Understanding Korean Greetings and Politeness: A Beginner’s Guide
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Korean language is its intricate system of politeness levels, which reflects the deep respect for social relationships in Korean culture. Think of it as having different gears in your speech – just as you wouldn’t drive a car in fifth gear all the time, you need to adjust your language based on the social situation. Let’s explore Korean Greetings and Politeness with us.
The Fundamental Korean Greetings: 안녕하세요? (Annyeonghaseyo) and 안녕?

안녕하세요? (annyeonghaseyo)
The most common Korean greeting, 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), is a perfect example of how language and culture intertwine. Let’s break down this essential phrase:
- 안녕 (annyeong): means well-being, peace, or health
- 하세요 (haseyo): a polite form meaning “you do,” “do you?” or “please do”
Originally, 안녕하세요 was a genuine question meaning “Are you at peace?” or “Are you well?” However, much like the English “How are you?” it has evolved into a standard greeting where a detailed response isn’t expected. You can write it either as a statement (안녕하세요) or as a question (안녕하세요?).
‘안녕?’
‘안녕?’ is indeed an informal form of ‘안녕하세요?’, but it should NOT be used when speaking to elder persons. In Korean culture, which places great emphasis on age-based hierarchy and social relationships, the informal ‘안녕?’ is only appropriate:
- Between close friends of similar age
- When used by older people speaking to younger people
- Between young children
The formal ‘안녕하세요?’ should always be used:
- When speaking to elders
- In professional settings
- When meeting someone for the first time
- In any situation where politeness is expected
Using ‘안녕?’ to address an elder person would be considered very rude and disrespectful in Korean culture.
The Korean Politeness System
The Two Main Speech Levels
Korean has two primary ways of speaking:
- 존댓말 (jondaetmal) – the polite way
- 반말 (banmal) – the casual way


If we’re using clothing as an analogy, 존댓말 is your formal suit, while 반말 is your comfortable hoodie. Just like clothes, you need to know when to use each one!
Breaking Down 존댓말
존댓말 comes in two distinct varieties:
1. 합쇼체 – The Super Formal Style
This style is marked by its signature ending “-습니다” (seumnida) and is used in:
- News broadcasts
- Business meetings
- Formal speeches
Examples:
- “저는 학생입니다” (jeoneun haksaengimnida) – “I am a student”
- “날씨가 좋습니다” (nalssiga josseumnida) – “The weather is good”
2. 해요체 – The Everyday Polite Style
Ending in “-요” (yo), this is your “business casual” Korean. Use it for:
- Talking with strangers
- Speaking with elders
- Most daily situations
Examples:
- “식사하셨어요?” (siksahasyeosseoyo?) – “Have you eaten?”
- “몰라요” (mollayo) – “I don’t know”
Understanding 반말
Think of 반말 as your linguistic comfort zone – but remember, like that comfortable hoodie, you can’t wear it everywhere! It’s appropriate for:
- Close friends your age
- Younger family members (when you’re older)
- Speaking to children
Examples:
- “어디 가?” (eodi ga?) – “Where are you going?”
- “피곤해” (pigonhae) – “I’m tired”
Real-Life Examples
Professional Setting:
You: “안녕하세요, 김 부장님” (Hello, Director Kim)
Director: “네, 안녕하세요” (Yes, hello)
Casual Setting:
Friend 1: “야, 오랜만이다!” (Hey, long time no see!)
Friend 2: “그러게! 잘 지냈어?” (Right! Have you been well?)
Golden Rules for Korean Politeness
- Age Matters
- Always use 존댓말 with people older than you
- This is non-negotiable in Korean culture
- Start Formal
- Begin with 존댓말 when meeting someone new
- You can switch to 반말 later if appropriate
- Maintain Consistency
- Don’t mix styles unless mutually agreed upon
- Mixing styles is like wearing a suit jacket with pajama pants!
- When in Doubt
- Always choose the polite form
- Better to be too polite than not polite enough
The Cultural Significance
Think of these politeness levels as social currency in Korean culture. Using the appropriate level demonstrates your understanding and respect for Korean social norms. It’s more than just words – it’s about showing cultural awareness and respect through your language choices.
Conclusion
Mastering the Korean politeness system might seem daunting at first, but understanding these basic principles will help you navigate Korean social interactions with confidence. Remember: when in doubt, stay polite!
Other Informative Posts for Korean Learning
“Mastering Korean Sentence Structure
With years of experience in international aviation, coupled with a background in travel journalism, I offer a wealth of expertise in the field of tourism. As an avid traveler and enthusiast, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and insights to help you embark on unforgettable journeys.