Saying ‘hello’ in Korean should be quite simple as there is one expression that directly translates to the English word ‘hello’. However, as with any expression in Korean, we have to be careful of whether we use the formal or informal language depending on the person we’re speaking to. Moreover, Korean adults often don’t use the word ‘hello’ to greet each other, and they choose to say ‘hello’ using other expressions… Confused? Well, by the end of this article, you definitely won’t be.
In this article, we’ll first explain the most common way of saying ‘hello’ – both the formal and the informal version – and then we’ll guide you through some other expressions Koreans use to greet each other.
‘Hello’ in Korean – the informal form
- ?? (an-nyeong)
What does it mean
?? literally means ‘to be comfortable’, though this meaning of ?? is very formal and Korean language also has other words to describe something as being ‘comfortable’. However, when ?? is used as a phrase ‘????’ to mean ‘hello’, it is used to wish someone to ‘feel comfortable’. In modern Korean, people don’t think of its meaning as wishing someone to feel comfortable and most Koreans just know ?? as a form of greeting.
- First, ?? is commonly used between children. There is a formal version of ??, but children would never say this to each other.
- ?? is also used between two friends, though for adults over the age of around 30, it’s only used between women rather than men.
- Lastly, ?? is commonly used between siblings and between parents and children, though again, an adult in his or her 30’s is unlikely to use ?? to their parents.
Why don’t adults use ???
If you didn’t know already, Korean language has specific rules on how language is used, particularly between people of different age and rank in society and in organizations. There are specific formal, polite and informal forms of every expression – and ?? is no different.
The main reason why adults, particularly men in their 40’s and over, don’t use ?? is because ?? is primarily used by children, and in a conservative society as Korea, it would be inappropriate for a male adult to use an expression that is used mainly by children.
?? is ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’
Interestingly, ?? means ‘hello’, but also ‘goodbye’. So Koreans will say ?? when they meet, but also ?? as they go their separate ways. So, don’t be surprised when a Korean person uses ?? not only when you meet them, but also when you’re saying goodbye to each other.
‘Hello’ in Korean – the formal form
- ????? (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
When to use it
????? is the formal version of ?? https://hookupdate.net/it/whatsyourprice-review/, and this is what Korean adults will say when they meet each other for the first time, or when adults are saying hello to those they are not familiar with. Also, Korean adults will say ????? in settings when they need to be polite, even if they’re greeting people they know quite well. A prime example of this is at the workplace. Adults will generally use formal and polite language when they’re at work, where use of informal language may be considered impolite, and often times quite rude.
Also, when adults talk to other adults who are older, or are of higher in rank at workplace, they will say ?????.
Lastly, when children say ‘hello’ to adults, they have to say ‘?????’ – this is an absolute must. A child saying just ?? to an adult is considered very rude.
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