Learning a new language is always a thrilling adventure, and Korean is no exception. This fascinating language opens the door to a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and a globally influential entertainment industry. If you’re just starting out on your Korean language journey, you might feel overwhelmed by the new alphabet, sounds, and vocabulary. However, don’t worry! This article will introduce you to some essential Korean words that every beginner should know. These words will help you build a strong foundation for your language skills and make your initial experience more enjoyable.

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

One of the first things you should learn in any language is how to greet people and express basic politeness. In Korean culture, showing respect is very important, so knowing these expressions will help you make a good impression.

안녕하세요 (annyeong haseyo) – Hello
This is the most common way to say hello in Korean. It’s polite and can be used in most situations.

안녕 (annyeong) – Hi / Bye
This is a more casual greeting that you can use with friends or people younger than you.

감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – Thank you
Expressing gratitude is always appreciated. This is the formal way to say thank you.

고마워요 (gomawoyo) – Thank you (casual)
Use this version with friends or people you’re familiar with.

죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
Apologizing is crucial in any language. This is the formal way to say sorry.

미안해요 (mianhaeyo) – I’m sorry (casual)
Use this with friends or people you’re familiar with.

네 (ne) – Yes
A simple but essential word.

아니요 (aniyo) – No
Another basic word that you’ll use frequently.

Numbers and Counting

Understanding numbers is fundamental, whether you’re shopping, telling time, or simply counting objects. Korean has two numbering systems: Sino-Korean and Native Korean. Here are the basic numbers in both systems:

Sino-Korean Numbers

1 – 일 (il)
2 – 이 (i)
3 – 삼 (sam)
4 – 사 (sa)
5 – 오 (o)
6 – 육 (yuk)
7 – 칠 (chil)
8 – 팔 (pal)
9 – 구 (gu)
10 – 십 (sip)

Native Korean Numbers

1 – 하나 (hana)
2 – 둘 (dul)
3 – 셋 (set)
4 – 넷 (net)
5 – 다섯 (daseot)
6 – 여섯 (yeoseot)
7 – 일곱 (ilgop)
8 – 여덟 (yeodeol)
9 – 아홉 (ahop)
10 – 열 (yeol)

Common Nouns

Nouns are the building blocks of any language. Here are some common Korean nouns you’ll encounter frequently:

사람 (saram) – Person
집 (jip) – House
학교 (hakgyo) – School
학생 (haksaeng) – Student
선생님 (seonsaengnim) – Teacher
친구 (chingu) – Friend
가족 (gajok) – Family
음식 (eumsik) – Food
물 (mul) – Water
차 (cha) – Car
책 (chaek) – Book
의자 (uija) – Chair
컴퓨터 (keompyuteo) – Computer
전화 (jeonhwa) – Phone

Useful Verbs

Verbs are essential for constructing sentences and expressing actions. Here are some basic Korean verbs that you’ll find useful:

하다 (hada) – To do
가다 (gada) – To go
오다 (oda) – To come
먹다 (meokda) – To eat
마시다 (masida) – To drink
보다 (boda) – To see/watch
듣다 (deutda) – To listen
읽다 (ilgda) – To read
쓰다 (sseuda) – To write
자다 (jada) – To sleep
사다 (sada) – To buy
말하다 (malhada) – To speak
기다리다 (gidarida) – To wait
앉다 (anda) – To sit

Adjectives and Descriptive Words

Adjectives help you describe people, places, and things more vividly. Here are some basic Korean adjectives that you might find useful:

좋다 (jota) – Good
나쁘다 (nappeuda) – Bad
크다 (keuda) – Big
작다 (jakda) – Small
비싸다 (bissada) – Expensive
싸다 (ssada) – Cheap
쉽다 (swipda) – Easy
어렵다 (eoryeopda) – Difficult
빠르다 (ppareuda) – Fast
느리다 (neurida) – Slow
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) – Pretty
잘생기다 (jalsaenggida) – Handsome
더럽다 (deoreopda) – Dirty
깨끗하다 (kkaekkuthada) – Clean

Days of the Week and Time

Knowing how to talk about days and time is crucial for making plans and understanding schedules. Here are the days of the week in Korean:

월요일 (woryoil) – Monday
화요일 (hwaryoil) – Tuesday
수요일 (suyoil) – Wednesday
목요일 (mogyoil) – Thursday
금요일 (geumyoil) – Friday
토요일 (toyoil) – Saturday
일요일 (iryoil) – Sunday

And here are some useful time-related words:

시간 (sigan) – Time
분 (bun) – Minute
초 (cho) – Second
오전 (ojeon) – A.M.
오후 (ohu) – P.M.
지금 (jigeum) – Now
오늘 (oneul) – Today
내일 (naeil) – Tomorrow
어제 (eoje) – Yesterday

Common Phrases

Knowing a few common phrases can make your conversations flow more smoothly. Here are some phrases that can be very useful for beginners:

잘 지내세요? (jal jinaeseyo?) – How are you?
잘 지내요 (jal jinaeyo) – I’m fine.
이름이 뭐예요? (ireumi mwoyeyo?) – What is your name?
제 이름은 …입니다 (je ireumeun …imnida) – My name is …
어디에 가세요? (eodie gaseyo?) – Where are you going?
…에 가요 (…e gayo) – I’m going to …
얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?) – How much is it?
좋아요 (joayo) – I like it.
싫어요 (silh-eoyo) – I don’t like it.
도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) – Please help me.
괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) – It’s okay.

Basic Questions

Asking questions is a key part of learning and interacting in any language. Here are some basic question words and how to use them in Korean:

무엇 (mueot) – What
어디 (eodi) – Where
언제 (eonje) – When
왜 (wae) – Why
어떻게 (eotteoke) – How
누구 (nugu) – Who

Example questions:

무엇을 해요? (mueoseul haeyo?) – What are you doing?
어디에 있어요? (eodie isseoyo?) – Where are you?
언제 가요? (eonje gayo?) – When are you going?
왜 그래요? (wae geuraeyo?) – Why is that?
어떻게 해요? (eotteoke haeyo?) – How do you do it?
누구세요? (nuguseyo?) – Who is it?

Conclusion

Starting your journey to learn Korean can be both exciting and challenging. By familiarizing yourself with these basic Korean words and phrases, you’ll have a strong foundation to build upon as you advance in your studies. Remember, practice is key. Try to use these words and phrases in your daily life, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Language learning is a gradual process, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency.

Happy learning! or as they say in Korean, 행복한 공부 되세요! (haengbokan gongbu doeseyo!)