Why Learning 100 Korean Expressions is Essential
Mastering a core set of expressions helps learners engage in basic conversations, understand Korean media, and navigate daily life in Korea. These 100 Korean expressions cover greetings, common questions, polite phrases, and cultural nuances that are indispensable for beginners and intermediate learners alike. Memorizing these phrases accelerates fluency by enabling immediate practical use rather than focusing solely on grammar or vocabulary lists.
Benefits of Learning Common Korean Expressions
- Improved Communication: Express yourself clearly and understand others better.
- Cultural Insight: Learn how Koreans show respect, politeness, and emotions.
- Confidence Boost: Feel more comfortable speaking in real-life situations.
- Foundation for Further Learning: Build a strong base for expanding vocabulary and grammar.
Top 100 Korean Expressions You Must Know
Below are the 100 essential Korean expressions categorized by their usage to help you learn systematically and apply them effectively.
1. Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello (polite)
- 안녕 (Annyeong) – Hi/Bye (informal)
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
- 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry (formal)
- 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo) – Sorry (polite)
- 잘 지내세요? (Jal jinaeseyo?) – How are you?
- 네 (Ne) – Yes
- 아니요 (Aniyo) – No
- 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) – Goodbye (to someone leaving)
- 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo) – Goodbye (to someone staying)
2. Essential Conversational Phrases
- 이해했어요 (Ihaehaesseoyo) – I understand
- 모르겠어요 (Moreugesseoyo) – I don’t understand
- 천천히 말씀해 주세요 (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly
- 다시 한 번 말씀해 주세요 (Dasi han beon malsseumhae juseyo) – Please say it again
- 이거 뭐예요? (Igeo mwoyeyo?) – What is this?
- 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodieyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
- 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
- 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me
- 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchana-yo) – It’s okay / I’m fine
- 좋아요 (Johayo) – Good / I like it
3. Korean Numbers and Counting
- 일 (Il) – One
- 이 (I) – Two
- 삼 (Sam) – Three
- 사 (Sa) – Four
- 오 (O) – Five
- 육 (Yuk) – Six
- 칠 (Chil) – Seven
- 팔 (Pal) – Eight
- 구 (Gu) – Nine
- 십 (Sip) – Ten
4. Time and Date Expressions
- 지금 (Jigeum) – Now
- 오늘 (Oneul) – Today
- 어제 (Eoje) – Yesterday
- 내일 (Naeil) – Tomorrow
- 몇 시예요? (Myeot siyeyo?) – What time is it?
- 오전 (Ojeon) – AM
- 오후 (Ohu) – PM
- 시간 (Sigan) – Time / Hour
- 분 (Bun) – Minute
- 초 (Cho) – Second
5. Travel and Directions
- 어디예요? (Eodieyo?) – Where is it?
- 왼쪽 (Oenjjok) – Left
- 오른쪽 (Oreunjjok) – Right
- 직진하세요 (Jikjin haseyo) – Go straight
- 여기 (Yeogi) – Here
- 저기 (Jeogi) – There
- 지하철역 (Jihacheol-yeok) – Subway station
- 버스 정류장 (Beoseu jeongryujang) – Bus stop
- 택시 (Taeksi) – Taxi
- 길을 잃었어요 (Gireul ilheosseoyo) – I’m lost
6. Food and Dining Expressions
- 맛있어요 (Masisseoyo) – It’s delicious
- 배고파요 (Baegopayo) – I’m hungry
- 물 주세요 (Mul juseyo) – Please give me water
- 메뉴 주세요 (Menu juseyo) – Please give me the menu
- 계산서 주세요 (Gyesanseo juseyo) – Please give me the bill
- 추천해 주세요 (Chucheon hae juseyo) – Please recommend
- 맵지 않게 해 주세요 (Maepji anke hae juseyo) – Please make it not spicy
- 채식주의자예요 (Chaesikjuuijayeyo) – I’m a vegetarian
- 더 주세요 (Deo juseyo) – Please give me more
- 포장해 주세요 (Pojang hae juseyo) – Please pack it to go
7. Shopping and Bargaining
- 얼마에요? (Eolmaeyo?) – How much is it?
- 싸게 해 주세요 (Ssage hae juseyo) – Please give me a discount
- 이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo) – Please give me this
- 더 큰 사이즈 있어요? (Deo keun saijeu isseoyo?) – Do you have a bigger size?
- 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?) – Can I pay by card?
- 영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo) – Please give me a receipt
- 환불할 수 있어요? (Hwanbul hal su isseoyo?) – Can I get a refund?
- 품질 좋아요 (Pumjil joayo) – The quality is good
- 새 거예요? (Sae geoyeyo?) – Is it new?
- 보여 주세요 (Boyeo juseyo) – Please show me
8. Social and Cultural Expressions
- 처음 뵙겠습니다 (Cheoeum boepgetseumnida) – Nice to meet you (formal)
- 만나서 반가워요 (Mannaseo bangawoyo) – Nice to meet you (casual)
- 축하합니다 (Chukahamnida) – Congratulations
- 행복하세요 (Haengbokhaseyo) – Be happy
- 건배! (Geonbae!) – Cheers!
- 조심하세요 (Josimhaseyo) – Be careful
- 잘 자요 (Jal jayo) – Good night
- 생일 축하해요 (Saengil chukahaeyo) – Happy birthday
- 힘내세요 (Himnaeseyo) – Cheer up / Stay strong
- 사랑해요 (Saranghaeyo) – I love you
How to Practice and Memorize These Korean Expressions
Effective learning requires consistent practice and active usage. Here are some tips for mastering the 100 Korean expressions you must know:
Use Talkpal for Interactive Learning
Talkpal offers an interactive platform where you can practice Korean expressions with native speakers and language experts. This real-time conversation practice enhances retention and builds confidence in using expressions naturally.
Practice Daily with Flashcards
Create flashcards with Korean expressions on one side and English translations on the other. Review them daily to reinforce memory and pronunciation.
Integrate Expressions in Real-Life Situations
Try to use the expressions in everyday scenarios, such as ordering food, asking for directions, or greeting friends. Practical usage solidifies learning.
Watch Korean Media
Listening to Korean dramas, movies, and music helps you hear these expressions in context and improves your listening skills.
Join Language Exchange Groups
Engage with Korean speakers through language exchange apps or local groups to practice expressions and learn cultural nuances.
Conclusion
Learning the 100 Korean expressions you must know is a crucial step toward achieving conversational proficiency and cultural understanding. With Talkpal’s dynamic learning environment and consistent practice, mastering these essential phrases becomes easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are traveling to Korea, making Korean friends, or exploring Korean culture, these expressions will help you communicate effectively and confidently. Start today and watch your Korean skills flourish!
Download talkpal app 
