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11 Essential Ways To Say 'Hello In Korean' And Sound Like A Local In 2025

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Navigating the social landscape of South Korea starts with a proper greeting, and in a culture built on respect and hierarchy, simply knowing one word for 'hello' won't cut it. As of December 24, 2025, the foundational phrase, 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo), remains the gold standard, but the dynamic nature of the Korean language, heavily influenced by K-Pop, K-Dramas, and digital communication, means there are numerous essential variations you must master to sound natural and respectful in any situation, from a formal business meeting to a casual text with a friend.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the 11 most crucial ways to say "hello in Korean," ensuring you use the correct level of politeness, known as honorifics, and understand the subtle cultural nuances that define every interaction. Mastering these greetings is the first, most important step on your journey to Korean fluency and cultural competence.

The Essential Korean Greeting Hierarchy: From Casual to Highly Formal

The Korean language employs a distinct speech level system, and your chosen greeting immediately signals your relationship with the other person. This is not just about politeness; it's a fundamental pillar of Korean social etiquette. Here is a breakdown of the core greetings, ranked by formality.

1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) - The Standard, Polite Hello

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyeong-ha-seh-yo

This is the most versatile and widely used way to say "hello" in Korean. It is the default greeting for almost any situation where you are speaking to a stranger, an elder, a superior, or anyone you are not close friends with. It translates roughly to "Are you at peace?" or "Please be well."

  • Usage: Shopkeepers, taxi drivers, co-workers, acquaintances, professors, and anyone older than you.
  • Formality Level: Standard Polite (요-ending).
  • Etiquette Tip: Always accompany this greeting with a slight bow, especially when meeting someone for the first time or greeting an elder.

2. 안녕 (Annyeong) - The Casual, Informal Hi

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyeong

This is the literal, most basic form of the greeting, equivalent to "Hi" or "Hey." It should only be used with people you know very well and who are the same age or younger than you. Using it with a superior or an elder is considered disrespectful.

  • Usage: Close friends, siblings, children.
  • Formality Level: Informal/Casual.
  • Cultural Note: You can also use Annyeong as an informal way to say "Goodbye."

3. 안녕하십니까 (Annyeonghasimnikka) - The Highly Formal Greeting

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyeong-ha-shim-nee-kka

This greeting uses the most formal speech level, known as the Hapsyo-che (하십시오체). It conveys the deepest level of respect and is rarely used in everyday life in 2025.

  • Usage: News broadcasts, military settings, official ceremonies, addressing a very respected elder, or in a highly traditional business setting.
  • Formality Level: Highly Formal (습니다/ㅂ니다 ending).
  • Topical Authority: While less common now, knowing this phrase demonstrates a high understanding of Korean honorifics.

Situational Greetings: Beyond the Basic 'Hello'

Korean greetings are often context-specific, meaning you might not even use a word that translates directly to "hello." Instead, you acknowledge the person's current situation or time of day.

4. 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo) - The Telephone Exclusive

Pronunciation: Yeo-bo-seh-yo

This phrase is used almost exclusively when answering or making a phone call. It literally means something like "Look here!" or "Hello?" and is never used for a face-to-face greeting.

  • Usage: Answering a phone call, or calling someone.
  • LSI Keyword: Korean phone etiquette.

5. 잘 지냈어요? (Jal Jinaesseoyo?) - The 'How Have You Been?' Hello

Pronunciation: Jal Ji-naes-seo-yo?

Used when greeting someone you haven't seen in a while. It means "Have you been well?" and serves as a polite greeting that shows you care about their well-being. The casual version is 잘 지냈어? (Jal Jinaesseo?)

  • Usage: Friends or acquaintances after a long period of separation.
  • Entity: Korean well-wishing.

6. 식사하셨어요? (Siksa Hasyeosseoyo?) - The 'Have You Eaten?' Greeting

Pronunciation: Shik-sa Ha-shyeos-seo-yo?

This is a traditional, warm greeting that is still common among older generations or in a very caring context. Asking if someone has eaten is a way of showing concern for their health, and it functions as a friendly "hello." The casual form is 밥 먹었어? (Bap Meogeosseo?), which translates to "Did you eat rice?"

  • Usage: Greeting an elder, or a close friend/family member around meal times.
  • Entity: Korean food culture.

Advanced and Trending Korean Greetings in 2025

To truly sound like a native in the current era, you need to be aware of the more casual, cute, and digital-specific greetings that are popular among the younger generation, especially those influenced by K-Dramas and K-Pop idols.

7. 안뇽 (Annyong) - The Aegyo Hello

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyong

This is a cute, slightly elongated, and adorable way to say "hello" that is popular in text messages, social media, and among couples or close friends. This is an example of aegyo, or cute behavior, being incorporated into language.

  • Usage: Texting, online chat, or speaking to a very close friend in a playful manner.
  • Entity: Aegyo (cute behavior).

8. 하이 (Hai) - The Konglish Hello

Pronunciation: Ha-ee

Borrowed directly from the English "Hi," this is a form of Konglish (Korean-English) that is very common among young people. It's extremely casual and is often used in online communities, gaming, or quick, informal exchanges.

  • Usage: Texting, online gaming, or speaking to a very young friend.
  • Entity: Konglish.

9. 굿모닝 / 굿나잇 (Gutmoning / Gutnait) - English Time-Specific Greetings

Pronunciation: Goot-moh-ning / Goot-na-it

Similar to 'Hai,' the English phrases "Good Morning" and "Good Night" have been fully integrated into casual Korean speech, often replacing the more traditional time-specific greetings, especially in modern, urban settings. This is a key trend in 2025 language use.

  • Usage: Casual morning or evening greetings.
  • Entity: Modern Korean speech trends.

The Crucial Difference: Saying 'Hello' vs. Saying 'Goodbye'

A common mistake for language learners is confusing the different ways to say goodbye, which are often variations of the 'hello' root word, 안녕 (annyeong). Understanding these is essential for a complete conversation.

10. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi Gyeseyo) - Goodbye (When YOU are leaving)

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyeong-hee Gye-seh-yo

This literally means "Please stay in peace." You use this phrase when you are the person who is leaving, and the other person is staying. The verb 계시다 (gyesida) is the honorific form of "to stay."

  • Usage: Leaving a store, leaving a friend's house, or ending a meeting.
  • Entity: Korean verb honorifics.

11. 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi Gaseyo) - Goodbye (When THEY are leaving)

Pronunciation: Ahn-nyeong-hee Ga-seh-yo

This means "Please go in peace." You use this when you are staying, and the other person is the one leaving. The verb 가다 (gada) means "to go."

  • Usage: Saying goodbye to a departing guest, or a customer leaving your shop.
  • LSI Keyword: Korean departure phrases.

Mastering Korean Etiquette and Topical Authority

To achieve true topical authority in your Korean interactions, always remember the three pillars of Korean greeting etiquette:

  1. The Bow: A slight nod of the head is mandatory when using Annyeonghaseyo. A deeper bow is reserved for the highly formal Annyeonghasimnikka or when greeting a very important elder.
  2. The Honorifics: The '요' ending (as in Annyeonghaseyo) is the most common polite form. Dropping it to just Annyeong is a major social signal that should only be used with very close friends.
  3. The Context: Always default to the polite Annyeonghaseyo unless you are 100% certain that the person is a close friend, younger than you, or you are communicating digitally with a peer. When in doubt, be more formal.

By mastering this essential list of 11 greetings—from the basic Annyeonghaseyo to the situational Yeoboseyo and the trending Annyong—you will not only be able to say "hello in Korean" but also demonstrate a deep respect for Korean culture and social hierarchy, positioning you as a knowledgeable and culturally sensitive speaker in 2025.

11 Essential Ways to Say 'Hello in Korean' and Sound Like a Local in 2025
hello in korean
hello in korean

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