Essential Korean Expressions For Daily Situations

Whether you're planning a trip to South Korea, immersing yourself in the world of K-dramas and K-pop, or simply curious about learning a new language, you've come to the right place. In this dynamic and ever-evolving global landscape, mastering basic Korean expressions can open doors to meaningful interactions, cultural understanding, and unforgettable experiences.

From greetings that bridge connections to ordering your favorite Korean dish with confidence, our journey will explore the essential Korean expressions that weave through the fabric of daily life. Imagine yourself effortlessly navigating bustling markets, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and making connections that transcend boundaries.

Here's a list of basic everyday Korean phrases categorized by situation.

Greetings and introductions

1. Good morning 좋은 아침입니다 (joheun achimimnida)
2. Hello 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
3. How are you? 어떻게 지내세요? (eotteoke jinaeseyo?)
4. My name is [your name] 제 이름은 [your name]입니다 (je ireumeun [your name]imnida)
5. Nice to meet you 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida)

To ask for information

6. To apologize 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
7. Where is [place]? [장소] 어디에요? ([janso] eodieyo?)
8. What time is it 지금 몇 시에요? (jigeum myeot sieyo?)
9. Can you help me? 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
10. What is this? 이게 뭐에요? (ige mwoeyo?)

Order food

11. I would like [dish] [음식] 주세요 ([eumsik] juseyo)
12. What do you recommend 추천 메뉴가 뭐에요? (chucheon menuga mwoeyo?)
13. I am ready for the bill/check, please? 계산해 주세요 (gyesanhe juseyo)

To express gratitude

14. Thank you 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
15. You're welcome 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo)
16. I appreciate it 감사해요 (gamsahaeyo)

Apologies and excuses:
17. I'm sorry 미안합니다 (mianhamnida)
18. Excuse me 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)
19. It's my fault 제 잘못이에요 (je jalmosieyo)

Basic conversation phrases

20. How do you say [word] in Korean [단어]를 한국어로 어떻게 말해요? ([dan-eo]reul hangugeo-ro eotteoke malhaeyo?)
21. I don't understand 이해하지 못해요 (ihaehaji mothaeyo)
22. Can you repeat 다시 말해주세요 (dasi malhaejuseyo)
23. What did you say 뭐라고 하셨어요? (mworago hasyaesseoyo?)
24. Please speak in English 영어로 말해주세요 (youngeoro malhejuseyo)

Emergencies

25. Help! 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
26. I need a doctor 의사가 필요해요 (uisa ga pilyohaeyo)
27. Calling the police 경찰을 부르세요 (gyeongchareul bureuseyo)

To say goodbye

28. Farewell 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) - When someone is leaving.
29. Goodbye 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) - When you're leaving and others are staying.
30. Let's meet again 또 만나요 (Ddo mannayo)

Remember that pronunciation is key to learning any new language, so practicing these expressions with native speakers or language resources will greatly benefit your communication skills.