30 Must-Know Survival Korean Expressions for Beginners!

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 In this list, you’ll find 30 essential phrases that every beginner should know when learning Korean. These “survival Korean” expressions are perfect for those who may not yet be familiar with the Korean writing system (Hangeul), but still want to communicate in basic situations. These phrases are simple, practical, and used frequently in everyday life, making them an ideal starting point for anyone looking to navigate Korean-speaking environments. Whether you're traveling, studying, or just interacting with Korean speakers, these phrases will help you get by in a variety of scenarios.


Phrases:

  1. 안녕하세요

  • Annyeonghaseyo

  • Hello

  • Use when greeting someone politely.

  1. 안녕히 가세요

  • Annyeonghi gaseyo

  • Goodbye (to someone leaving)

  • Use when someone else is leaving.

  1. 안녕히 계세요

  • Annyeonghi gyeseyo

  • Goodbye (to someone staying)

  • Use when you are leaving.

  1. 감사합니다

  • Gamsahamnida

  • Thank you

  • Use to show gratitude politely.

  1. 천만에요

  • Cheonmaneyo

  • You're welcome

  • Use after someone thanks you.

  1. 미안해요

  • Mianhaeyo

  • I'm sorry

  • Use to apologize.

  1. 괜찮아요

  • Gwaenchanayo

  • It's okay / I'm okay

  • Use to respond when someone apologizes or asks how you are.

  1. 네

  • Ne

  • Yes

  • Use to say “yes.”

  1. 아니요

  • Aniyo

  • No

  • Use to say “no.”

  1. 이건 뭐예요?

  • Igeon mwoyeyo?

  • What is this?

  • Use to ask what something is.

  1. 이름이 뭐예요?

  • Ireumi mwoyeyo?

  • What’s your name?

  • Use when meeting someone.

  1. 제 이름은 [___]예요

  • Je ireumeun [___]yeyo

  • My name is [___]

  • Use to introduce yourself.

  1. 어디예요?

  • Eodiyeyo?

  • Where is it?

  • Use to ask for directions.

  1. 화장실이 어디예요?

  • Hwajangsili eodiyeyo?

  • Where is the bathroom?

  • Use when looking for the restroom.

  1. 물 주세요

  • Mul juseyo

  • Please give me water

  • Use when requesting water.

  1. 이거 주세요

  • Igeo juseyo

  • Please give me this

  • Use when pointing and asking for something.

  1. 얼마예요?

  • Eolmayeyo?

  • How much is it?

  • Use when shopping.

  1. 도와주세요

  • Dowajuseyo

  • Please help me

  • Use when you need help.

  1. 모르겠어요

  • Moreugesseoyo

  • I don’t know

  • Use when you don’t understand something.

  1. 알겠습니다

  • Algesseumnida

  • I understand

  • Use when you understand something.

  1. 다시 말해 주세요

  • Dashi malhae juseyo

  • Please say it again

  • Use when you didn’t catch what was said.

  1. 천천히 말해 주세요

  • Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo

  • Please speak slowly

  • Use when you need someone to slow down their speech.

  1. 영어 하세요?

  • Yeongeo haseyo?

  • Do you speak English?

  • Use to ask if someone speaks English.

  1. 조금요

  • Jogeumyo

  • Just a little

  • Use when answering about your Korean skills.

  1. 배고파요

  • Baegopayo

  • I’m hungry

  • Use to say you want to eat.

  1. 배불러요

  • Baebulleoyo

  • I’m full

  • Use after eating.

  1. 잘 먹겠습니다

  • Jal meokgetseumnida

  • I will eat well

  • Use before eating.

  1. 잘 먹었습니다

  • Jal meogeotseumnida

  • I ate well / Thank you for the meal

  • Use after eating.

  1. 사진 찍어도 돼요?

  • Sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo?

  • Can I take a photo?

  • Use to ask for permission.

  1. 만나서 반가워요

  • Mannaseo bangawoyo

  • Nice to meet you

  • Use when you meet someone for the first time.

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