How to Say Hello in Korean
한국어로 안녕하세요 말하는 방법
When to use 안녕하세요 (polite) vs 안녕 (casual) — the two everyday Korean greetings, and why the wrong one can sound rude to elders or strangers.
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📖 Inside this lesson
👋 How to Say Hello in Korean: 안녕하세요 vs 안녕 🇰🇷
There are two ways to say hello in Korean, and choosing the right one matters more than beginners expect. Korean greetings change with age, social status, and how close you are to the other person.
🙇 The Polite One
안녕하세요
(an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
→ The polite, respectful greeting.
Use it the first time you meet someone, with people older than you, teachers, store and restaurant staff, and in any formal situation.
It literally asks whether the other person is at peace, and it works in almost every context — so when you're unsure, this is always the safe choice.
😊 The Casual One
안녕
(an-nyeong)
→ The casual, friendly version.
Use it only with close friends, people clearly younger than you, family, and relaxed situations.
Said to an elder or a stranger, it can come across as rude or overly familiar.
💡 Simple rule for travelers & new learners
Default to 안녕하세요 everywhere. Once a relationship becomes close and informal, you can switch to 안녕.
Getting this small choice right shows respect and real cultural understanding — something Korean speakers notice and appreciate. 💛
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