If you’ve ever watched a K-drama or listened to K-pop, you’ve probably heard people greeting each other with cheerful “Annyeong!” or polite “Annyeonghaseyo!”
But what do they really mean, and when should you use them?
In this guide, we’ll learn how to say hi in Korean like a native — from casual hellos to respectful greetings used with elders or strangers.
Let’s make your first Korean greeting sound confident and natural! 🇰🇷
🗣️ The Basic Way to Say Hi in Korean
The most common way to say “hi” or “hello” in Korean is 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo).
- Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo
- Meaning: “Hello” (polite/formal)
This version is polite and can be used in most situations — whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, greeting your teacher, or talking to someone older than you.
✅ Example:
- Korean: 안녕하세요! 처음 뵙겠습니다.
- Romanization: Annyeonghaseyo! Cheoeum boepgetseumnida.
- Meaning: Hello! Nice to meet you.
👋 Informal Way to Say Hi
When you’re talking to friends, family, or someone younger than you, you can drop the polite ending and simply say:
- 안녕 (Annyeong)
- Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung
- Meaning: “Hi” or “Bye” (informal)
You can use Annyeong the same way you’d say “Hey!” or “Hi!” in English. But remember — only use it in casual settings!
✅ Example:
- Korean: 안녕, 지민!
- Romanization: Annyeong, Jimin!
- Meaning: Hi, Jimin!
💼 Formal or Respectful Greetings
In workplaces, official meetings, or when greeting someone much older or in authority, Koreans often use:
- 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka)
- Pronunciation: Ahn-nyoung-ha-sim-ni-kka
- Meaning: “Hello” (very formal)
This is mostly used in news broadcasts, customer service, or when speaking to high-ranking individuals. It’s polite, respectful, and shows great manners.
✅ Example:
- Korean: 안녕하십니까? 오늘 날씨가 참 좋네요.
- Romanization: Annyeonghasimnikka? Oneul nalssiga cham jonneyo.
- Meaning: Hello, the weather is really nice today.
💬 When to Use Each Greeting
| Situation | Korean Greeting | Pronunciation | Formality Level |
| Talking to elders, teachers, or strangers | 안녕하세요 | Ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo | Polite |
| Greeting friends or children | 안녕 | Ahn-nyoung | Informal |
| In very formal or official contexts | 안녕하십니까 | Ahn-nyoung-ha-sim-ni-kka | Very Formal |
🌸 Fun Cultural Note
In Korean culture, greetings go beyond just words. The way you bow slightly while saying hello shows respect. The deeper the bow, the greater the respect — especially in formal situations. Just like in English, tone and body language matter!
Also, “hi” isn’t used as casually in Korea as in English. Koreans often skip greetings if they already saw someone that day — it’s seen as unnecessary to repeat.
👀 Common Follow-Up Phrases After Saying Hi
Once you’ve said hi, you might want to keep the conversation going. Here are a few simple follow-ups:
| English | Korean | Pronunciation |
| How are you? | 잘 지냈어요? | Jal ji-nae-sseo-yo? |
| What’s your name? | 이름이 뭐예요? | I-reum-i mwo-ye-yo? |
| Nice to meet you | 반가워요 | Ban-ga-wo-yo |
| Goodbye (polite) | 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi ga-se-yo |
| Goodbye (informal) | 안녕 | Annyeong |
💡 Pronunciation Tips
Korean pronunciation can be tricky at first, but practice makes perfect!
- The “ㅇ” in 안녕 (Annyeong) is silent at the beginning of a word.
- The “ㅎ” in 하세요 (Haseyo) gives a soft “h” sound — don’t make it too harsh.
- Try saying it slowly first: “Ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo” → then speed up naturally.
🎧 Listening to native speakers (in dramas or YouTube videos) is a great way to master the rhythm and tone!
🎯 Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to say hi in Korean — and when to use each version! Whether you greet your best friend with a casual “Annyeong!” or a stranger with a polite “Annyeonghaseyo!”, you’re already one step closer to sounding like a native. 🌟
So go ahead — practice out loud today! The more you use these greetings, the more natural they’ll feel.
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