160+ Common Korean Phrases You Need to Know

Whether you’re traveling to Seoul or just want to start studying Korean, you’ll need to learn some basic phrases! That’s why we’ve outlined the most common Korean phrases, expressions, and slang to expand your vocabulary, whether you’re ordering food or asking for directions. We also spoke with language teacher Claire Wang for tips on learning a new language quickly.

Common Korean Phrases for Beginners

Korean Language Educator The Bad Korean Teacher says some of the most important Korean phrases to know are Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) ("Hello"), Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) ("Thank you"), and Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) ("I’m sorry"). Another popular phrase is Gwenchana (괜찮아), which means "It's okay." Other useful phrases include:

Ne (네) - Yes.
Aniyo (아니요) - No.
Igeo eolmayeyo? (이거 얼마예요?) - How much is this?
Yeogi eotteoke gayo? (여기 어떻게 가요?) - How do I get here?

Section 1 of 10:

Basic Korean Phrases & Greetings

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Here are basic Korean phrases and greetings to use in any conversation. If you’re traveling to Korea or just want to start learning the language, start with these simple phrases. They’ll help you greet people, interact with locals, and navigate the country:^{[1]
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- Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) - Hello (formal).
- Annyeong (안녕) – Hi or bye (casual).
- Ne (네) - Yes.
- Aniyo (아니요) - No.
- Gamsahamnida (감사합니다) - Thank you (formal).
- Gomawoyo (고마워요) - Thank you (informal).
- Cheonmaneyo (천만에요) - You’re welcome.
- Juseyo (주세요) - Please.
- Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다) - I’m sorry (formal).
- Mianhaeyo (미안해요) - I’m sorry (informal).
- Sillyehamnida (실례합니다) - Excuse me (for apologies).
- Jeogiyo (저기요) - Excuse me (for getting someone’s attention).
- Jamsimanyo (잠시만요) - Excuse me (to pass someone).
- Algessseumnida (알겠습니다) - I understand or got it (formal).
- Algesseoyo (알겠어요) - I understand or okay (informal).
- Amado (아마도) - Maybe.
- Mollayo (몰라요) - I don’t know.
- Jamkkanmanyo (잠깐만요) - Just a moment.
- Ye (예) - Okay.
- Johayo (좋아요) - Good.
- Anjohayo (안좋아요) - Bad.
- Hago (하고) - And.
- Yeoboseyo? (여보세요?) - Hello? (on the phone)
- Dasi malhae juseyo (다시 말해 주세요) - Please repeat that for me.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Claire Wang is a London-based language education expert and the Founder of LingoClass, the city’s leading school for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Section 2 of 10:

Korean Phrases for Cafes & Restaurants

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Refer to these phrases if you’re dining at a cafe or restaurant. From aesthetic coffee shops to all-you-can-eat BBQ, food is a huge part of Korean culture. Here are some essential phrases for ordering, paying, and enjoying meals:^{[2]
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- Jal meogetseumnida (잘 먹겠습니다) - I will eat well (before a meal).
- Masitge deuseyo (맛있게 드세요) - Bon appétit.
- Baegopayo (배고파요) - I’m hungry.
- Mok mallayo (목 말라요) - I’m thirsty,
- Menu jom boyeojuseyo (메뉴 좀 보여주세요) - Please show me the menu.
- Chucheonhae juseyo (추천해 주세요) - Please recommend something.
- Mul jom juseyo (물 좀 주세요) - Please give me some water.
- Mashisseoyo (맛있어요) - It’s delicious.
- Maseopseoyo (맛없어요) - I don’t like it.
- Gyesanseo juseyo (계산서 주세요) - The bill, please.
- Pojang dwaeyo? (포장 돼요?) - Can I get this to go?
- Myeotsie mun dadayo? (몇시에 문 닫아요?) - What time do you close?
- Igeo maewoyo? (이거 매워요?) - Is this spicy?
- An maepge haejuseyo (안 맵게 해주세요) - Please don’t make it spicy.
- Jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo (저는 채식주의자예요) - I’m a vegetarian.
- Chaesikjuuijayong siksa isseoyo? (채식주의자용 식사 있어요?) - Do you have vegetarian dishes?
- Jeoneun gogireul mot meogeoyo (저는 고기를 못 먹어요) - I don’t eat meat.
- Da meogeul su isseoyo (다 먹을 수 있어요) - I can eat anything.
- Soju hanbyeong juseyo (소주 한병 주세요) - Please give me one bottle of soju.
- Waipai isseoyo? (와이파이 있어요?) - Do you have WiFi here?
- Bimil beonho allyeo juseyo (비밀 번호 알려 주세요) - Please give me the WiFi password.
- Konsenteu isseoyo? (콘센트 있어요?) - Do you have electrical outlets?
- Konsenteu eodie isseoyo? (콘센트 어디에 있어요?) - Where are your electrical outlets?
- Keopi juseyo (커피 주세요) - Give me coffee, please.
- Ttatteutan amerikano hanjan juseyo (따뜻한 아메리카노 한잔 주세요) - Please give me one hot Americano.
- Aiseu amerikano dujan juseyo (아이스 아메리카노 두잔 주세요) - Please give me two iced Americanos.
- Kapein eomneun eumnyo isseoyo? (카페인 없는 음료 있어요?) - Do you have non-caffeinated drinks?

Section 3 of 10:

Korean Phrases for Getting Around

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Use these phrases to ask for directions or navigate public transit. South Korea has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world, so knowing how to ask for directions can come in handy. Here are some helpful phrases regarding subway stops, bus routes, or high-speed trains:^{[3]
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- Yeogi (여기) - Here.
- Jangso (장소) - Place.
- Oreunjjok (오른쪽) - Right.
- Oenjjok (왼쪽) - Left.
- Apuro (앞으로) - Forward.
- Jikjin (직진) - Go straight.
- Naeryeoyo (내려요) - I’m getting off.
- Dosi (도시) - City.
- Nara (나라) - Country.
- Gichayeog (기차역) - Train station.
- Jihacheol yeok (지하철역) - Metro station.
- Yeogi eotteoke gayo? (여기 어떻게 가요?) - How do I get here?
- Gireul ireosseoyo (길을 잃었어요) - I am lost.
- Taeksi bulleojuseyo (택시 불러주세요) - Please call a taxi.
- Jihacheolyeok eodiyeyo? (지하철역 어디예요?) - Where is the subway station?
- Beoseu kadeu isseoyo? (버스 카드 있어요?) - Do you have a bus card?
- Sigan eolmana geollyeoyo? (시간 얼마나 걸려요?) - How long does it take?
- Garathaya haeyo? (갈아타야 해요?) - Do I have to transfer?

Section 4 of 10:

Korean Phrases for Shopping & Bargaining

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Try these phrases to get a bargain deal and shop like a local. Whether you’re buying souvenirs in Myeongdong or designer goods in Gangnam, you’ll definitely need to know some phrases to secure your goods. Here are some shopping and bargaining words and expressions you’ll likely come across:^{[4]
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- Igeo eolmayeyo? (이거 얼마예요?) - How much is this?
- Gage (가게) - A store.
- Hyeongeum (현금) - Cash.
- Sinyongkadeu (신용카드) - Credit card.
- Igeo ibeobwado dwaeyo? (이거 입어봐도 돼요?) - Can I try this on?
- Harinhae jusil su isseulkkaoyo? (할인해 주실 수 있을까요?) - Can you give me a discount?
- Kadeuro gyeoljehal su isseoyo? (카드로 결제할 수 있어요?) - Do you accept cards?
- Modu eolmayeyo? (모두 얼마예요?) - How much is the total?
- Igeo juseyo (이거 주세요) - This one, please.
- Neomu bissayo (너무 비싸요) - It’s too expensive.
- Dareun saek isseoyo? (다른 색 있어요?) - Do you have another color?
- Yeongsujeung juseyo (영수증 주세요) - Please give me a reciept.
- Saijeu ga eotteoke dwaeyo? (사이즈가 어떻게 돼요?) - What’s the size?
- Hwanbulhae juseyo (환불해 주세요) - Please give me a refund.
- Gyohwanhae juseyo (교환해 주세요) - Please exchange this.
- Pojanghae juseyo (포장해 주세요) - Please wrap it for me.

Section 5 of 10:

Korean Survival Phrases for Emergencies

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Here are some phrases you might need for emergency and medical situations. It never hurts to be prepared in another country, especially when it comes to getting help or emergency care. Here are some lifesaving phrases you need to know:^{[5]
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- Hwajangsireun eodie isseoyo? (화장실은 어디에 있어요?) - Where is the bathroom?
- Apayo (아파요) - I feel sick.
- Uisaga piryohaeyo (의사가 필요해요) - I need a doctor.
- Byeongwone gajuseyo (병원에 가주세요) - Take me to the hospital (to a taxi driver).
- Gugeupcha (구급차) - Ambulance.
- Boheom (보험) - Insurance.
- Gyeongchal (경찰) - Police.
- Dowajuseyo (도와주세요) - Help me.
- 119e jeonhwahaseyo (119에 전화하세요) - Call 119 (emergency services).
- Jeoneun dangnyoga isseoyo (저는 당뇨가 있어요) - I am diabetic.
- Yakguk eodiyeyo? (약국 어디예요?) - Where is the pharmacy?
- Cheobangjeoneul bada wasseoyo (처방전을 받아 왔어요) - I have a prescription to fill.
- Eodieseo yageul badeul su isseoyo? (어디에서 약을 받을 수 있어요?) - Where can I get this prescription filled?
- Tongyeoksa innayo? (통역사 있나요?) - Is there an interpreter?
- Jinryobi eolmayeyo? (진료비 얼마예요?) - How much is the treatment?
- Baega apayo (배가 아파요) - I have a stomachache.
- Mogi apayo (목이 아파요) - I have a sore throat.
- Meoriga apayo (머리가 아파요) - I have a headache.
- Jakku konmuri nayo (자꾸 콧물이 나요) - My nose is runny.
- Koga makyeosseoyo (코가 막혔어요) - My nose is stuffy.
- Momsal nasseoyo (몸살 났어요) - My body aches all over.
- Je yeogwoneul ilheobeoryeosseoyo (제 여권을 잃어버렸어요) - I lost my passport.

Section 6 of 10:

Korean Phrases for Socializing & Making Friends

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Whip out these casual phrases to socialize and make friends in Korea. Whether you’re meeting up for coffee or hitting up the karaoke bar, there are a couple of casual phrases that can help you connect with Korean people instantly. Here are some phrases you can use when meeting new people:^{[6]
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- Jal jinaeyo? (잘 지내요?) - How are you?
- Ireumi mwoyeyo? (이름이 뭐예요?) - What’s your name?
- Eodieseo wasseoyo? (어디에서 왔어요?) - Where are you from?
- Myeot sarieyo? (몇 살이에요?) - How old are you?
- Jigeobi mwoyeyo? (직업이 뭐예요?) - What is your job?
- Eodie saseyo? (어디에 사세요?) - Where do you live?
- Chwimiga mwoyeyo? (취미가 뭐예요?) - What is your hobby?
- Mannaseo bangapseumnida (만나서 반갑습니다) - Nice to meet you.
- Gachi nollaeo? (같이 놀래요?) - Want to hang out?
- Eodiro galkkayo? (어디로 갈까요?) - Where shall we go?
- Joheun haru bonaeseyo (좋은 하루 보내세요) - Have a nice day.
- Katok aidi isseoyo? (카톡 아이디 있어요?) - Do you have a Kakao Talk ID?
- Oraenmanieyo (오랜만이에요) - Long time no see.
- Matjip arayo? (맛집 알아요?) - Do you know a good restaurant?
- Jaemisseoyo? (재밌어요?) - Are you having fun?
- Jeoneun migugeseo wasseoyo (저는 미국에서 왔어요) - I’m from America.
- Eotteoke jinaesseoyo? (어떻게 지냈어요?) - What have you been up to?
- Jibe jal deureogayo (집에 잘 들어가요) - Get home safely.
- Jalhal su isseoyo (잘할 수 있어요) - You can do it!
- Geokjeong hajimaseyo (걱정 하지마세요) - Don’t worry.
- Chingu (친구) - Friend.

Section 7 of 10:

Common Korean Phrases in K-Dramas

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Here are some phrases that are frequently featured in Korean dramas. Even if you’re not an avid viewer, you’ve probably heard these phrases online or in passing. Feel free to use them in casual conversations with friends to sound like a local:^{[7]
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- Daebak (대박) - Amazing or cool.
- Jjang (짱) - The best or awesome.
- Heol (헐) - No way or OMG.
- Saranghae (사랑해) - I love you (informal).
- Saranghaeyo (사랑해요) - I love you (formal).
- Eotteoke? (어떻게?) - How or what should I do?
- Ireoke (이렇게) - Like this.
- Geojinmariya (거짓말이야) - It’s a lie.
- Neo michyeosseo (너 미쳤어) - Are you crazy?
- Ya (야) - Hey!
- Hwaiting (화이팅) - Fighting!
- Jaebal (제발) - Please.
- Omo (오모) - Oh my goodness!
- Aigoo (아이고) - Used to express frustration or disappointment.
- Gwenchana (괜찮아) - It’s okay.
- Gaja (가자) - Let’s go.
- Hoksi (혹시) - By any chance.
- Ohae hajima (오해 하지마) - Don’t misunderstand.
- Mwol bwayo? (뭘 봐요?) - What are you looking at?
- Hajima (하지마) - Don’t do that.
- Jugeullae? (죽을래?) - Do you want to die?

Section 8 of 10:

Popular Korean Slang

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Check out these Korean slang terms to expand your vocabulary. If you want to sound like a local, you’ll want to add some casual slang into your daily conversations. Here are the hottest texting and Gen Z terms you need to know:^{[8]
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- Ah-ssa (아싸) - Yay or oh yeah!
- Ajeom (아점) - Brunch.
- Beigeullyeo (베이글녀) - Cute but glamorous.
- Bul-geum (불금) - TGIF.
- Chi-maek (치맥) - Chicken and beer.
- Gap (갑) - The boss.
- Geuk-yeom (극혐) - Extreme disgust.
- Haeng-syo (행쇼) - Let’s be happy.
- Hyeonut (현웃) - LOL.
- Jjorep (쪼렙) - Newbie.
- Kkul-jaem (꿀잼) - Used to describe something that’s cool, fun, or interesting.
- Kkul-tip (꿀팁) - A good tip.
- Kol (콜) - I’m in or sure.
- Makjang (막장) - The worst case scenario.
- Manleb (만렙) - Level 10,000.
- Matjeom (맛점) - Delicious lunch.
- Men-bung (멘붕) - Mental breakdown.
- No-jaem (노잼) - Used to describe something that’s not cool, fun, or interesting.
- Ppeong (뻥) - Lie or fib.
- Solkkamal (솔까말) - To be honest with you.
- Somaek (소맥) - Soju and maekju (beer).

Section 9 of 10:

Levels of Korean Formality

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In Korean speech, there are 7 levels of formality you can use. “You have to speak differently depending on the other person’s age,” says Wang. “For example, if someone is just one year older than you, you have to use polite or formal speech. But if you’re the same age, you can speak casually.”^{[9]
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Claire Wang
Language Teacher

Expert Interview} It’s important to learn all 7 levels of Korean formality since you will usually combine them with the appropriate honorific title to approach someone:^{[10]
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- Hasoseo-che (하소서체): The most traditional and respectful level of speech, used in formal situations and to elders or superiors. It was mostly used to address royalty in the past, but can be seen in historical dramas or religious texts.
- Hasipsio-che (하십시오체): This level of speech is right between formal and casual, providing respect without going overboard. Strangers typically use this during their first few encounters, and it’s often used in public speech, business, and in the service industry.
- Haeyo-che (해요체): This is the most common polite level of speech, and it can be used to address strangers and the elderly. Foreigners are often urged to learn this form because it’s ideal for everyday situations.
- Hao-che (하오체): This is an outdated style of formal speech that you can find in historical K-dramas. It can be used to address people that are the same age as you or younger, and it's mainly seen in writing.
- Hage-che (하게체): This is an uncommon, casual-leaning style of speech that middle-aged people use to address other adults that they’re close to. It can also be used by older people to address younger people.
- Haera-che (해라체): This is a casual level of speech that’s still a bit formal. It’s most often used in writing, but not commonly used in conversation.
- Hae-che (해체): This is the most informal level of speech, used with friends, family members, and close acquaintances. Avoid using it in front of someone of a higher rank.

Section 10 of 10:

Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s the best way to learn Korean? “Watch shows, sing songs, find a community—learning doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a journey, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go,” says Wang.^{[11]
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Claire Wang
Language Teacher

Expert Interview} YouTube tutorials can help you nail pronunciation, and you can improve your Korean by learning the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and studying whenever you have the chance.
- Wang also recommends using language-learning “apps like Duolingo” to start speaking Korean.^{[12]
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  Claire Wang
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EXPERT TIP

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist
Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
Marriage & Family Therapist

Hire a personal tutor to learn a new language. If you want to progress quickly, get a one-on-one tutor who can really focus on you. Then, when you get home, give yourself at least an hour of self-study every single day.
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How do you say “I love you” in Korean? Here are the most popular ways to say “I love you” in Korean, depending on who you’re talking to:^{[13]
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- Saranghaeyo (사랑해요) - This is the polite version of “I love you,” often said platonically to parents or teachers.
- Saranghae (사랑해) - This is an informal way to say “I love you.” It’s typically said to close friends, partners, or younger people.
- Saranghamnida (사랑합니다) - This is the most formal way to say “I love you.” It’s often used in public speeches, songs, or very respectful situations.
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What do Koreans say before drinking? Use geonbae (건배) to say “cheers” in formal situations or jjan (짠) to say “cheers” or “clink!” for a casual toast with friends. You can also say sul-eul tta-reu-da (술을 따르다) to offer to pour a drink.^{[14]
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