Korean phrases: Greetings and goodbyes
*안녕하세요* (annyeonghaseyo) is the polite hello for any time of day; goodbye depends on who is leaving.
Speed:
- 안녕하세요?Annyeonghaseyo?Hello. · Polite (haeyoche); fine with almost everyone. Often said with a small bow.
- 안녕하십니까?Annyeonghasimnikka?Hello. · Formal: at work, in speeches, from staff and announcers.
- 안녕?Annyeong?Hi. / Bye. · Casual (banmal): only to close friends your age, younger people and children.
- 처음 뵙겠습니다.Cheoeum boepgetseumnida.How do you do? · Formal, when meeting someone for the first time.
- 만나서 반갑습니다.Mannaseo bangapseumnida.Nice to meet you. · Less formal: (mannaseo bangawoyo).
- 오랜만이에요.Oraenmanieyo.Long time no see.
- 잘 지냈어요?Jal jinaesseoyo?How have you been? · Asked after not seeing someone for a while, not as an everyday “how are you”.
- 네, 잘 지냈어요.Ne, jal jinaesseoyo.I've been well, thanks.
- 안녕히 가세요.Annyeonghi gaseyo.Goodbye. · Said to the person who is leaving (“go in peace”).
- 안녕히 계세요.Annyeonghi gyeseyo.Goodbye. · Said by the person leaving to the one who stays (“stay in peace”).
- 또 만나요.Tto mannayo.See you again.
- 안녕히 주무세요.Annyeonghi jumuseyo.Good night. · Polite, e.g. to older family members. To friends: (jal ja).