Learning a new language can be challenging, but familiarizing yourself with some basic and daily use words and phrases can be a great way to start. Korean, the official language of both South and North Korea, is an increasingly popular language to learn. Here, we will cover some essential Korean words and phrases, along with their meanings and example sentences to help you incorporate them into your everyday language practice.

안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
This is the standard greeting in Korean. It’s polite and can be used at any time of day.
집에 오는 손님에게 안녕하세요라고 인사했어요.
(The guest coming to the house said hello.)

감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
Express gratitude with this phrase. It is formal and shows significant appreciation.
선물을 주셔서 감사합니다.
(Thank you for the gift.)

죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m sorry
This is the formal way to apologize.
지각해서 죄송합니다.
(I’m sorry for being late.)

네 (Ne) – Yes
This is the Korean word for an affirmative response.
이거 맛있어요. 네, 정말 맛있어요!
(This is delicious. Yes, it really is delicious!)

아니요 (Aniyo) – No
Use this word when you need to give a negative response.
오늘 파티에 가세요? 아니요, 가지 않을 거예요.
(Are you going to the party today? No, I will not be going.)

제발 (Jebal) – Please
Adding this to a request can make it more polite.
제발 조용히 해주세요.
(Please be quiet.)

좋아요 (Joayo) – Good/Okay
Use this to express approval or agreement.
이 아이디어 좋아요!
(I like this idea!)

싫어요 (Silheoyo) – Dislike/I don’t like
Express your dislike or disapproval with this phrase.
저는 매운 음식을 싫어요.
(I dislike spicy food.)

몇 시에요? (Myeot sieyo?) – What time is it?
A practical question to ask when you need to know the time.
지금 몇 시에요? 오후 세 시예요.
(What time is it now? It’s three in the afternoon.)

이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
Use this question when shopping or buying something.
죄송하지만, 이거 얼마예요?
(Excuse me, how much is this?)

화장실이 어디예요? (Hwajangsiri eodieyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
A common and important question, especially when visiting new places.
저기요, 화장실이 어디예요?
(Excuse me, where is the bathroom?)

배고파요 (Baegopayo) – I’m hungry
Let someone know when you are hungry.
점심 먹을 시간이네요, 저 배고파요.
(It’s lunchtime. I’m hungry.)

목말라요 (Mokmallayo) – I’m thirsty
This phrase will come in handy when you need a drink.
날씨가 더워서 목말라요.
(The weather is hot, and I’m thirsty.)

잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?) – How have you been?
A friendly question to ask someone you haven’t seen for a while.
오랜만이에요! 잘 지냈어요?
(Long time no see! How have you been?)

These words and phrases are just the start of your Korean learning journey. By incorporating them into your daily conversations, you will start to feel more comfortable with the Korean language. Remember, practice and repetition are key when learning a new language, so don’t hesitate to use these phrases as often as you can!