
감사합니다 (Thank you)
“감사합니다” /gam-sa-ham-ni-da/ is a formal and polite way of saying “Thank you” in Korean. It is commonly used to express gratitude in various situations, especially when speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or when showing respect.
- 도와주셔서 감사합니다. (Thank you for your help.)
고맙습니다 (Thank you)
“고맙습니다” /go-map-seum-ni-da/ is another formal way of saying “Thank you” in Korean. You can use “감사합니다” and “고맙습니다” interchangeably to express gratitude.
Technically, there is no difference in meaning between “고맙다” and “감사하다”. If we must distinguish one from the other, “고맙다” is a native Korean word, while “감사하다” is derived from Chinese characters (感謝). Koreans tend to consider “감사합니다” a more formal expression.
Both can be used in a less formal but still polite form as “감사해요” and “고마워요”. However, while “고맙습니다” has an informal version, “고마워”, there is no equivalent informal expression for “감사합니다”.
- 전화 주셔서 고맙습니다. (Thank you for calling.)
죄송합니다 (I’m sorry)
“죄송합니다” /joe-song-ham-ni-da/ is a formal and polite way to say “I’m sorry“ in Korean.
It is used to express apology or regret, particularly in situations where respect or politeness is required, such as when speaking to elders, superiors, or strangers.
You can say “죄송해요” in less formal situations, but it still maintains a level of politeness.
- 늦어서 죄송합니다. (Sorry for being late.)
미안합니다 (I’m sorry)
“미안합니다” /mi-an-ham-ni-da/ is a polite way of saying “I’m sorry,” just like “죄송합니다”.
While “미안합니다” and “죄송합니다” have similar meanings, people generally consider “죄송합니다” more formal in everyday usage.
In addition, while you can use “미안하다” in all formal (“미안합니다”), less formal (“미안해요”), and casual (“미안해” or “미안”) situations, you can’t use “죄송하다” in a casual form of “죄송해”.
- 약속을 못지켜서 미안해요. (I’m sorry that I can’t keep the promise.)
안녕하세요 / 안녕 (Hello)
“안녕하세요” /an-nyeong-ha-se-yo/ is a common Korean greeting that means “Hello” or “Hi” in English.
It is a polite and formal way to greet someone, typically used in everyday conversations when addressing people with respect or people you don’t know well.
“안녕” is a causal way to say hello, typically used for friends, people you’re familiar with, or someone younger than you. On the other hand, “안녕하십니까” is a very formal way to greet someone, often used in professional settings or when addressing someone of higher status.
- 안녕하세요? 오랜만이에요. (Hello, it’s been a while.)
안녕히 가세요 (Goodbye)
“안녕히 가세요” /an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo/ means “Goodbye” in English. You say this when you are staying, and the other person is leaving.
- 안녕히 가세요. 내일 뵐게요. (Goodbye. I’ll see you tomorrow.)
안녕히 계세요 (Goodbye)
“안녕히 계세요” /an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo/ means “Goodbye” in English. Opposite to “안녕히 가세요”, it’s used when you are the one leaving, and the other person is staying.
- 안녕히 계세요. 또 올게요. (Goodbye. I’ll come again.)
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