How to Say "Hello" in Korean | Korean Expression

Quick Answer: "Hello" in Korean is "안녕하세요." (annyeonghaseyo.). Level: A1.

In Korean, "Hello" is expressed as "안녕하세요.". It follows the standard Korean polite speech pattern. Let's explore the grammar and vocabulary.

What does "Hello" mean in Korean?

The Korean sentence "안녕하세요." translates to "Hello." in English. This line matches the English meaning, "Hello", but it keeps the mood soft. The "-요" ending makes it gentle and kind.

Pronunciation guide: annyeonghaseyo.

Korean Sentence Structure Breakdown

Korean follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order, which is different from English (SVO). In "안녕하세요.", the verb comes at the end of the sentence. Here is the word-by-word breakdown: • 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

Korean sentences always end with the verb. Get comfortable with putting the action word last.

Why This Korean Expression Sounds Natural

English depends on voice tone for warmth. Korean bakes warmth into the sentence, so "Hello" sounds like a friendly whisper.

Cultural Insight

한국의 인사는 단순한 말이 아니라 정중함과 배려를 담은 작은 의식이에요.

Examples

안녕하세요. — annyeonghaseyo. — Hello.

정말 안녕하세요. — jeongmal annyeonghaseyo. — Really, hello

오늘은 안녕하세요. — oneuleun annyeonghaseyo. — Today, hello

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