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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.

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Each phrase includes native audio, an English translation, romanization, and cultural notes where relevant. Tap any play button to listen.

🙇 인사와 작별 — Greetings & Goodbyes

안녕하세요.

Annyeonghaseyo.

Hello. / Good day. (Polite)

The standard polite greeting for strangers, older people, and in professional settings. Accompanied by a slight bow.

explanation:

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!

explanation:

잘 지냈어요?

Jal jinaesseoyo?

Have you been well?

explanation:

오랜만이에요!

Oraenmanieyo!

Long time no see!

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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!

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

다음에 봐요.

Daeume bwayo.

See you next time.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

🙏 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.

explanation:

12.

다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?

Dasi hanbeon malsseum hae jusigesseoyo?

Could you say that one more time?

explanation:

13.

천천히 말씀해 주세요.

Cheoncheonhi malsseum hae juseyo.

Please speak slowly.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

15.

죄송합니다.

Joesonghamnida.

I'm very sorry. (Formal sincere apology)

The formal, sincere apology. For minor bumps or casual sorry, use '미안해요' (mianhaeyo).

explanation:

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!

explanation:

17.

화장실이 어디에 있어요?

Hwajangsiri eodie isseoyo?

Where is the bathroom?

explanation:

18.

얼마예요?

Eolmayeyo?

How much is it?

explanation:

19.

도와주세요!

Dowajuseyo!

Please help me!

explanation:

20.

감사합니다.

Gamsahamnida.

Thank you. (Formal)

Formal thanks. Casual: '고마워요' (gomawoyo) or '고마워' (gomaweo) with close friends.

explanation:

🍜 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.

explanation:

22.

몇 분이세요?

Myeot buniseyo?

How many people? (Asking for your group size)

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

25.

추천해 주시겠어요?

Chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?

Could you recommend something?

explanation:

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!

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

29.

정말 맛있어요!

Jeongmal massisseoyo!

It's really delicious!

Food is central to Korean culture — complimenting the food is always appreciated.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

💼 직장과 사회생활 — Work & Social Life

31.

잠깐 시간 있으세요?

Jamkkan sigan isseuseyo?

Do you have a moment?

explanation:

32.

알겠습니다.

Algesseumnida.

I understand. / Understood. (Formal)

The formal confirmation — used with managers and seniors. Casual: '알았어' (arasseo) with friends.

explanation:

33.

확인해 보겠습니다.

Hwakin hae bogesseumnida.

I'll check on that.

explanation:

34.

잠시만요.

Jamsi manyo.

Just a moment, please.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

36.

연락 주셔서 감사합니다.

Yeollak jushyeoseo gamsahamnida.

Thank you for contacting me.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

39.

덕분에요.

Deokbune yo.

It's thanks to you.

A humble, grateful response — similar to 'okagesama de' in Japanese. Deflects credit to others.

explanation:

40.

궁금한 거 있으시면 언제든지 연락해 주세요.

Gunggeumhan geo isseusimyeon eonjedeunji yeollakhae juseyo.

Please contact me anytime if you have questions.

explanation:

🌟 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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

43.

어…

Eo…

Um… / Uh… (Thinking filler)

The Korean thinking filler — using it naturally makes your Korean sound much more fluid.

explanation:

44.

진짜요?

Jinjjayo?

Really?! / Seriously?!

Used constantly as a reaction in Korean conversation — shows engagement and surprise.

explanation:

45.

기대돼요!

Gidaedwaeyo!

I'm so excited for it! / I can't wait!

explanation:

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.

explanation:

47.

잠깐만요!

Jamkkanmanyo!

Wait a second!

explanation:

48.

별말씀을요.

Byeolmalsseumeullyo.

Don't mention it. / Not at all.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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.

explanation:

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