20 Korean Phrases for Your First Weeks in Korea
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You don't need perfect Korean to start. These polite phrases will help you in shops, restaurants, offices and on the bus.
Basics
| Korean | Sounds like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeong-haseyo | Hello |
| 감사합니다 | gamsa-hamnida | Thank you |
| 죄송합니다 | joesong-hamnida | I'm sorry |
| 네 / 아니요 | ne / aniyo | Yes / No |
| 저기요 | jeogiyo | Excuse me (to get attention) |
| 괜찮아요 | gwaenchanayo | It's okay / I'm fine |
Shopping and eating
| 얼마예요? | eolma-yeyo? | How much is it? |
| 이거 주세요 | igeo juseyo | This one, please |
| 카드 돼요? | kadeu dwaeyo? | Can I pay by card? |
| 봉투 주세요 | bongtu juseyo | A bag, please |
| 돼지고기 들어가요? | dwaeji-gogi deureogayo? | Does this have pork? |
| 돼지고기와 술을 못 먹어요 | dwaeji-gogi-wa sureul mot meogeoyo | I can't eat pork or alcohol |
| 포장해 주세요 | pojang-hae juseyo | To go, please |
Getting around
| 화장실 어디예요? | hwajangsil eodi-yeyo? | Where is the restroom? |
| 이 버스 부산역 가요? | i beoseu Busan-yeok gayo? | Does this bus go to Busan Station? |
| 여기서 내려요 | yeogiseo naeryeoyo | I'll get off here |
At school and offices
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo | Please speak slowly |
| 영어 할 수 있어요? | yeongeo hal su isseoyo? | Can you speak English? |
| 다시 한번 말해 주세요 | dasi hanbeon malhae juseyo | Please say it again |
| 도와주세요 | dowa-juseyo | Please help me |
Tip: Korean has polite and casual forms. Phrases ending in -요 or -니다 are polite and safe to use with anyone.
Want to go further? Read TOPIK explained.
