[Basic Korean Conversation Series] 1. Greetings

Basic Korean Conversation 1: Greetings / Saying Hello

Dialogue

A: 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)

B: 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)

A: 잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?)

B: 네, 잘 지내요. (Ne, jal jinaeyo.)

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Breakdown of the Dialogue

1. 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.)

• Meaning: This is the standard Korean greeting, equivalent to "Hello" in English. It is a polite and formal way to greet someone.
• Usage: You can use "안녕하세요" when greeting anyone, whether they are a stranger, a coworker, a friend’s parent, or even a younger person in a formal setting.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "an-nyeong-ha-se-yo." Pay attention to the respectful tone and slight pause between "annyeong" and "haseyo."

2. 잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?)

• Meaning: This phrase means "How are you?" in English. It is a polite way to ask someone about their well-being.
• Usage: Use this question after greeting someone with "안녕하세요" to continue the conversation. It's a common way to show interest in the other person’s current state.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "jal ji-nae-se-yo?" The word "잘" (jal) means "well," and "지내세요" (jinaeseyo) means "are you doing."

3. 네, 잘 지내요. (Ne, jal jinaeyo.)

• Meaning: This means "Yes, I’m doing well" or simply "I’m fine" in English. It is a polite response to the question "잘 지내세요?"
• Usage: Use this response when someone asks you "잘 지내세요?" It’s a polite and positive way to respond, even if your day isn’t going perfectly.
• Pronunciation: The phrase is pronounced as "ne, jal ji-nae-yo." The word "네" (ne) means "yes," and "잘 지내요" (jal jinaeyo) means "I am doing well."

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Basic Korean Vocabulary and Expressions

• 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo): Hello (formal)
  • Example: When meeting a new colleague at work, you would say, "안녕하세요."
• 잘 (Jal): Well
  • Example: In different contexts, "잘" can be used as in "잘 먹겠습니다" (I will eat well) before a meal.
• 지내세요 (Jinaeseyo): Are you doing (formal)
  • Example: When talking to an elder, you might ask, "할머니, 잘 지내세요?" (Grandma, how are you doing?)
• 네 (Ne): Yes
  • Example: In a class, when a teacher asks if you understand, you can respond with "네."

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Basic Korean Conversation - Additional Examples

• Greeting a Friend:
  • A: 안녕! (Annyeong!) - Hello! (informal)
  • B: 안녕! (Annyeong!) - Hello! (informal)
• Checking on Someone:
  • A: 요즘 어때요? (Yojum eottaeyo?) - How are things these days?
  • B: 잘 지내요. (Jal jinaeyo.) - I’m doing well.

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When to Use These Phrases

• Formal Settings: Use "안녕하세요" and "잘 지내세요?" in formal settings such as workplaces, schools, and with people you meet for the first time. It shows respect and politeness.
• Informal Settings: If you are talking to a close friend or someone younger, you might use the informal versions "안녕" and "잘 지내?" (Jal jinae?). These are more casual and less formal.

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Things to Be Careful About

• Formality: Korean language places a high importance on formality and respect, especially towards elders and superiors. Using the correct level of formality is crucial.
• Pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation, especially the honorific endings like "세요" (seyo). Mispronunciation can sometimes change the meaning or reduce the politeness of your statement.
• Context: Make sure to use these greetings in appropriate contexts. Using formal greetings in an informal setting might make you sound overly stiff or distant, while using informal greetings in a formal setting can be seen as rude.

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Pronunciation Tips

• 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo): Break it down into syllables – "an-nyeong-ha-se-yo". The "eo" in "haseyo" is pronounced like the "u" in "sun."
• 잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?): Say it as "jal ji-nae-se-yo?" with a slight intonation at the end to indicate a question.
• 네, 잘 지내요 (Ne, jal jinaeyo): Pronounce it as "ne, jal ji-nae-yo." The "ae" in "jinaeyo" sounds like the "e" in "bed."

By mastering these basic phrases, you can start greeting people in Korean with confidence and politeness. Understanding the nuances of formal and informal speech will help you navigate various social settings more effectively. Happy learning!