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Top 50 Phrases in Korean
Korean (한국어) is the gateway to K-pop, K-dramas, and one of Asia's most vibrant cultures. Every phrase includes Hangul, romanization, and native audio.
Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, romanization, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.
🙇 인사와 작별 — Greetings & Goodbyes
1.
안녕하세요.
Annyeonghaseyo.
Hello. / Good day. (Polite)
The standard polite greeting for strangers, older people, and in professional settings. Accompanied by a slight bow.
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2.
처음 뵙겠습니다.
Cheoeum boepgesseumnida.
It's nice to meet you for the first time. (Formal)
Very formal first-meeting phrase. In Korean, age determines who bows lower and who speaks first. Asking age early is normal!
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3.
잘 지냈어요?
Jal jinaesseoyo?
Have you been well?
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4.
오랜만이에요!
Oraenmanieyo!
Long time no see!
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5.
잘 부탁드립니다.
Jal butakdeurimnida.
Please take good care of me. (Formal)
The formal equivalent of よろしくお願いします in Japanese — said when starting a new relationship, job, or project.
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6.
안녕히 가세요.
Annyeonghi gaseyo.
Goodbye. (Said to person who is leaving)
Korean has two goodbye words: '가세요' (to the person leaving) and '계세요' (to the person staying). Many learners mix these up!
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7.
안녕히 계세요.
Annyeonghi gyeseyo.
Goodbye. (Said to person who is staying)
If you're the one leaving, say '계세요' to the person staying. A very Korean distinction.
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8.
수고하셨습니다.
Sugohasyeotseumnida.
Thank you for your hard work.
Said at the end of a workday or after completing a task together. Deeply embedded in Korean work culture.
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9.
다음에 봐요.
Daeume bwayo.
See you next time.
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10.
건강하게 지내세요.
Geonganghage jinaeseyo.
Please stay healthy.
Health is a major topic in Korean culture — asking about health and wishing health is very common.
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🙏 부탁과 사과 — Requests & Apologies
11.
저기요!
Jeogiyo!
Excuse me! (To get someone's attention)
The standard way to get a waiter's attention in Korea. Unlike Japan, it's perfectly fine to call out to staff.
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12.
다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Dasi hanbeon malsseum hae jusigesseoyo?
Could you say that one more time?
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13.
천천히 말씀해 주세요.
Cheoncheonhi malsseum hae juseyo.
Please speak slowly.
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14.
한국어를 조금밖에 못 해요.
Hangugeoreul jogeumbakke mot haeyo.
I can only speak a little Korean.
Koreans are often very encouraging when they hear foreigners making an effort with the language.
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15.
죄송합니다.
Joesonghamnida.
I'm very sorry. (Formal sincere apology)
The formal, sincere apology. For minor bumps or casual sorry, use '미안해요' (mianhaeyo).
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16.
〜 주세요.
~ juseyo.
Please give me ~. / ~ please.
'Igeo juseyo' (이거 주세요) = 'This one, please.' The most useful ordering phrase — point at menu and say this!
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17.
화장실이 어디에 있어요?
Hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?
Where is the bathroom?
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18.
얼마예요?
Eolmayeyo?
How much is it?
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19.
도와주세요!
Dowajuseyo!
Please help me!
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20.
감사합니다.
Gamsahamnida.
Thank you. (Formal)
Formal thanks. Casual: '고마워요' (gomawoyo) or '고마워' (gomaweo) with close friends.
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🍜 식당과 편의점 — At Restaurants & Convenience Stores
21.
어서 오세요!
Eoseo oseyo!
Welcome! (Said by staff)
Like 'irasshaimase' in Japan, this is called out by staff. You don't need to reply — just nod and find your seat.
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22.
몇 분이세요?
Myeot buniseyo?
How many people? (Asking for your group size)
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23.
여기요, 주문할게요!
Yeogiyo, jumunhalgeyo!
Excuse me, I'd like to order!
In Korea it's normal to call out to your server — pressing the table button (if available) or calling '여기요' is expected.
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24.
계산해 주세요.
Gyesan hae juseyo.
Please bring the bill.
Tipping is not customary in Korea. The bill is usually paid at the front counter, not the table.
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25.
추천해 주시겠어요?
Chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?
Could you recommend something?
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26.
맵지 않은 게 있어요?
Maepji aneun ge isseoyo?
Is there something that isn't spicy?
Korean food is famously spicy. Definitely learn this phrase before visiting!
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27.
물 한 잔 주세요.
Mul han jan juseyo.
Please give me a glass of water.
Water is often self-service or free in Korean restaurants.
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28.
포장해 주세요.
Pojang hae juseyo.
Please pack it to go. (Takeaway)
Korea has an incredible delivery and takeaway culture — '배달' (baedalŭ) apps are huge.
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29.
정말 맛있어요!
Jeongmal massisseoyo!
It's really delicious!
Food is central to Korean culture — complimenting the food is always appreciated.
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30.
잘 먹겠습니다.
Jal meokgesseumnida.
I will eat well. (Said before eating)
The Korean equivalent of 'itadakimasu'. Said before a meal — especially important when a host or elder has prepared food.
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💼 직장과 사회생활 — Work & Social Life
31.
잠깐 시간 있으세요?
Jamkkan sigan isseuseyo?
Do you have a moment?
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32.
알겠습니다.
Algesseumnida.
I understand. / Understood. (Formal)
The formal confirmation — used with managers and seniors. Casual: '알았어' (arasseo) with friends.
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33.
확인해 보겠습니다.
Hwakin hae bogesseumnida.
I'll check on that.
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34.
잠시만요.
Jamsi manyo.
Just a moment, please.
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35.
생각해 볼게요.
Saenggakae bolgeyo.
I'll think about it.
Like in Japan, this can be an indirect 'no' in Korean culture. Reading between the lines is important.
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36.
연락 주셔서 감사합니다.
Yeollak jushyeoseo gamsahamnida.
Thank you for contacting me.
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37.
선배님, 혹시 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Seonbaenim, hoksi yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
Senior, may I ask you something?
'선배' (seonbae) = senior colleague/classmate. Using the right honorific shows cultural awareness and earns huge respect.
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38.
열심히 하겠습니다.
Yeolssimhi hagesseumnida.
I will do my best.
Said when starting a new job or taking on a task. Conveys commitment and respect for the team.
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39.
덕분에요.
Deokbune yo.
It's thanks to you.
A humble, grateful response — similar to 'okagesama de' in Japanese. Deflects credit to others.
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40.
궁금한 거 있으시면 언제든지 연락해 주세요.
Gunggeumhan geo isseusimyeon eonjedeunji yeollakhae juseyo.
Please contact me anytime if you have questions.
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🌟 일상 표현 — Everyday Expressions
41.
대박!
Daebak!
Awesome! / Amazing! / No way!
Originally meant 'jackpot'. Now the go-to expression for anything impressive or surprising — you'll hear this constantly in K-dramas.
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42.
괜찮아요.
Gwaenchanayo.
It's OK. / I'm fine. / No worries.
Like Japanese 'daijōbu', this also works as 'no thank you' in Korean. Context is key.
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43.
어…
Eo…
Um… / Uh… (Thinking filler)
The Korean thinking filler — using it naturally makes your Korean sound much more fluid.
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44.
진짜요?
Jinjjayo?
Really?! / Seriously?!
Used constantly as a reaction in Korean conversation — shows engagement and surprise.
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45.
기대돼요!
Gidaedwaeyo!
I'm so excited for it! / I can't wait!
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46.
너무 피곤해요.
Neomu pigonhaeyo.
I'm so tired.
Korea's 빠리빠리 (ppali ppali = hurry hurry) culture means being tired is a universal topic of conversation.
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47.
잠깐만요!
Jamkkanmanyo!
Wait a second!
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48.
별말씀을요.
Byeolmalsseumeullyo.
Don't mention it. / Not at all.
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49.
화이팅!
Hwaiting!
You've got this! / Go for it! / Fighting!
From English 'fighting' — the ultimate Korean cheer. Said before exams, sports, or any challenge. Accompanied by a fist pump.
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50.
조심히 가세요.
Josimhi gaseyo.
Please go carefully. / Take care on your way.
A warm farewell phrase, especially said to elders or guests leaving your home. Shows genuine care.
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