Korean, spoken in both South and North Korea, is a language with intricate honorifics and various levels of speech that reflect the social hierarchy. Learning Korean can be a fascinating journey, offering insights into Korean culture, traditions, and the unique Hangul writing system. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Korean, including transliterations for pronunciation help, to navigate various social interactions.

Greetings

• Hello/Hi – “안녕하세요” (Annyeonghaseyo) [Formal]; “안녕” (Annyeong) [Informal]
• Good morning – “좋은 아침이에요” (Joh-eun achimieyo)
• Good afternoon/evening – “안녕하세요” (Annyeonghaseyo) [Used throughout the day]
• Goodbye (to someone staying) – “안녕히 계세요” (Annyeonghi gyeseyo); (to someone leaving) – “안녕히 가세요” (Annyeonghi gaseyo)

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “제 이름은 [name]입니다” (Je ireumeun [name]imnida)
• This is [name]. – “이분은 [name]입니다” (Ibuneun [name]imnida)
• I am from [country]. – “저는 [country]에서 왔어요” (Jeoneun [country]eseo wasseoyo)
• I live in [city/place]. – “저는 [city/place]에 살아요” (Jeoneun [city/place]e sarayo)

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “[Place] 어디에 있어요?” ([Place] eodie isseoyo?)
• How do I get to [place]? – “[Place]로 어떻게 가요?” ([Place]ro eotteoke gayo?)
• Is this the way to [place]? – “이 길이 [place]로 가는 길인가요?” (I giri [place]ro ganeun girin-gayo?)
• Can you show me on the map? – “지도에서 보여줄 수 있어요?” (Jidoseo boyeojul su isseoyo?)

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “미안해요, 이해하지 못했어요” (Mianhaeyo, ihaehaji mothaesseoyo)
• Can you please repeat that? – “다시 말씀해 주실 수 있어요?” (Dasi malsseumhae jusil su isseoyo?)
• I mean… – “제 말은…” (Je mareun…)
• What does [word] mean? – “[Word] 무슨 뜻이에요?” ([Word] museun tteusieyo?)

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “나중에 봐요” (Najunge bwayo)
• Take care – “잘 가요” (Jal gayo) [Informal]; “건강하세요” (Geonganghaseyo) [Formal]
• Have a good day – “좋은 하루 보내세요” (Joh-eun haru bonaeseyo)

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “방을 예약하고 싶어요” (Bangeul yeyakago sipeoyo)
• Can I see the menu, please? – “메뉴판 좀 볼 수 있을까요?” (Menyupan jom bol su isseulkkayo?)
• I am vegetarian. – “저는 채식주의자예요” (Jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo)
• The bill, please. – “계산서 주세요” (Gyesanseo juseyo)

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “이거 얼마예요?” (Igeo eolmayeyo?)
• Do you have this in another size? – “이거 다른 사이즈 있어요?” (Igeo dareun saijeu isseoyo?)
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “그냥 보고 있어요, 감사해요” (Geunyang bogo isseoyo, gamsahaeyo)
• Can I pay by card? – “카드로 결제할 수 있어요?” (Kadeuro gyeoljehal su isseoyo?)

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “너 정말 아름다워” (Neo jeongmal areumdawo) / “너 정말 멋져” (Neo jeongmal meotjyeo)
• I miss you. – “보고 싶어요” (Bogo sipeoyo)
• I love you. – “사랑해요” (Saranghaeyo)
• Would you like to go out with me? – “나랑 사귈래요?” (Narang sagwillaeyo?)

Emergencies

• Help! – “도와주세요!” (Dowajuseyo!)
• Call the police! – “경찰을 불러주세요!” (Gyeongchaleul bulleojuseyo!)
• I need a doctor. – “의사가 필요해요” (Uisaga piryohaeyo)
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “가장 가까운 병원 어디예요?” (Gajang gakkaun byeongwon eodieyeyo?)

These phrases offer a solid foundation for basic communication in Korean. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with Korean media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of Korean.