Polite Ways to Say "Hello" in Korean
The polite default is 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), which is safe with almost anyone — strangers, coworkers, shop staff, people older than you. In very formal or business settings, 안녕하십니까 is the more deferential choice.
The most common way
annyeonghaseyo
A general, polite hello — neutral in tone and usable morning to night with almost anyone.
How to say it: Say it as one smooth block, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, with a light rise on the last syllable; the 'h' in 'ha' is soft, not a hard English H, and 'nyeong' is a single syllable with a quick y-glide.
Other ways to say it
- formal
annyeonghasimnikka
The most deferential hello; slightly stiff between close friends but correct and respectful in formal settings.
When to use it: Use it with bosses, clients, elders, or when opening a meeting, presentation or formal speech.
- polite, first meeting
mannaseo bangapseumnida
Literally 'glad to meet you' — a warm, polite greeting used at the moment of introduction.
When to use it: Say it right after 안녕하세요 when meeting someone for the first time, especially in work or formal contexts.
- polite, to a stranger
sillyehamnida
Literally 'excuse me' — a courteous way to open an interaction with someone you don't know.
When to use it: Use it to politely approach a stranger to ask directions, get attention in a store, or enter a room.
- phone
yeoboseyo
The standard hello when answering or starting a phone call; not used face to face.
When to use it: Say it when you pick up the phone or when you call someone and they answer.
- casual
annyeong
A short, friendly hi — warm but only appropriate with people on close or equal terms.
When to use it: Use it with close friends, younger siblings, or children; it can sound rude to a boss or a stranger.
In a conversation
- A
? . .
Annyeonghasimnikka? Cheoeum boepgetseumnida. Kim Minsu-imnida.
Hello — nice to meet you. I'm Kim Minsu.
- B
. . .
Bangapseumnida. I Seoyeon-ieyo. Jal butakdeurimnida.
Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Seoyeon. I look forward to working with you.
Common mistakes
안녕, 사장님.→ 안녕하세요, 사장님.안녕 is casual-only and sounds disrespectful to a boss or anyone older.
여보세요, 만나서 반가워요.→ 안녕하세요, 만나서 반가워요.여보세요 is only for phone calls; saying it face to face confuses people.
안녕히 계세요 (when arriving somewhere)→ 안녕하세요 (when arriving)안녕히 계세요 means 'goodbye, stay well' and is used when you leave, not when you arrive.