Every language journey begins with a simple greeting. In Korean, mastering greetings and self-introductions is not only polite—it’s essential. Whether you're meeting a friend, speaking with a stranger, or introducing yourself at work or school, these first impressions set the tone for the rest of your conversation.
This lesson will teach you how to say hello, ask someone’s name, share your name and nationality, and use polite expressions properly. You'll also learn the cultural context behind these phrases, helping you sound more natural and respectful when speaking Korean.
Today’s Essential Vocabulary (인사와 자기소개 필수 단어)
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
- 안녕 (annyeong) – Hi (informal)
- 이름 (ireum) – Name
- 저는 ~예요/이에요 (jeoneun ~yeyo/ieyo) – I am ~
- 만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo) – Nice to meet you
- 어디서 오셨어요? (eodiseo osyeosseoyo?) – Where are you from?
- ~에서 왔어요 (~eseo wasseoyo) – I’m from ~
- 학생 (haksaeng) – Student
- 직업 (jigeop) – Job / Occupation
- 사람 (saram) – Person
Example Sentences
A: 안녕하세요! 만나서 반가워요.
B: 안녕하세요! 저도 반가워요.
A: 이름이 뭐예요?
B: 저는 마크예요.
A: 어디서 오셨어요?
B: 저는 미국에서 왔어요.
Grammar Tips
In Korean, polite endings like ~요 and honorific forms like 오셨어요 are essential when speaking to people you don’t know well. Using 저 (humble “I”) instead of 나 also shows respect. Pay attention to who you’re speaking with and adjust your formality accordingly.
Cultural Insights
When Koreans meet for the first time, it’s common to bow slightly and exchange greetings with polite expressions. It’s also normal to ask about one’s nationality or job early in a conversation—not to be rude, but to understand social context and hierarchy.
Practice Challenge
Try writing or saying a short self-introduction in Korean using what you’ve learned today. For example:
“안녕하세요. 저는 리사예요. 저는 프랑스에서 왔어요. 만나서 반가워요!”
Next Up
Next time, we’ll learn how to talk about your nationality and job in more detail, including asking and answering questions naturally.
Don’t rush the greetings. In Korean, first impressions carry a lot of weight. Using the wrong level of politeness or skipping a proper greeting can come off as rude, even if unintended. This is why the most basic expressions are also the most culturally important.
For example, the phrase “안녕하세요” is not just “hello”—it carries a sense of respect and calmness. Using “안녕” instead, while simpler, should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. These nuances will help you avoid awkward situations and show that you’re making a real effort to speak Korean appropriately.
Also, take note of the structure “저는 ~예요/이에요.” This is a very flexible and useful phrase. You can use it to introduce your name, your nationality, your job, or even your hobbies. The more you practice with this phrase, the more confident you’ll become in forming your own sentences.
Continue practicing these expressions by recording your voice, practicing with a friend, or even repeating after Korean drama scenes. Repetition and speaking aloud are key to internalizing what you learn!
Comments