Hey Junkies! (Read part 6 here)
What are the must-know Korean survival phrases. As in, phrases that you’d need to survive? If you were suddenly dropped in the middle of South Korea, these would save your life.
Prepare yourself. This Top 20 Survival Phrases List is long! If you’re interested in learning more Korean, rather than reading phrases online – be sure to visit KoreanClass101.com (click here) & learn how to speak and understand Korean.
1. How to Say “Thank You” in Korean
There are 2 ways – formal and informal. I suggest you use the formal one to be polite and the informal for friends. Gamsahamnida and Gomawo!
- 감사합니다
- Gamsahamnida (formal)
- Thank you. (formal)
- 고마워.
- Gomawo. (informal)
- Thanks. (informal)
2. How to Say “You’re Welcome” in Korean
Two ways to say it as well! Cheonmaneyo and Anieyo! Great phrase for being polite.
- 천만에요.
- Cheonmaneyo.
- You’re welcome. It’s nothing.
- 아니에요.
- Anieyo.
- It isn’t. It’s nothing. You’re welcome.
3. “This Please” in Korean
This will be useful when you’re ordering things off the menu or shopping. Just point to it and say it.
- 이거 주세요.
- Igeo juseyo.
- (Give me) this, please.
4. Basic Greetings in Korean
- 안녕하세요
- Annyeonghaseyo
- Hello
Annyeonghaseyo can be used pretty much for any time of day. But wait, there’s one more! Jo-eun achimimnida.
- 좋은 아침입니다.
- Good morning.
- Jo-eun achimimnida.
5. Saying Bye in Korean
There are a few ways to say bye.
- 안녕히 가세요.
- Ah-nyounghi ga-seyo.
- Goodbye. (Go in peace)
- 잘 가.
- Jal ga.
- Get home safe. Go well.
- 안녕.
- Annyeong (Casual)
- Bye or Hello (Casual)
- 화장실 어디에요?
- Hwajangsil eodi-eyo?
- Where is the bathroom?
7. Apologizing in Korean
Want to say “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me?” Did you step on someone’s shoes? Well, you will need this. Very important to know.
- 죄송합니다.
- Joesong hamnida.
- I’m sorry.
- 영어 하세요?
- Yeong-eo haseyo?
- Do you speak English?
9. “Can you say it again” in Korean
Sometimes you’ll hear some Korean that you didn’t completely understand. Very common with beginners. The best thing to do is to ask them to repeat it. How?
- 한번 더 말씀해 주세요.
- Hanbeon deo malsseumhae juseyo.
- Can you say it again, please?
Or, if you’d like them to speak slower…
- 천천히 말씀해 주세요.
- Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseo
- Speak slowly, please.
10. I Don’t Understand’ in Korean
It’s okay to give up and admit defeat. So, when your Korean runs out and you just can’t understand anymore – use this.
- 죄송합니다, 이해 못 해요
- Joesonghamnida, ihae mot haeyo
- I’m sorry, I don’t understand.
11. How to say “I don’t speak Korean” in Korean
And what if you really don’t speak the language? Feel free to let them know. Great excuse for people to stop talking to you!
- 한국말 못 해요.
- Hangukmal mot haeyo.
- I don’t speak Korean.
12.Korean Greetings at Restaurants & Businesses
When you enter a place of business in Korea, you’ll hear certain phrases. Restaurants, boutiques, department stores, cafes – everywhere! You don’t need to know these. But you’ll definitely hear them.
- 어서 오십시오.
- Welcome.
- Eoseo osipsio.
- 안녕히 가십시오.
- Annyounghi gasipsio.
- Goodbye.
13. Asking for the Check in Korean at Restaurants
You know how to order by using “this please.” Now, how about leaving the restaurant? You’ll need the check!
- 계산서 주세요.
- Gyesanseo jusaeyo.
- Check, please.
14. “Take my picture” in Korean
Need your picture taken? You’ll definitely need this phrase.
…Unless you have selfie stick. Those are very popular!
- 사진 찍어 주세요.
- Sajin jjigeo juseyo.
- Please take my picture.
15. “How Much Is It” in Korean
Well, of course you’re going to shop. You’re going to need to ask about prices. Whether you’re a tourist or a typical Korean learner – know this!
- 얼마예요?
- Eolma-aeyo?
- How much?
And let me know what you think?
Did I miss any phrases? Leave your comments below!
More survival phrases are coming soon!
– The Main Junkie