How to say ‘How are you?’ in Korean
Introduction
Vocabulary
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 인사 | insa | greeting | 한국 인사를 배워요.I learn Korean greetings. |
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | hello (polite) | 안녕하세요!Hello! |
| 낯선 사람 | natseon saram | stranger | 낯선 사람에게 말해요.I speak to a stranger. |
| 친구 | chingu | friend | 친구에게 인사해요.I greet my friend. |
| 자연스럽다 | jayeonseureopda | natural | 자연스러운 표현이에요.It is a natural expression. |
| 문화 | munhwa | culture | 한국 문화를 배워요.I learn Korean culture. |
| 다르다 | dareuda | different | 다른 인사가 있어요.There is a different greeting. |
| 긍정적 | geungjeongjeok | positive | 긍정적으로 말해요.I speak positively. |
| 여행 | yeohaeng | trip | 한국 여행을 가요.I go on a trip to Korea. |
| 일하다 | ilhada | to work | 한국에서 일해요.I work in Korea. |
| 직접 | jikjeop | direct | 직접 번역이에요.It is a direct translation. |
| 표현 | pyohyeon | expression | 좋은 표현을 배워요.I learn a good expression. |
Reading Text
한국에 여행을 가거나 일을 해요.
You go on a trip to Korea or you work there.
한국 인사를 배우는 것이 좋아요.
It is good to learn Korean greetings.
한국 사람들은 친구에게만 "어떻게 지내세요?"라고 말해요.
Korean people say "How are you?" only to their friends.
낯선 사람에게는 이렇게 말하지 않아요.
You do not say this to strangers.
"안녕하세요"가 가장 자연스러워요.
"Hello" is the most natural greeting.
이 표현은 긍정적인 마음을 보여요.
This expression shows a positive heart.
한국 문화를 알면 더 잘 소통해요.
If you understand Korean culture, you communicate better.
Grammar Points
-거나 or
Attached to a verb stem to mean 'or'; connects two alternative actions. Verb stem + 거나.
📖 한국에 여행을 가거나 일을 해요. You go on a trip to Korea or do work.
✏️ 집에서 책을 읽거나 음악을 들어요. I read a book or listen to music at home.
-(으)면 if / when
Attached to a verb/adjective stem to mean 'if' or 'when'. Stem ending in vowel or ㄹ + 면; stem ending in consonant + 으면.
📖 한국 문화를 알면 더 잘 소통해요. If you know Korean culture, you communicate better.
✏️ 시간이 있으면 같이 커피 마셔요. If you have time, let's drink coffee together.
Cultural Notes
In Korea, greetings reflect respect and social relationships. Korean people are very conscious of the relationship between speakers—whether they are strangers, acquaintances, or close friends—and this affects which greeting words and politeness levels they use. A simple "안녕하세요" (hello) is always safe and appropriate because it shows respect without being too familiar. Understanding this cultural context helps foreigners avoid seeming rude or overly casual when meeting new people in Korean society.
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