| Korean | Romanization | English | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | Annyeonghaseyo | Hello/Good evening | Polite informal style – universal |
| 감사합니다 | Gamsahamnida | Thank you | Formal style |
| 고맙습니다 | Gomapseumnida | Thank you | Formal style, warmer |
| 죄송합니다 | Joesonghamnida | Sorry/Excuse me | Formal style |
| 미안해요 | Mianhaeyo | Sorry | Polite informal style |
| 안녕히 가세요 | Annyeonghi gaseyo | Goodbye (to the one leaving) | Polite style |
| 안녕히 계세요 | Annyeonghi gyeseyo | Goodbye (to the one staying) | Polite style |
| 처음 뵙겠습니다 | Cheoeum boepgetseumnida | Pleased to meet you | Formal honorific style |
You already know how to say “arigato” and “sayonara” in Japanese, but Korean has some surprises in store for you! Imagine a language where saying “thank you” can be expressed in six different ways depending on your conversation partner’s age. Welcome to the fascinating world of Korean politeness formulas, where every word counts and where a simple ending can make all the difference between being perceived as respectful or rude.
Understanding Korean Politeness Levels
Unlike English with its simple informal/formal distinction, Korean has six distinct levels of politeness. This linguistic richness reflects Korean society where age, social status, and hierarchy play a central role.
- Formal style (존댓말 – jondaetmal): You’ll use this with your boss, clients, or at official events. Verbs end in -습니다/-ㅂ니다
- Polite informal style: Your everyday ally! Perfect with strangers, older friends, shopkeepers. Endings in -아요/-어요/-해요 will save you
- Casual style (반말 – banmal): Reserved for close friends your age or younger. Be careful, you’re not always invited to use it!
- Honorific style: An extra layer of respect when you talk ABOUT a person (even if absent) whom you respect
On the streets of Seoul, if someone suggests you use 반말 (banmal), it’s like them saying “we can be on a first-name basis now”. An honor that must be earned!
Greetings According to Time and Person
- 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo): Your magic wand! This formula works from morning to evening with almost everyone. Literally “are you at peace?”, it shows your concern for others’ well-being
- 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka): The ultra-polite version for very formal situations. Think business meetings or meeting your Korean in-laws
- 안녕 (annyeong): Simple and casual, but only with your close friends or children
- 처음 뵙겠습니다 (cheoeum boepgetseumnida): “Pleased to meet you” in its most respectful version. The verb “보다” (to see) becomes “뵙다” for honorific politeness
Little tip: Koreans often accompany their greetings with a slight bow. The more respected the person, the deeper the bow.
Thanking with the Right Degree of Gratitude
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida): The standard “thank you” in formal Korean. Perfect for official situations or with strangers
- 고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida): Warmer than the previous one, it expresses sincere gratitude. Koreans use it when they’re really touched
- 고마워요 (gomawoyo): Polite informal version, ideal for everyday use
- 고마워 (gomawo): Between friends only! Simple and direct
At a restaurant, when the server brings you your bibimbap, a simple “고마워요” with a smile will do perfectly. However, if it’s the chef-owner who comes to greet you, switch to “감사합니다”.
Apologizing According to the Severity of the Situation
- 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida): The formal apology par excellence. You’ll use it when you bump into someone in the Seoul subway or if you arrive late to a professional meeting
- 죄송해요 (joesonghaeyo): Polite informal version, perfect for minor everyday mishaps
- 미안합니다 (mianhamnida): More personal than “죄송합니다”, used when you feel really sorry
- 미안해요 (mianhaeyo): Common and sincere, between friends or acquaintances
Korean peculiarity: people often apologize even when it’s not really their fault. It’s a mark of humility that’s highly appreciated.
Saying Goodbye According to Who Leaves and Who Stays
Korean distinguishes who leaves and who stays – a charming subtlety!
- 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo): “Go in peace” – you say this to someone who’s leaving. Use this formula when leaving a café where the staff remains
- 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo): “Stay in peace” – when you’re the one leaving. The shopkeeper will say this to you when you leave their store
- 안녕 (annyeong): Between friends, doesn’t matter who leaves or stays
- 또 봐요 (tto bwayo): “See you later” – handy when you can’t figure out who’s doing what!
Special Formulas for Specific Situations
- 수고하세요 (sugohaseyo): “Good luck” or “good work” – you’ll hear it everywhere in Korea! At the office, in stores, even between strangers
- 잠시만요 (jamsimman-yo): “One moment please” – essential for politely getting attention
- 실례합니다 (sillyehamnida): “Excuse me” to bother someone or pass through a crowd
- 괜찮습니다 (gwaenchanseumnida): “It’s okay” / “It’s nothing” – the polite response to apologies
The first time I heard “수고하세요” in an elevator between two strangers, I was surprised. In Korea, encouraging others’ efforts is part of daily life!
Pitfalls to Absolutely Avoid
- Never use “너” (neo – “you”) with strangers or older people. It’s perceived as very rude
- Avoid banmal with someone who hasn’t offered it to you – even if that person seems friendly
- Be aware of generational differences: young Koreans are more flexible, but always respect elders
- Forgetting the honorific when talking ABOUT a respected person can create misunderstandings
When in doubt, stick with the polite informal style. Koreans appreciate the effort, even if your formulation isn’t perfect.
Learning Korean politeness formulas is like discovering the rules of a complex but fascinating game. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to show your respect for this rich culture. So, ready to impress your future Korean friends with a perfectly placed “처음 뵙겠습니다”?