Top 20 Polite Korean Phrases Every Beginner Should Memorize
When you're just starting to learn Korean, it's helpful to memorize polite expressions you can use in any situation. These 20 phrases will help you make a great impression and communicate clearly in everyday life. We’ve included English meanings and pronunciation to help you speak naturally and confidently.
🙋♀️ Greetings & Introductions
- 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) – Hello
- 처음 뵙겠습니다 (cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da) – Nice to meet you
- 제 이름은 ___입니다 (je i-reum-eun ___ im-ni-da) – My name is ___
- 만나서 반갑습니다 (man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da) – Nice to meet you
🙏 Polite Responses
- 네 (ne) – Yes
- 아니요 (a-ni-yo) – No
- 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – Thank you
- 죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da) – I’m sorry
- 괜찮아요 (gwaen-chan-a-yo) – It’s okay / I’m okay
🛒 Daily Situations
- 이거 얼마예요? (i-geo eol-ma-ye-yo?) – How much is this?
- 화장실 어디예요? (hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?) – Where is the bathroom?
- 영수증 주세요 (yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo) – Please give me the receipt
- 추천 좀 해 주세요 (chu-cheon jom hae ju-se-yo) – Please recommend (something)
🗣 Asking for Help
- 영어 하실 수 있어요? (yeong-eo ha-sil su i-sseo-yo?) – Can you speak English?
- 천천히 말해 주세요 (cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo) – Please speak slowly
- 다시 말씀해 주세요 (da-si mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo) – Please say that again
🍽 At a Restaurant
- 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meok-get-seum-ni-da) – I will eat well (before meal)
- 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meok-eot-seum-ni-da) – I ate well (after meal)
- 물 좀 주세요 (mul jom ju-se-yo) – Please give me water
- 카드 되나요? (ka-du de-na-yo?) – Do you take credit card?
💬 Bonus Tip: How to Sound Polite
Most polite Korean sentences end with -요 or -습니다. If you're not sure what to say, just add 주세요 (ju-se-yo) at the end – it's safe and polite!
📘 Practice Mini Dialogue
A: 안녕하세요! (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
B: 안녕하세요. 처음 뵙겠습니다. (cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da)
A: 제 이름은 리사입니다. (je i-reum-eun Lisa im-ni-da)
B: 만나서 반갑습니다! (man-na-seo ban-gap-seum-ni-da)
Next Lesson: Korean Travel Survival Phrases – What You Must Know Before Visiting Korea!
'Korean: Letters of Light' 카테고리의 다른 글
| Ordering Food in Korea: Must-Know Restaurant Phrases (0) | 2025.04.06 |
|---|---|
| Korean for Hotels & Guesthouses: Check-in, Rooms, and More (0) | 2025.04.06 |
| Formal vs Informal Korean (0) | 2025.04.06 |
| Basic Korean Q&A Phrases for Beginners (Polite and Practical) (0) | 2025.04.06 |
| How to Introduce Yourself in Korean (Like a K-Drama Character) (0) | 2025.04.06 |