50 basic Korean conversation phrases
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 1,062 Hit
Date 25-02-12 22:55
Content
Below is a list of 50 basic Korean conversation phrases along with detailed explanations in English. These phrases are ideal for beginners learning everyday Korean. Each item includes the Korean phrase, its romanization, the English translation, and a brief explanation of its usage.
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1. **안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Hello."
*Explanation:* A polite greeting used in most situations when meeting someone.
2. **감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)**
*Translation:* "Thank you."
*Explanation:* A formal expression of gratitude.
3. **죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.)**
*Translation:* "I'm sorry."
*Explanation:* A polite apology used when you want to express regret or ask for forgiveness.
4. **실례합니다. (Sillyehamnida.)**
*Translation:* "Excuse me."
*Explanation:* Used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for interrupting.
5. **네. (Ne.)**
*Translation:* "Yes."
*Explanation:* A simple affirmative response in conversation.
6. **아니요. (Aniyo.)**
*Translation:* "No."
*Explanation:* A simple negative response.
7. **제 이름은 … 입니다. (Je ireumeun … imnida.)**
*Translation:* "My name is …"
*Explanation:* A formal way to introduce yourself.
8. **만나서 반갑습니다. (Mannaseo bangapseumnida.)**
*Translation:* "Nice to meet you."
*Explanation:* A courteous phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.
9. **어디 가세요? (Eodi gaseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where are you going?"
*Explanation:* A casual question used to ask someone about their destination.
10. **얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)**
*Translation:* "How much is it?"
*Explanation:* Used when asking for the price of an item.
11. **화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where is the restroom?"
*Explanation:* A necessary question when you need to locate a bathroom.
12. **도와주세요. (Dowajuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please help me."
*Explanation:* A polite plea for assistance in a difficult situation.
13. **영어 하세요? (Yeongeo haseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Do you speak English?"
*Explanation:* Useful for travelers who need to know if someone can communicate in English.
14. **이해하지 못했어요. (Ihaehaji mothaesseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "I don't understand."
*Explanation:* A phrase to indicate that you did not comprehend what was said.
15. **천천히 말씀해 주세요. (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please speak slowly."
*Explanation:* A helpful request when you need the speaker to slow down for better understanding.
16. **다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요. (Dasi han beon malsseumhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please say it one more time."
*Explanation:* Use this phrase when you need someone to repeat what they said.
17. **카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?)**
*Translation:* "Do you accept cards?"
*Explanation:* A useful question in stores or restaurants regarding payment options.
18. **계산서 주세요. (Gyesanseo juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Check, please."
*Explanation:* A common phrase used in restaurants to ask for the bill.
19. **이것 주세요. (Igeot juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please give me this."
*Explanation:* Used to order or request a specific item.
20. **메뉴 주세요. (Menyu juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please give me the menu."
*Explanation:* A polite request to see the list of available dishes in a restaurant.
21. **추천해 주세요. (Chucheonhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please recommend something."
*Explanation:* Often used when asking a waiter or a friend for a suggestion on what to order.
22. **맛있어요. (Masisseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "It's delicious."
*Explanation:* Expresses that you enjoy the taste of the food you are eating.
23. **정말 좋아요. (Jeongmal joayo.)**
*Translation:* "I really like it."
*Explanation:* A positive remark to show approval or satisfaction with something.
24. **안녕히 계세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Goodbye."
*Explanation:* A polite farewell used when you are leaving and the other person is staying.
25. **안녕히 가세요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Goodbye."
*Explanation:* A farewell expression used when the other person is leaving.
26. **잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?)**
*Translation:* "How are you?"
*Explanation:* A polite inquiry into someone’s well-being.
27. **잘 지내요. (Jal jinaeyo.)**
*Translation:* "I'm doing well."
*Explanation:* A simple response indicating that you are fine.
28. **건강하세요. (Geonganghaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Stay healthy."
*Explanation:* A courteous wish for someone’s good health.
29. **축하합니다! (Chukahamnida!)**
*Translation:* "Congratulations!"
*Explanation:* A celebratory expression used to congratulate someone on an achievement or happy event.
30. **생일 축하합니다! (Saengil chukahamnida!)**
*Translation:* "Happy Birthday!"
*Explanation:* A specific congratulatory phrase used on someone's birthday.
31. **힘내세요. (Himnaeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Cheer up." or "Stay strong."
*Explanation:* A supportive phrase meant to encourage someone who is feeling down.
32. **미안해요. (Mianhaeyo.)**
*Translation:* "I'm sorry." (informal)
*Explanation:* A less formal apology, suitable for casual situations among friends or peers.
33. **좋은 하루 되세요. (Joeun haru doeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Have a good day."
*Explanation:* A friendly wish to someone as you part ways.
34. **내일 봐요. (Naeil bwayo.)**
*Translation:* "See you tomorrow."
*Explanation:* A casual farewell indicating that you will meet again the next day.
35. **오늘 날씨 어때요? (Oneul nalssi eottaeyo?)**
*Translation:* "How is the weather today?"
*Explanation:* A common small-talk question to initiate conversation about the weather.
36. **여기 앉으세요. (Yeogi anjuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please sit here."
*Explanation:* A polite invitation for someone to take a seat.
37. **조금만 기다려 주세요. (Jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please wait a moment."
*Explanation:* A courteous request for someone to wait briefly.
38. **어디서 만날까요? (Eodiseo mannalkkayo?)**
*Translation:* "Where shall we meet?"
*Explanation:* A common question used when arranging a meeting with someone.
39. **전화번호 뭐예요? (Jeonhwabeonho mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your phone number?"
*Explanation:* Used when exchanging contact information.
40. **이메일 주소가 뭐예요? (Imeil jusoga mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your email address?"
*Explanation:* A polite way to ask for someone’s email contact.
41. **지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What time is it?"
*Explanation:* A basic question to inquire about the current time.
42. **조심하세요. (Josimhaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please be careful."
*Explanation:* A phrase used to advise someone to take care, often in potentially risky situations.
43. **만나서 반가웠어요. (Mannaseo bangawosseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "It was nice meeting you."
*Explanation:* A friendly farewell remark to express that you enjoyed the encounter.
44. **오늘 어땠어요? (Oneul eottaesseoyo?)**
*Translation:* "How was your day?"
*Explanation:* A common conversation starter to ask about someone’s day.
45. **날씨가 좋네요. (Nalssiga johneyo.)**
*Translation:* "The weather is nice."
*Explanation:* A small-talk comment that compliments the day’s weather.
46. **좋은 꿈 꾸세요. (Joeun kkum kkuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Sweet dreams."
*Explanation:* A kind expression used when saying goodnight to wish someone pleasant dreams.
47. **조용히 해 주세요. (Joyonghi hae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please be quiet."
*Explanation:* A polite request for silence, often used in quiet environments like libraries or classrooms.
48. **오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What are you doing today?"
*Explanation:* A friendly question used to inquire about someone’s plans for the day.
49. **어디 사세요? (Eodi saseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where do you live?"
*Explanation:* A common question when getting to know someone’s background or residence.
50. **취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your hobby?"
*Explanation:* A casual inquiry to learn about a person’s interests and leisure activities.
---
These 50 basic conversation phrases provide a solid foundation for everyday communication in Korean. Whether you’re greeting someone, asking for help, or engaging in small talk, these expressions will help you navigate a variety of social situations while you continue to build your Korean language skills. Enjoy practicing!
---
1. **안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Hello."
*Explanation:* A polite greeting used in most situations when meeting someone.
2. **감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)**
*Translation:* "Thank you."
*Explanation:* A formal expression of gratitude.
3. **죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.)**
*Translation:* "I'm sorry."
*Explanation:* A polite apology used when you want to express regret or ask for forgiveness.
4. **실례합니다. (Sillyehamnida.)**
*Translation:* "Excuse me."
*Explanation:* Used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for interrupting.
5. **네. (Ne.)**
*Translation:* "Yes."
*Explanation:* A simple affirmative response in conversation.
6. **아니요. (Aniyo.)**
*Translation:* "No."
*Explanation:* A simple negative response.
7. **제 이름은 … 입니다. (Je ireumeun … imnida.)**
*Translation:* "My name is …"
*Explanation:* A formal way to introduce yourself.
8. **만나서 반갑습니다. (Mannaseo bangapseumnida.)**
*Translation:* "Nice to meet you."
*Explanation:* A courteous phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.
9. **어디 가세요? (Eodi gaseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where are you going?"
*Explanation:* A casual question used to ask someone about their destination.
10. **얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)**
*Translation:* "How much is it?"
*Explanation:* Used when asking for the price of an item.
11. **화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where is the restroom?"
*Explanation:* A necessary question when you need to locate a bathroom.
12. **도와주세요. (Dowajuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please help me."
*Explanation:* A polite plea for assistance in a difficult situation.
13. **영어 하세요? (Yeongeo haseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Do you speak English?"
*Explanation:* Useful for travelers who need to know if someone can communicate in English.
14. **이해하지 못했어요. (Ihaehaji mothaesseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "I don't understand."
*Explanation:* A phrase to indicate that you did not comprehend what was said.
15. **천천히 말씀해 주세요. (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please speak slowly."
*Explanation:* A helpful request when you need the speaker to slow down for better understanding.
16. **다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요. (Dasi han beon malsseumhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please say it one more time."
*Explanation:* Use this phrase when you need someone to repeat what they said.
17. **카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?)**
*Translation:* "Do you accept cards?"
*Explanation:* A useful question in stores or restaurants regarding payment options.
18. **계산서 주세요. (Gyesanseo juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Check, please."
*Explanation:* A common phrase used in restaurants to ask for the bill.
19. **이것 주세요. (Igeot juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please give me this."
*Explanation:* Used to order or request a specific item.
20. **메뉴 주세요. (Menyu juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please give me the menu."
*Explanation:* A polite request to see the list of available dishes in a restaurant.
21. **추천해 주세요. (Chucheonhae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please recommend something."
*Explanation:* Often used when asking a waiter or a friend for a suggestion on what to order.
22. **맛있어요. (Masisseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "It's delicious."
*Explanation:* Expresses that you enjoy the taste of the food you are eating.
23. **정말 좋아요. (Jeongmal joayo.)**
*Translation:* "I really like it."
*Explanation:* A positive remark to show approval or satisfaction with something.
24. **안녕히 계세요. (Annyeonghi gyeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Goodbye."
*Explanation:* A polite farewell used when you are leaving and the other person is staying.
25. **안녕히 가세요. (Annyeonghi gaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Goodbye."
*Explanation:* A farewell expression used when the other person is leaving.
26. **잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?)**
*Translation:* "How are you?"
*Explanation:* A polite inquiry into someone’s well-being.
27. **잘 지내요. (Jal jinaeyo.)**
*Translation:* "I'm doing well."
*Explanation:* A simple response indicating that you are fine.
28. **건강하세요. (Geonganghaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Stay healthy."
*Explanation:* A courteous wish for someone’s good health.
29. **축하합니다! (Chukahamnida!)**
*Translation:* "Congratulations!"
*Explanation:* A celebratory expression used to congratulate someone on an achievement or happy event.
30. **생일 축하합니다! (Saengil chukahamnida!)**
*Translation:* "Happy Birthday!"
*Explanation:* A specific congratulatory phrase used on someone's birthday.
31. **힘내세요. (Himnaeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Cheer up." or "Stay strong."
*Explanation:* A supportive phrase meant to encourage someone who is feeling down.
32. **미안해요. (Mianhaeyo.)**
*Translation:* "I'm sorry." (informal)
*Explanation:* A less formal apology, suitable for casual situations among friends or peers.
33. **좋은 하루 되세요. (Joeun haru doeseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Have a good day."
*Explanation:* A friendly wish to someone as you part ways.
34. **내일 봐요. (Naeil bwayo.)**
*Translation:* "See you tomorrow."
*Explanation:* A casual farewell indicating that you will meet again the next day.
35. **오늘 날씨 어때요? (Oneul nalssi eottaeyo?)**
*Translation:* "How is the weather today?"
*Explanation:* A common small-talk question to initiate conversation about the weather.
36. **여기 앉으세요. (Yeogi anjuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please sit here."
*Explanation:* A polite invitation for someone to take a seat.
37. **조금만 기다려 주세요. (Jogeumman gidaryeo juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please wait a moment."
*Explanation:* A courteous request for someone to wait briefly.
38. **어디서 만날까요? (Eodiseo mannalkkayo?)**
*Translation:* "Where shall we meet?"
*Explanation:* A common question used when arranging a meeting with someone.
39. **전화번호 뭐예요? (Jeonhwabeonho mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your phone number?"
*Explanation:* Used when exchanging contact information.
40. **이메일 주소가 뭐예요? (Imeil jusoga mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your email address?"
*Explanation:* A polite way to ask for someone’s email contact.
41. **지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What time is it?"
*Explanation:* A basic question to inquire about the current time.
42. **조심하세요. (Josimhaseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please be careful."
*Explanation:* A phrase used to advise someone to take care, often in potentially risky situations.
43. **만나서 반가웠어요. (Mannaseo bangawosseoyo.)**
*Translation:* "It was nice meeting you."
*Explanation:* A friendly farewell remark to express that you enjoyed the encounter.
44. **오늘 어땠어요? (Oneul eottaesseoyo?)**
*Translation:* "How was your day?"
*Explanation:* A common conversation starter to ask about someone’s day.
45. **날씨가 좋네요. (Nalssiga johneyo.)**
*Translation:* "The weather is nice."
*Explanation:* A small-talk comment that compliments the day’s weather.
46. **좋은 꿈 꾸세요. (Joeun kkum kkuseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Sweet dreams."
*Explanation:* A kind expression used when saying goodnight to wish someone pleasant dreams.
47. **조용히 해 주세요. (Joyonghi hae juseyo.)**
*Translation:* "Please be quiet."
*Explanation:* A polite request for silence, often used in quiet environments like libraries or classrooms.
48. **오늘 뭐 해요? (Oneul mwo haeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What are you doing today?"
*Explanation:* A friendly question used to inquire about someone’s plans for the day.
49. **어디 사세요? (Eodi saseyo?)**
*Translation:* "Where do you live?"
*Explanation:* A common question when getting to know someone’s background or residence.
50. **취미가 뭐예요? (Chwimiga mwoyeyo?)**
*Translation:* "What is your hobby?"
*Explanation:* A casual inquiry to learn about a person’s interests and leisure activities.
---
These 50 basic conversation phrases provide a solid foundation for everyday communication in Korean. Whether you’re greeting someone, asking for help, or engaging in small talk, these expressions will help you navigate a variety of social situations while you continue to build your Korean language skills. Enjoy practicing!