Korean Phrases – Basic Expressions and Sentences for Travel & Everyday Life with Audio

Here’s the comprehensive list of Korean phrases that you’ll need to join in on the fun and converse in Korean. This is the up-to-date modern version of how Koreans actually talk, so it will be useful if you want to learn how to speak Korean. 

To get you started, here are some basic phrases you can use to speak Korean:

• Yes – 네 (ne)
• No – 아니요 (a-ni-yo)
• Hello – 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo)
• Thank you – 고맙습니다 (go-map-seum-ni-da)
• You’re welcome – 천만에요 (cheon-man-e-yo) 
• Excuse me – 실례합니다 (sill-ye-ham-ni-da) 
• Ok – 괜찮아요 (gwaen-chan-a-yo) 
• I don’t know – 몰라요 (mollayo)
• Sorry  – 미안합니다 (mi-an-ham-ni-da)
• Goodbye – 안녕히 가세요 (an-nyeon-ghi ga-se-yo) 

Below, we’ve got the most important phrases in the Korean language that you need to learn, broken down by category. We’ve written the Korean words and phrases using the Korean alphabet. We will also include the audio for the Korean phrases so you can practice your pronunciation. 

If you need this list of basic Korean words and phrases to take with you on the go, we’ve got you covered! The PDF download is right here:

Forget the dated Korean guidebooks or confusing phrases that don’t make sense, this list of words and phrases will give you exactly what you need to speak Korean for your next adventure in Korea. We’ll provide the phrases with the Korean alphabet and romanization.

Here we go!

Read on and study the Korean phrases section by section. Or, skip ahead to the Korean phrases you want to speak most, and add them to your favorite flashcard deck. Click on the word next to the yellow speaker to hear the audio pronunciation of the Korean phrase. 

Most important of all, have fun with them!

We highly recommend you learn the Korean alphabet (Hangeul) ASAP. It’s an essential first step to improve your Korean language skills. It’ll help you speak Korean and correctly pronounce the basic Korean phrases you’ll find below.

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Basic Korean Phrases

Need the bare minimum sentences for simple conversation using the Korean language? These are the basic Korean phrases you’ll want to get down to make sure your time in Korea is smooth sailing!

You might notice that there are a few ways of saying some of the basic Korean phrases, such as “excuse me”, “thank you,” and “goodbye”. In English, these phrases are much more multi-purpose. In Korean, there are specific phrases that you’ll use for certain situations. It’s important to know when to use these basic Korean phrases especially when you’re in South Korea. The different situations make learning the Korean language fun and interesting. 

Click on the word in Hangul to hear the pronunciation of the basic Korean phrases. To learn more about the phrases in detail, click on the English equivalent of the phrase. 

In the Korean language, there are a few different ways to say “thank you.” You may also hear 고마워요 and 감사합니다.

In the basic Korean phrases above, we gave you the most common way to thank someone. Go here if you’d like to learn more about the different ways to say “thank you” in Korean. 

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Common Korean Phrases

As you continue with your Korean learning, focus on these common Korean phrases and sentences that will be used on a daily basis. You can use them when you meet friends or speak to the staff at the local market. 

When you’re asking questions in Korean, make sure to speak with an upwards intonation towards the end of the sentences. You should say the sentence as if you’re unsure.

You’ve got the Korean phrases necessary to have simple interactions, so now’s the time to put your language skills to use!

A great way to speak these basic Korean phrases on a daily basis is to plan on using one phrase each day. Write it down on an index card, and say it whenever the opportunity comes up. It takes a few minutes of planning, but you will thank yourself later when you have a strong repertoire of things to say. 

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Easy Korean Phrases

Easy Korean phrases are words and phrases that have easy Korean pronunciation. These Korean words and phrases are often used in Korean dramas. 

Below is a list of words and phrases that will help you easily speak Korean. 

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
Yes	네	ne
No	아니요	aniyo
Maybe	아마도	amado
I feel	아파요	apayo
I know	알아요	arayo
Good	좋아요	joayo
Bad	안 좋아요	an joayo
I don't know	몰라요	mollayo
Sleep well	잘 자요	jal jayo
Get home safely	잘 가요	jal gayo
Of course	당연하죠	dangyeonajyo
I’m hungry	배고파요	baegopayo
I understand	이해해요	ihaehaeyo

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Simple Korean Phrases

These are basic Korean words and phrases that you’ll first learn as you begin learning the Korean language. These words also have easy Korean pronunciation so it won’t be challenging learning and speaking them.

These words and phrases are often used in Korean dramas and daily conversations among Koreans.

Here’s a list of simple Korean phrases you can start with:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
Hello	안녕하세요	annyeonghaseyo
Thank you	감사합니다	gamsahamnida
You’re welcome	천만에요	cheonmaneyo
I’m sorry	미안합니다	mianhamnida
It’s okay	괜찮아요	gwaenchanayo
Congratulations	축하해요	chukahaeyo
Hello (over the phone)	여보세요	yeoboseyo
Excuse me	실례합니다	sillyehamnida
Please don’t worry	걱정 하지마세요	geokjeong hajimaseyo
Long time no see	오랜만이에요	oraenmanieyo
It’s delicious	맛있어요	masisseoyo
I’m thirsty	목 말라요	mok mallayo

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Korean Phrases for Beginners

In this section, you’ll learn the Korean phrases for beginners. When you’re starting to learn the Korean language, these are the phrases you can start with. This time the words and phrases are a bit longer but the Korean pronunciation isn’t difficult. 

For example, the Korean word 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) has longer spelling but its Korean pronunciation isn’t difficult. It’ll help you say the Korean word easier if you know how to read the Korean alphabet. 

Here’s a list of Korean phrases for beginners to help you get to speak Korean:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
Goodbye	안녕히 계세요	annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye	안녕히 가세요	annyeonghi gaseyo
Just a moment	잠깐만요	jamkkanmanyo
Nice to meet you	만나서 반갑습니다	mannaseo bangapseumnida
Have you eaten?	밥 먹었어요?	bap meogeosseoyo
Thank you for this meal	잘 먹겠습니다	jal meogetseumnida
No problem	문제 없어요	munje eopseoyo
I don’t understand	이해 못 해요	ihae mot haeyo
Please speak slowly	천천히 말 해주세요	cheoncheonhi mal haejuseyo
How much is this?	얼마에요?	eolmaeyo
Have a nice day	좋은 하루 보내세요	joheun haru bonaeseyo
Please give me a menu	메뉴판 주세요	menyupan juseyo
Be careful	조심하세요	josimhaseyo
Please help me	도와주세요	dowajuseyo

Formal Korean Phrases

Formal Korean phrases are used when you’re speaking to someone who is older than you or who holds a higher position or social hierarchy than you. You may also use these phrases with people who you are close with but you want to show or give them respect.

Here are a few of the common formal Korean phrases you can start learning:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
I like it	좋습니다	joseumnida
I don’t like it	싫습니다	silseumnida
Nice to meet you	만나서 반갑습니다	mannaseo bangapseumnida
See you next time!	다음에 봐요!	daeume bwayo
Thank you	고맙습니다	gomapseumnida
See you tomorrow	내일 봐요	naeil bwayo
I’m sorry	미안합니다	mianhamnida
What are you doing?	뭐 합니까?	mwo hamnikka
How are you?	잘 지내셨어요?	jal jinaesyeosseoyo

Informal Korean Phrases

Informal Korean Phrases are usually used when you’re speaking to your friends, people who have the same age as you, or someone who’s younger than you.

You wouldn’t use these with people who are older than you. These phrases would sound rude when used to speak with people older than you.

Here are a few common informal Korean phrases you can use with your friends:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
Yes	응	eung
No	아니	ani
Hi/ Bye	안녕	annyeong
Please	제발	jebal
Okay	그래	geurae
Thanks	고마워	gomawo
I like it	좋아	joa
I don’t like it	싫어	sireo
I’m sorry	미안해	mianhae
See you next time/ See you	다음에 봐	daeume bwa
See you tomorrow	내일 봐	naeil bwa
Nice to meet you	만나서 반가워	mannaseo bangawo
What are you doing?	뭐 해?	mwo hae
How are you?	잘 지내?	jal jinae
How's it going?	요즘 어때?	yojeum eottae

Korean Phrases to Know

As you’re learning the Korean language, these words and phrases are a few of the many that you first need to know. These are helpful words and phrases that you can use when speaking. These are also words to look out for when you watch K-Dramas or listen to your favorite K-Pop idol’s live programs.

Below is a list of the Korean words and phrases you need to know:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
Hello	안녕하세요	annyeonghaseyo
Nice to meet you	만나서 반갑습니다	mannaseo bangapseumnida
Thank you	감사합니다	gamsahamnida
Please give	주세요	juseyo
How much is it?	얼마예요	eolmayeyo
Please give discount	깎아주세요	kkakkajuseyo
Please wait a moment	잠시만 기다려 주세요	jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo
I don't understand	이해 못 해요	ihae mot haeyo

Popular Korean Phrases

Popular Korean phrases are those that many Korean learners learned first. This is because these are words often used in Korean dramas, movies, or even in K-Pop songs.

Here’s a list of a few of the many popular Korean phrases:

English	한국어 (Korean)	Romanization
I love you	사랑해요	saranghaeyo
Hello	안녕하세요	annyeonghaseyo
Thank you	감사합니다	gamsahamnida
It’s okay	괜찮아요	gwaenchanayo
I know	알아요	arayo
I don’t know	몰라요	mollayo
I miss you	보고 싶어요	bogo sipeoyo
I like you	좋아해요	joahaeyo
It’s delicious	맛있어요	masisseoyo

Korean Expressions

In this section, you’ll learn about the different Korean expressions commonly used in different places in Korea. 

Use these Korean phrases and Korean sentences to speak to people you meet in various places. The sentences are organized in sections so they can be used in different locations. This will be useful so you can practice your Korean language skills as you go to each different location.

Restaurant Korean Phrases

The restaurant Korean phrases below can be used at any Korean restaurant. You might use these sentences if you’re visiting Korea, or if you’re getting Korean food at the local restaurant in your area.

If this is your first time ordering at a Korean restaurant, you may want to learn how to say the numbers and basic counting words. They are important parts of the language used for ordering food. 

When you first enter, the staff will usually ask you how many people are in your group. You can use the first phrase below to ask if they have a table for 4. The staff will likely speak to you in honorific language, but you can reply in standard everyday Korean. 

Keep in mind that Korean table manners may be a bit different than what you’re used to in your culture. For example, in the phrase above 잘 먹었습니다! (jal meogeotseumnida), you’d actually use that to say “thank you” in Korean when you’re done eating Korean food. It’s similar to saying “thank you, I ate well”.   

Cafe & Coffee Shop Korean Phrases

If you’re a coffee-lover who loves visiting coffee shops, then these Korean phrases and sentences will be of great help to you when you move or visit Korea. 

When you order at a cafe, there are some unique Korean cafe phrases that might be surprising to English speakers. For example, the way you say your order to go will be different depending on whether you order only a drink or if you order food with your drink. Although Koreans think this is normal, even they get surprised when they think about the intricacies of the Korean language!

Use these Korean phrases and sentences when you visit a cafe in Korea or a Korean cafe near your area.

Shopping Korean Phrases

If you’re out in Dongadaemun, Garosul-gil, or Myeongdong, you are definitely going to need some Korean phrases to help you shop!

The Korean language has its own specialized vocabulary terms when it comes to shopping, so make sure you know these sentences before you head out for the next shopping spree. For example, did you know that some Korean credit cards give you the choice of paying for your purchase over one month or multiple month installments? The installment plans have interest fees, so plan accordingly! Be ready for this question, since some stores will ask you if you want your purchase to be put through as 일시불 (ilsibul).

Use these Korean phrases to add even more fun to your shopping experience. You will thank yourself for all of the great deals you’ll get!

Dry Cleaner Korean Phrases

Are you living or visiting Korea for a while and you’re thinking of visiting a dry cleaner soon? You’ll need to pack yourself with helpful dry cleaner Korean phrases and sentences. 

Korean dry cleaners can be one of the best dry cleaners in the world! They can be your best friend. Why? They can totally make ordinary shirts, trousers, skirts, and suits make your clothing look new again. Not only that, but you can save some of your clothing from certain doom. 

Learn the Korean phrases and sentences below so that you’ll be able to speak with the person in the dry cleaner shop at your next stop. 

Bank Korean Phrases

Use these Korean phrases at the bank to confidently, quickly, and seamlessly get your banking business taken care of. You may want to print these out and read the sentences when you’re at the bank.

Most Korean banks have staff who speak English. They can help you with your transactions but there can be days when they’re not around so learning the words and phrases will come in handy. You’ll also be able to impress them when you speak Korean to them. Make sure to click the audio below to help you with the Korean pronunciation of the words and phrases. 

There you have it! These sentences will mostly be useful if you are living or traveling in Korea. However, you may also find them useful if you visit a Korean bank in another country.

Hospital Korean Phrases

You can use these Korean phrases below to communicate the next time you go to the hospital. They will help you explain to the doctor what the problem is.

Even if the doctor speaks English, you may find these phrases handy to use with the nurse or the receptionist who takes your name down and asks what is bothering you. These sentences may also be helpful when talking with the X-ray technicians.

If you get a prescription, there will usually be a pharmacy nearby. Sometimes, there will be a pharmacy inside the hospital!

Pharmacy Korean Phrases

If you’re not feeling well and you don’t think it’s quite worth a doctor’s visit, then you might want to swing by your local pharmacy in Korea.

Pharmacists in Korea are very helpful. Explain what the problem is, and they’ll give you the recommended medicine to get you back to your former glorious self. 

Or, maybe you went to the hospital and now you’ve got that piece of paper with the cure to your sickness. You’ll be on your way with your prescription filled in no time!

Many speak English well and can understand what you are saying in English. However, knowing a few phrases or specialty words in Korean can help. Try looking those words up in a Korean-English dictionary to ensure a smooth visit.  

Dentist Korean Phrases

It’s about that time to take care of that movie star smile!

If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. Not to worry, we’ve got some Korean phrases you can use at the dentist’s office to make sure your visit is a smooth one.

In Korean, people use the term “scaling” (스케일링) for cleaning. If the dentist starts talking about scaling your teeth, don’t be surprised, it’s a good thing!

Most of the dentists in Korea speak English, so you likely won’t have to worry about a heavy language barrier. However, their assistants may not be confident about their abilities to speak English, so having some Korean phrases may come in handy.

The dentists in Korea are really good, so sit back and relax, it should be a painless and carefree visit!

Hair Salon Korean Phrases

These salon sentences will help you speak Korean for your next trip to the salon in South Korea. 

You may be worried about the stylist chopping away at your gorgeous locks of hair. After all, it’s really easy to miscommunicate when you’re learning to speak in a foreign language!

Thankfully, there are Korean phrases for the hair salon to help you get exactly the hairstyle that you want.

Study up, and get ready to show off that new hairdo!

Movie Theater & Cinema

There are a variety of Korean movie theaters, some of the popular being CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox. You may even notice these Korean movie theater brands in other countries.

There are a few great things about going to the movies in Korea.

First of all, you can easily reserve tickets for a movie through Korean smartphone apps. If some problem with your schedule comes up, many theaters have a refund policy if you cancel before the movie starts (depending on the movie theater). Knowing the language will help if the app is only in Korean. 

Secondly, many of the Korean theaters have movies that start well into midnight. You may find yourself going to a movie at 3:00 am!

Thirdly, you can cuddle up with your significant other during your movie by reserving couple seats, often on the top row. CGV calls them “Sweetbox” seats, and they have a foldable armrest for a loveseat-style feeling at the movies.

Here are basic Korean words and phrases to help you understand the Korean language on the movie reservation apps or speak Korean to movie theater staff. 

Just remember to turn off your mobile phone, and don’t speak during the movie. Save your language conversation practice for after the movie is over! 

Post Office Korean Phrases

The post offices in Korea have a wide variety of services, from regular domestic shipments to international airmail. Most locations also have shipping supplies right at the post office, so you can do all of your packing and shipping in one spot. 

Here are Korean phrases you can use to understand the Korean language instructions or details used or to speak Korean with post office employees.  

Note that if you’re sending a letter to Korea from outside the country, you can write the address in Korean. However, make sure to write the country name in English. 

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Korean Travel Phrases

Pack your bags! We’re hitting the road and going to put some of our Korean language skills to good use. Use these Korean travel phrases to help you speak with anyone you meet as you take trips throughout Korea. These travel survival phrases will help you have a fun and comfortable stay in South Korea.

Asking for Directions Korean Phrases

Ready for some adventure? It’s time to do some traveling within Korea!

Of course, we want to make your trip to South Korea as smooth as possible, so we’ll give you some common phrases you can use in case you get lost or need directions.

Whether you’re in the big city or quiet countryside, use these Korean phrases to ask the locals where something is.

Start things off with a simple “잠시만요”, and then get to chat in the local language!

Below is a list of Korean words and phrases to help make your visit to South Korea convenient. 

Hotel and Pension Korean Phrases

Staying in Korean accommodations can be a fun and unique experience. There are many interesting places to stay throughout the country. Since some of them are outside of the big cities, the staff may not be used to speaking English as in other tourist areas so it’s good to know a bit of the Korean language. 

That’s where these Korean phrases for accommodations will come in handy!

Use these Korean phrases to help you speak the local language at hotels and pensions (B&Bs) in Korea. 

Bus Korean Phrases

The Korean bus system is one of the best systems in the world.

The buses are fast, clean, and on time. This goes for the smaller local buses (마을 버스), the regular city buses, and even the express buses (고속 버스).

At many bus stops in Seoul, there is a digital display that shows which buses are coming and what time they will arrive. It’s very accurate!

If you really want to dial in your schedule down to the minute, you can download applications to tell you which bus will arrive at certain times. That way, you can check the bus arrival times before you get to the bus stop. This is especially useful when during the winter. You may want to stay in that warm cafe or restaurant as long as possible and walk out to your bus right as it arrives.

The Korean phrases below will help you with regular city buses. There are also basic Korean phrases to help you book bus tickets from different parts of the country at the various terminals around Korea.

Charge up your T-Money card, and go for a ride!

Note that some of the bus information maybe be in English, but not all of it. Knowing a bit of Hangeul will help you, especially when you leave the big cities such as Seoul or Busan. 

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Useful Korean Phrases

In this section, you’ll learn all about the useful Korean phrases for different situations you’ll possibly be in when visiting or staying in Korea. 

Here are some fantastic Korean phrases you can use for different social situations. For example, you may use these when you meet your Korean friends.

If you’re not confident about talking 100% in Korean, then just start small. Use a mix of Korean and English in your sentences to get some language practice. For example, you can talk in 10% Korean and 90% English. Then as you improve your ability to speak in Korean, you can increase it to 20% Korean and 80% English. 

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the language. It may be challenging at first, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re having smooth conversations in Korean.

Dinner Table Korean Phrases

Korea has a strong food culture. Along with that, comes a wide range of interesting Korean phrases that will allow you to express your feelings in unique ways. There are similar phrases in English, but the Korean version may be used differently. 

For example, you say “I will eat well” before eating your meal. This is the way that Koreans show gratitude toward the person who cooked the meal. Then, instead of saying “thank you”, you’d simply say the Korean word 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeotseumnida), which means “I ate well.”

Also, don’t be surprised if you get some shocked looks when telling Koreans that you’re vegetarian! For Koreans, barbecuing meat is almost a religion. It’s hard for them to imagine living without that tasty part of their cuisine.

Below are words and phrases in the Korean language that’ll come in handy when dining out in Korea or with your friends. You’ll also often hear these words from Korean dramas.

Korean Small Talk Phrases

Concerned about first impressions?

Well, that’s great news! Koreans are very image-conscious, so it’s best to start things off on the right foot.

And what better way of doing that than to use some Korean phrases for small talk!

Get these Korean phrases under your belt and you’ll be well on your way to breaking the ice with anyone you meet. 

Since you’ll be talking in Korean, you can also get your own Korean name. Here’s a complete guide on how to do it.