Once you’ve learned a good set of phrases that you can actually use, learning Korean gets a lot easier. You can order food, ask for help, and make a friendly impression in Korea with just a few expressions.
Here are 20 super useful Korean phrases to get you started.
1. Hello
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)
Polite, friendly, and safe in nearly any situation. Use it with strangers, staff, and older people.
2. Thank you
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
A very polite “thank you.” You will use this a lot in shops, restaurants, and daily life.
3. Yes / No
네 (ne) = Yes
아니요 (aniyo) = No
Short and easy, yet powerful. You will hear these everywhere.
4. Please (when requesting something)
주세요 (juseyo)
Put it after what you want.
Example:
물 주세요 (mul juseyo) = “Water, please.”
5. Excuse me / Just a moment
잠시만요 (jamsimanyo)
Use this when you’re squeezing through a crowd, or when you want someone to wait a second.
6. I am sorry
죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)
An apology, formal and polite. Good for both small and big mistakes.
7. I don’t understand
이해하지 못했어요 (ihaehaji mothaesseoyo)
Say this when things are going too fast or the Korean is too difficult.
8. Do you speak English?
영어 하실 줄 아세요? (yeongeo hasil jul aseyo?)
Handy when you need help and your Korean is limited. This version is more natural and polite than “영어 할 수 있어요?”
9. How much is this?
이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?)
A must-have phrase for shopping, markets, and souvenir hunting.
10. Where is the bathroom?
화장실 어디예요? (hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)
Must-know phrase. This one can really save your day.
11. It’s delicious
맛있어요 (masisseoyo)
Use this after eating something good. People will be pleased to hear it.
12. Please take a photo of me
사진 찍어 주세요 (sajin jjigeo juseyo)
Use this when you want a decent travel photo that isn’t a selfie.
13. Where is ~ ?
~ 어디예요? (~ eodiyeyo?)
Plug in a place name:
역 어디예요? (yeok eodiyeyo?) = “Where is the station?”
편의점 어디예요? (pyeonuijeom eodiyeyo?) = “Where is the convenience store?”
14. Help me, please
도와주세요 (dowajuseyo)
For when you really need help, either physically or in a confusing situation.
15. It’s okay / I’m okay
괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo)
A very flexible phrase:
“I’m fine.”
“It’s okay.”
“No problem.”
You will hear and use this often.
16. I am from ~
저는 ~에서 왔어요 (jeoneun ~eseo wasseoyo)
Example:
저는 일본에서 왔어요 (jeoneun ilboneseo wasseoyo) = “I am from Japan.”
17. Nice to meet you
만나서 반가워요 (mannaseo bangawoyo)
Say this when you meet someone for the first time.
18. This one, please
이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
Point at something on the menu or in a shop and say this. Very useful when you can’t read everything yet.
19. Check, please / I’d like to pay
계산해 주세요 (gyesanhae juseyo)
Use this at a restaurant when you are ready to pay.
20. Farewell
There are two polite versions:
안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo): Say this to someone who is leaving.
안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo): Say this when you are leaving and they are staying.
Quick Tips for Using These Phrases
• When you’re not sure which form to use, choose the polite forms with 요 at the end. They are safe and friendly.
• Practice the phrases out loud, not just by reading them.
• Begin with 3–5 phrases, then gradually add more as you become comfortable.
