Learning Korean is exciting and rewarding, especially if you’re planning to travel, meet Korean-speaking friends, or explore Korean culture. One of the fastest ways to start using a new language is by mastering key phrases for daily interactions. In this blog, we’re sharing 20 simple Korean conversation phrases that you can put to use immediately and sound more confident when speaking. Of course, they are with audio!
If you’re not familiar with Hangul (the Korean alphabet) yet, don’t worry! We’ve got a great resource for you. Check out this blog post to learn Hangul quickly, it’ll make these phrases much easier to remember and use.
Now, let’s jump into some useful phrases!
1. 안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)
- Meaning: Hello!
- This is a friendly and polite way to greet someone, no matter the time of day.
- Example: “안녕하세요! 오늘 기분이 어때요?” (Hello! How are you feeling today?)
2. 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)
- Meaning: Thank you.
- An essential phrase for showing gratitude in Korean.
- Example: “도와주셔서 감사합니다.” (Thank you for your help.)
3. 죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.)
- Meaning: I’m sorry.
- A polite way to apologize, even for small mistakes.
- Example: “늦어서 죄송합니다.” (I’m sorry for being late.)
4. 제 이름은 ___ 입니다. (Je ireumeun ___ imnida.)
- Meaning: My name is ___.
- A basic yet important introduction phrase when meeting new people.
- Example: “제 이름은 수미입니다.” (My name is Sumi.)
5. 어디예요? (Eodiyeyo?)
- Meaning: Where is it?
- Super helpful for asking directions.
- Example: “화장실 어디예요?” (Where is the bathroom?)
6. 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
- Meaning: How much is it?
- Use this phrase to ask the price when shopping in Korea.
- Example: “이거 얼마예요?” (How much is this?)
7. 괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.)
- Meaning: It’s okay. / I’m okay.
- A polite way to say “no thanks” or to reassure someone.
- Example: “괜찮아요, 걱정하지 마세요.” (It’s okay, don’t worry.)
8. 좋아요. (Joayo.)
- Meaning: It’s good. / I like it.
- Use this to express that you find something good or enjoyable.
- Example: “이 영화 정말 좋아요!” (This movie is really good!)
9. 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!)
- Meaning: Please help me!
- Use this when you need urgent help.
- Example: “길을 잃었어요, 도와주세요!” (I’m lost, please help me!)
10. 맛있어요! (Mashisseoyo!)
- Meaning: It’s delicious!
- Compliment the food you’re eating with this phrase, commonly used after a great meal.
- Example: “김치가 정말 맛있어요!” (The kimchi is really delicious!)
11. 보고 싶어요. (Bogo sipoyo.)
- Meaning: I miss you.
- A heartfelt way to express that you miss someone.
- Example: “친구들, 너무 보고 싶어요.” (I miss my friends so much.)
12. 천천히 말해 주세요. (Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.)
- Meaning: Please speak slowly.
- Perfect for when you’re still getting the hang of conversational Korean.
- Example: “천천히 말해 주세요, 한국어가 아직 어려워요.” (Please speak slowly, Korean is still hard for me.)
13. 잘 모르겠어요. (Jal moreugesseoyo.)
- Meaning: I don’t understand.
- Use this when you didn’t quite catch something.
- Example: “무슨 뜻인지 잘 모르겠어요.” (I don’t understand what it means.)
14. 영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeongeo hal su isseoyo?)
- Meaning: Can you speak English?
- A helpful question for beginners who might still need help communicating.
- Example: “영어 할 수 있어요?” (Can you speak English?)
15. 뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)
- Meaning: What are you doing?
- A common question to start casual conversations with friends.
- Example: “지금 뭐 해요?” (What are you doing right now?)
16. 몇 시예요? (Myeot siyeyo?)
- Meaning: What time is it?
- Great for when you need to ask the time.
- Example: “지금 몇 시예요?” (What time is it now?)
17. 네 / 아니요 (Ne / Aniyo)
- Meaning: Yes / No
- Simple but essential phrases for everyday conversations.
- Example: “이거 좋아요?” “네!” (Do you like this? Yes!)
18. 실례합니다. (Sillyehamnida.)
- Meaning: Excuse me.
- Use this when you need someone’s attention or to politely move past them.
- Example: “실례합니다, 지나갈게요.” (Excuse me, I’ll pass by.)
19. 잘 자요. (Jal jayo.)
- Meaning: Good night.
- A friendly way to say goodnight before going to bed.
- Example: “잘 자요, 내일 봐요.” (Good night, see you tomorrow.)
20. 다시 말해 주세요. (Dasi malhae juseyo.)
- Meaning: Please say it again.
- If you didn’t hear something clearly, don’t be shy to ask for repetition!
- Example: “다시 말해 주세요, 잘 못 들었어요.” (Please say it again, I didn’t catch it.)
Start Using These Korean Phrases Today!
Now that you’ve learned these 20 essential Korean conversation phrases, it’s time to put them into practice.These expressions will make speaking Korean more comfortable and natural for you, regardless of whether you’re traveling, meeting new people, or just starting out.
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