Which phrases should I learn first as a beginner?
If you’re planning a trip to Korea or just starting to learn the Korean language, you might be wondering where to begin. With so many new sounds, words, and expressions, it can feel overwhelming at first.
This short list of 5 most essential Korean phrases will give you the perfect head start.
You can find more beginner-friendly Korean lessons and pronunciation tips at Talk To Me In Korean!
1. Hello – 안녕하세요 [annyeong-haseyo]
When you are greeted by someone, whether it be in the shops or on the street, you will hear this word.
안녕하세요 [a-nyeong-ha-se-yo] is the formal, polite way to say hello in Korean and is the most important for you to know when you are just beginning learning Korean or if you are in need of some simple travel Korean.
A fun fact about this word: it has the literal meaning of ‘be in peace’.
2. Goodbye – 안녕히 가세요 [annyeonghi gaseyo] / 안녕히 계세요 [annyeonghi gyeseyo]
Korean has two ways to say goodbye politely, depending on who’s leaving.
- 안녕히 가세요 [annyeonghi gaseyo] — Literally means “Go in peace.” Use this when the other person is leaving.
- 안녕히 계세요 [annyeonghi gyeseyo] — Literally means “Stay in peace.” Use this when you are leaving.
They both share the root 안녕 (peace) — the same word from “hello.” Remembering the literal meanings helps you use them naturally.
3. Yes – 네 [ne]
One of the most important Korean phrases to learn is also the simplest. The word for yes in Korean is 네 [ne].
4. No – 아니요 [aniyo]
Whether it’s to show disagreement or to answer a question, another extremely important expression to know is ‘no’, which in Korean is 아니요 [aniyo].
5. Thank You – 감사합니다 [gamsahamnida]
Gratitude goes a long way in any language.
Once you’ve had a conversation or exchange with a Korean person, of course you will want to thank them for their time, and the phrase for thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 [gamsahamnida].
Ready to Start Speaking Korean?
Once you’ve learned these expressions, you’ll be able to have some simple conversations with Koreans. They will surely appreciate your effort and you might even make some new friends!
If you want to keep learning, explore more beginner-friendly Korean lessons and pronunciation tips at Talk To Me In Korean, trusted by millions of Korean learners worldwide.
