Korean Phrases for Everyday Conversation

Hello in Korean is 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), the polite greeting you can say to almost anyone at any time of day.

Thank you in Korean is 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), the polite form you can use with anyone.

I love you in Korean is 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo) in polite speech and 사랑해 (saranghae) between partners and close family.

Goodbye in Korean depends on who is leaving: say 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) to someone who is going, and 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) when you are the one leaving.

Yes in Korean is 네 (ne), the polite yes you can say to anyone.

Happy birthday in Korean is 생일 축하해요 (saengil chukhahaeyo) in polite speech and 생일 축하해 with close friends.

Sorry in Korean is 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) in polite speech and 미안해 with close friends.

The Korean word for no is 아니요 (aniyo), the polite no you can say to anyone; in speech it often shortens to 아뇨.

Good morning in Korean is usually just 안녕하세요, because the everyday greeting works at any hour.

How are you in Korean is 잘 지내요? (jal jinaeyo), literally "Are you living well?" To someone older or someone you have not seen for a long time, ask 잘 지내셨어요?, and between friends say 잘 지내?

The Korean word for please is 주세요 (juseyo), added after what you want: 물 주세요 means "water, please".

Good night in Korean is 안녕히 주무세요 (annyeonghi jumuseyo) when you say it to parents, grandparents and other elders.

Fighting in Korean is 파이팅 (paiting), often spelled 화이팅 (hwaiting), a cheer that means "you can do it!" or "go for it!".

I miss you in Korean is 보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo), literally "I want to see you", and 보고 싶어 between close people.