A Practical Guide to Basic Korean Words & Phrases

Learning a new language opens doors to new cultures, experiences, and connections. Korean, with its unique alphabet and rich cultural context, offers a particularly rewarding learning journey. Whether you're planning a trip to Seoul, interested in K-dramas without subtitles, or simply expanding your linguistic horizons, mastering basic Korean phrases will enhance your experience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamental Korean vocabulary and expressions you need to navigate everyday situations with confidence.

Why Learning Basic Korean Matters

Basic Korean vocabulary and phrases serve as your foundation for meaningful communication. Starting with expressions like "안녕하세요" (annyeonghaseyo) for "hello" and "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) for "thank you" creates immediate connection points with Korean speakers.

These elementary building blocks allow you to:

Express basic needs and courtesies
Navigate everyday situations
Demonstrate respect for Korean culture
Build confidence for more advanced learning

Research shows that focusing on high-frequency words first accelerates language acquisition. The 1,000 most common words in Korean account for approximately 75% of everyday conversation, making strategic vocabulary learning extremely effective.

Strategic Approaches to Korean Language Learning

The journey to Korean fluency doesn't happen overnight, but with systematic practice, you can begin communicating effectively within weeks. Consider these practical strategies:

Master Pronunciation Fundamentals

Korean phonetics differ significantly from English, requiring dedicated practice. The Korean alphabet (Hangul) consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, each with distinct sounds that may not exist in your native language.

Focus on challenging sounds like:

The distinction between aspirated and non-aspirated consonants
Korean-specific vowel combinations
The proper rhythm and intonation patterns

Record yourself speaking and compare with native audio resources. Pay particular attention to mouth positions for unfamiliar sounds, as physical muscle memory dramatically improves pronunciation.

Build Functional Vocabulary First

Rather than memorizing random word lists, focus on vocabulary that serves immediate communicative purposes. Start with:

Situational phrases for travel, dining, and shopping
Common verbs for daily activities
Basic descriptive adjectives
Question words and directional terms

This functional approach provides immediate practical application, reinforcing retention through real-world usage rather than abstract memorization.

Leverage Technology Effectively

Digital tools have revolutionized language learning. Take advantage of applications that incorporate spaced repetition systems (SRS), which schedule reviews at optimal intervals to maximize long-term retention.

Effective language applications provide:

Audio from native speakers
Contextual examples
Progressive difficulty scaling
Personalized review schedules

Supplement app learning with authentic content like Korean music, podcasts, and YouTube channels designed for beginners to develop natural listening comprehension.

Practice with Native Speakers

Nothing accelerates language acquisition like conversation practice with fluent speakers. Scheduling regular sessions with Korean conversation partners or tutors provides:

Immediate feedback on pronunciation
Natural language patterns beyond textbook examples
Cultural context for appropriate expression
Accountability for consistent practice

Online platforms connect language learners with qualified Korean tutors for personalized instruction tailored to your specific goals and learning pace.

Essential Korean Greetings and Basic Expressions

Korean society values politeness and proper etiquette in social interactions. Mastering these fundamental greetings creates positive first impressions:

Everyday Greetings

안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) - Hello/Good day

Used throughout the day in most situations
Example: When entering a store, greet the staff with "안녕하세요"

안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) - Goodbye (when you're leaving)

Literally means "stay in peace"
Example: When departing a friend's home, say "안녕히 계세요"

안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) - Goodbye (when others are leaving)

Literally means "go in peace"
Example: When a guest is leaving your location, say "안녕히 가세요"

잘 지냈어요? (jal jinaesseoyo?) - How have you been?

Commonly used when meeting someone after time apart
Example: Meeting a colleague after a weekend, ask "잘 지냈어요?"

Essential Courtesies

감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) - Thank you

Formal expression suitable for most situations
Example: After receiving help with directions, say "감사합니다"

고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida) - Thank you

Alternative formal expression of gratitude
Example: When someone holds the door, say "고맙습니다"

죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) - I'm sorry

Formal apology for mistakes or inconveniences
Example: If accidentally bumping into someone, say "죄송합니다"

괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) - It's okay/No problem

Used to indicate something is acceptable or to grant forgiveness
Example: When someone apologizes for a minor issue, respond with "괜찮아요"

Korean Numerical System

Korean uses two numerical systems: the native Korean system (primarily for counting) and the Sino-Korean system (for dates, money, and phone numbers). Understanding both is essential for daily functions.

Native Korean Numbers (1-10)

하나 (hana) - One 둘 (dul) - Two 셋 (set) - Three 넷 (net) - Four 다섯 (daseot) - Five 여섯 (yeoseot) - Six 일곱 (ilgop) - Seven 여덟 (yeodeol) - Eight 아홉 (ahop) - Nine 열 (yeol) - Ten

The native Korean system is typically used for counting objects and people, telling time (hours), and expressing age.

Sino-Korean Numbers (1-10)

일 (il) - One 이 (i) - Two 삼 (sam) - Three 사 (sa) - Four 오 (o) - Five 육 (yuk) - Six 칠 (chil) - Seven 팔 (pal) - Eight 구 (gu) - Nine 십 (sip) - Ten

The Sino-Korean system is used for dates, money amounts, phone numbers, and addresses.

Understanding when to use each system is crucial. For example, when counting three apples, you would use "사과 세 개" (sagwa se gae) using the native Korean number, but when stating March (the third month), you would say "삼월" (samwol) using the Sino-Korean number.

Core Korean Verbs for Daily Communication

Verbs form the backbone of Korean sentences. Learning these essential verbs in their basic form provides adaptable building blocks for countless expressions:

하다 (hada) - To do/to perform

Extremely versatile, often combined with nouns to create new verbs
Example: 공부하다 (gongbuhada) - to study (lit. "to do studying")

가다 (gada) - To go

Used for physical movement toward a destination
Example: 학교에 가다 (hakgyoe gada) - to go to school

오다 (oda) - To come

Indicates movement toward the speaker
Example: 집에 오다 (jibe oda) - to come home

먹다 (meokda) - To eat

One of the most frequently used daily verbs
Example: 아침을 먹다 (achimeul meokda) - to eat breakfast

마시다 (masida) - To drink

Applies to all consumable liquids
Example: 커피를 마시다 (keopireul masida) - to drink coffee

보다 (boda) - To see/to watch

Used for visual perception and media consumption
Example: 영화를 보다 (yeonghwareul boda) - to watch a movie

듣다 (deutda) - To hear/to listen

Used for auditory perception
Example: 음악을 듣다 (eumageul deutda) - to listen to music

말하다 (malhada) - To speak/to talk

Used for verbal communication
Example: 한국어를 말하다 (hangugeo-reul malhada) - to speak Korean

자다 (jada) - To sleep

Describes the act of sleeping
Example: 일찍 자다 (iljjik jada) - to sleep early

일하다 (ilhada) - To work

Describes professional activities
Example: 사무실에서 일하다 (samusil-eseo ilhada) - to work in an office

Korean verb conjugation depends on formality level and tense. The examples above are in dictionary form, which must be conjugated appropriately in real sentences.

Essential Korean Vocabulary for Food Shopping

Navigating Korean markets and grocery stores requires specific vocabulary. These key terms will help you identify products and interact with vendors:

Food Categories

고기 (gogi) - Meat

Used as a general term, often with specific prefixes
Example: "소고기 주세요" (sogogi juseyo) - Please give me beef

생선 (saengseon) - Fish

General term for fish products
Example: "오늘 생선이 신선해요?" (oneul saengseon-i sinseonhaeyo?) - Is the fish fresh today?

채소 (chaeso) - Vegetables

Collective term for vegetable products
Example: "채소 코너가 어디예요?" (chaeso koneo-ga eodieyeyo?) - Where is the vegetable section?

과일 (gwail) - Fruit

General term for fruit
Example: "제철 과일이 뭐예요?" (jechel gwail-i mwoyeyo?) - What fruits are in season?

유제품 (yujepum) - Dairy products

Includes milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
Example: "유제품 알레르기가 있어요" (yujepum allereugi-ga isseoyo) - I have a dairy allergy

음료 (eumryo) - Beverages

General term for drinks
Example: "차가운 음료 있어요?" (chagaun eumryo isseoyo?) - Do you have cold beverages?

Shopping Interactions

이거 얼마예요? (igeo eolmayeyo?) - How much is this?

Essential for price inquiries
Example: Pointing to an item and asking "이거 얼마예요?"

너무 비싸요 (neomu bissayo) - It's too expensive

Useful for bargaining in markets
Example: "너무 비싸요. 깎아 주세요" (neomu bissayo. kkakka juseyo) - It's too expensive. Please lower the price.

할인 있어요? (halin isseoyo?) - Is there a discount?

For inquiring about sales or promotions
Example: "세 개 사면 할인 있어요?" (se gae samyeon halin isseoyo?) - Is there a discount if I buy three?

카드 돼요? (kadeu dwaeyo?) - Do you accept cards?

For payment method inquiries
Example: Before checking out, ask "카드 돼요?"

영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeum juseyo) - Please give me a receipt

Request a receipt after payment
Example: After paying, say "영수증 주세요"

Understanding these food shopping essentials allows you to navigate Korean markets confidently, ensuring you find what you need and complete transactions smoothly.

Korean Restaurant Phrases: Dining Out with Confidence

Korean cuisine is internationally celebrated for its bold flavors and unique dining culture. These essential expressions will help you navigate restaurants and enjoy authentic culinary experiences:

Restaurant Basics

메뉴판 주세요 (menyupan juseyo) - Please give me the menu

First phrase needed when seated at a restaurant
Example: When server approaches your table, say "메뉴판 주세요"

물 주세요 (mul juseyo) - Please give me water

Most restaurants serve water complimentary
Example: If water isn't automatically provided, request "물 주세요"

주문할게요 (jumunhalgeyo) - I'll order now

Indicates readiness to place your order
Example: When the server returns, say "주문할게요"

이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo) - Please give me this

Simple way to order by pointing at menu items
Example: Point to a menu item and say "이거 주세요"

Food Preferences

매운 음식 (maeun eumsik) - Spicy food

Korean cuisine often features spicy dishes
Example: "매운 음식 괜찮아요?" (maeun eumsik gwaenchanayo?) - Is it spicy?

단 음식 (dan eumsik) - Sweet food

For describing or asking about sweetness
Example: "이 디저트는 너무 달아요" (i dijeoteuneun neomu darayo) - This dessert is too sweet

짠 음식 (jjan eumsik) - Salty food

For describing or asking about saltiness
Example: "짠 음식을 못 먹어요" (jjan eumsik-eul mot meogeoyo) - I can't eat salty food

추천해 주세요 (chucheonhae juseyo) - Please recommend something

Asking for menu recommendations
Example: When unsure what to order, ask "뭐가 맛있어요? 추천해 주세요" (mwoga masisseoyo? chucheonhae juseyo) - What's delicious? Please recommend something

Payment and Departure

계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo) - Please give me the bill

Request the check when finished eating
Example: When ready to leave, say "계산서 주세요"

따로 계산할게요 (ttaro gyesanhalgeyo) - We'll pay separately

For splitting the bill among companions
Example: "친구랑 따로 계산할게요" (chingurang ttaro gyesanhalgeyo) - My friend and I will pay separately

카드로 결제할게요 (kadeuro gyeoljaehalgeyo) - I'll pay by card

Specifying credit card payment
Example: When paying, say "카드로 결제할게요"

현금으로 낼게요 (hyeongeumeuro naelgeyo) - I'll pay with cash

Specifying cash payment
Example: "현금으로 낼게요" when ready to pay

맛있었어요 (masisseosseoyo) - It was delicious

Polite compliment when leaving
Example: As you depart, tell the staff "정말 맛있었어요, 감사합니다" (jeongmal masisseosseoyo, gamsahamnida) - It was really delicious, thank you

These restaurant phrases cover the entire dining experience from arrival to departure, ensuring you can enjoy Korean cuisine authentically and handle all interactions confidently.

Navigational Korean: Asking for Directions

Finding your way in Korea requires specific vocabulary and phrases. Master these expressions to navigate confidently in unfamiliar surroundings:

Directional Terms

오른쪽 (oreunjjok) - Right

Used for indicating right direction
Example: "오른쪽으로 가세요" (oreunjjogeuro gaseyo) - Go to the right

왼쪽 (oenjjok) - Left

Used for indicating left direction
Example: "첫 번째 왼쪽으로 도세요" (cheot beonjjae oenjjogeuro doseyo) - Turn left at the first corner

앞 (ap) - Front/ahead

Indicates forward direction
Example: "앞으로 100미터 가세요" (apeuro baek miteoga seyo) - Go 100 meters ahead

뒤 (dwi) - Back/behind

Indicates backward direction
Example: "뒤로 돌아가세요" (dwiro doragaseyo) - Go back

근처 (geuncheo) - Nearby

Indicates proximity
Example: "은행이 근처에 있어요?" (eunhaeng-i geuncheo-e isseoyo?) - Is there a bank nearby?

Location Questions

어디예요? (eodiyeyo?) - Where is it?

Basic question for location
Example: "화장실이 어디예요?" (hwajangsil-i eodiyeyo?) - Where is the bathroom?

얼마나 걸려요? (eolmana geollyeoyo?) - How long does it take?

For inquiring about travel time
Example: "명동까지 얼마나 걸려요?" (myeongdongkkaji eolmana geollyeoyo?) - How long does it take to get to Myeongdong?

거리가 얼마나 돼요? (georiga eolmana dwaeyo?) - How far is it?

For inquiring about distance
Example: "공항까지 거리가 얼마나 돼요?" (gonghangkkaji georiga eolmana dwaeyo?) - How far is it to the airport?

Transportation Vocabulary

지하철역 (jihacheoryeok) - Subway station

For locating subway transportation
Example: "가장 가까운 지하철역이 어디예요?" (gajang gakkaun jihacheoryeok-i eodiyeyo?) - Where is the nearest subway station?

버스 정류장 (beoseu jeongnyujang) - Bus stop

For locating bus transportation
Example: "몇 번 버스 정류장이 어디예요?" (myeot beon beoseu jeongnyujang-i eodiyeyo?) - Where is the bus stop for bus number X?

택시 승강장 (taeksi seunggangjang) - Taxi stand

For locating taxi services
Example: "택시 승강장으로 가는 길 알려주세요" (taeksi seunggangjangeuro ganeun gil allyeojuseyo) - Please tell me the way to the taxi stand

여기서 ... 어떻게 가요? (yeogiseo ... eotteoke gayo?) - How do I get to ... from here?

Template question for directions
Example: "여기서 서울역까지 어떻게 가요?" (yeogiseo seouryeokkkaji eotteoke gayo?) - How do I get to Seoul Station from here?

Becoming comfortable with these navigational phrases ensures you can find your way around Korean cities efficiently, using public transportation and asking for help when needed.

Social Korean: Discussing Friends and Family

Personal relationships are central to Korean culture, and conversations often revolve around family and friends. These essential terms help you discuss personal connections:

Family Terms

가족 (gajok) - Family

General term for family unit
Example: "가족이 몇 명이에요?" (gajok-i myeot myeong-ieyo?) - How many people are in your family?

부모님 (bumonim) - Parents

Respectful term for parents
Example: "부모님께서 어디에 사세요?" (bumonim-kkeseo eodie saseyo?) - Where do your parents live?

아버지 (abeoji) - Father

Formal term for one's father
Example: "아버지께서 어떤 일을 하세요?" (abeoji-kkeseo eotteon il-eul haseyo?) - What kind of work does your father do?

어머니 (eomeoni) - Mother

Formal term for one's mother
Example: "어머니께서 요리를 잘 하세요?" (eomeoni-kkeseo yorireul jal haseyo?) - Does your mother cook well?

형제자매 (hyeongjejamae) - Siblings

General term for brothers and sisters
Example: "형제자매가 있어요?" (hyeongjejamae-ga isseoyo?) - Do you have siblings?

남동생 (namdongsaeng) - Younger brother

Used for a male's younger brother
Example: "남동생이 몇 살이에요?" (namdongsaeng-i myeot sar-ieyo?) - How old is your younger brother?

누나 (nuna) - Older sister (male speaking)

Used by males to refer to their older sisters
Example: "누나가 두 명 있어요" (nunaga du myeong isseoyo) - I have two older sisters

Friendship Terms

친구 (chingu) - Friend

General term for friend
Example: "한국인 친구가 있어요?" (hangugin chinguga isseoyo?) - Do you have Korean friends?

베스트 프렌드 (beseuteu peurendeu) - Best friend

Borrowed English term commonly used
Example: "그녀는 제 베스트 프렌드예요" (geunyeoneun je beseuteu peurendeueyeyo) - She is my best friend

동창 (dongchang) - Classmate/schoolmate

Someone who attended the same school
Example: "대학교 동창을 만났어요" (daehakgyo dongchang-eul mannasseoyo) - I met my university classmate

동료 (dongnyo) - Colleague

Someone who works with you
Example: "회사 동료와 저녁을 먹었어요" (hoesa dongnyo-wa jeonyeok-eul meogeosseoyo) - I had dinner with my work colleague

Relationship Vocabulary

남자친구 (namjachingu) - Boyfriend

Male romantic partner
Example: "남자친구를 소개해 주세요" (namjachingureul sogaehae juseyo) - Please introduce your boyfriend

여자친구 (yeojachingu) - Girlfriend

Female romantic partner
Example: "여자친구와 데이트해요" (yeojachinguwa deiteuhaeyyo) - I'm going on a date with my girlfriend

배우자 (baeuja) - Spouse

Formal term for husband or wife
Example: "배우자가 외국인이에요" (baeujaga oegugin-ieyo) - My spouse is a foreigner

약혼자 (yakheonja) - Fiancé/Fiancée

Person engaged to be married
Example: "이 분이 제 약혼자예요" (i bun-i je yakheonjayeyo) - This person is my fiancé/fiancée

Using these terms appropriately demonstrates cultural awareness and helps build meaningful connections in social settings. Korean relationship vocabulary often reflects hierarchical structures, so using the correct terms shows respect and understanding of cultural norms.

Digital Korean: Navigating Technology and Social Media

In tech-savvy Korea, digital literacy is essential. These terms help you discuss technology, use apps, and navigate social media platforms in Korean:

Device and Tech Terms

스마트폰 (seumateupOn) - Smartphone

Used for mobile devices
Example: "새 스마트폰을 샀어요" (sae seumateupOn-eul sasseoyo) - I bought a new smartphone

컴퓨터 (keompyuteo) - Computer

General term for computers
Example: "컴퓨터가 고장 났어요" (keompyuteoga gojang nasseoyo) - My computer is broken

태블릿 (taebeullit) - Tablet

For tablet devices
Example: "태블릿으로 책을 읽어요" (taebeulliteurojchaek-eul ilgeoyo) - I read books on my tablet

충전기 (chungjeongi) - Charger

For device charging equipment
Example: "충전기 빌려줄 수 있어요?" (chungjeongi billyeojul su isseoyo?) - Can you lend me a charger?

와이파이 (waipai) - WiFi

For wireless internet
Example: "와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?" (waipai bimilbeonhoga mwoyeyo?) - What's the WiFi password?

Social Media Vocabulary

소셜 미디어 (sosyeol midieo) - Social media

General term for social platforms
Example: "어떤 소셜 미디어를 사용해요?" (eotteon sosyeol midieo-reul sayonghaeyo?) - What social media do you use?

프로필 (peuropil) - Profile

User profile on platforms
Example: "프로필 사진을 바꿨어요" (peuropil sajin-eul bakkwosseoyo) - I changed my profile picture

팔로우 (pallou) - Follow

To follow accounts
Example: "인스타그램에서 팔로우해 주세요" (inseuta-geuraem-eseo pallouhae juseyo) - Please follow me on Instagram

좋아요 (joayo) - Like

To like content
Example: "제 게시물에 좋아요 눌러 주세요" (je gesimul-e joayo nulleo juseyo) - Please like my post

공유하다 (gongyuhada) - To share

Sharing content
Example: "이 기사를 공유할게요" (i gisareul gongyuhalgeyo) - I'll share this article

App and Online Service Terms

앱 (aep) - App

Short for application
Example: "새로운 앱을 다운로드했어요" (saeroun aep-eul daunlodeuhaesseoyo) - I downloaded a new app

계정 (gyejeong) - Account

User account
Example: "새 계정을 만들었어요" (sae gyejeong-eul mandeureoSSeoyo) - I created a new account

로그인 (rogeuIn) - Login

To sign in
Example: "로그인할 수 없어요" (rogeuin-hal su eopSeoyo) - I can't log in

비밀번호 (bimilbeonho) - Password

For account security
Example: "비밀번호를 잊어버렸어요" (bimilbeonho-reul ijeobeoryeosseoyo) - I forgot my password

검색하다 (geomsaekhada) - To search

For online searches
Example: "구글에서 검색했어요" (gugeu-eseo geomsaekhaesseoyo) - I searched on Google

These digital terms reflect Korea's advanced technological landscape and will help you navigate online services, discuss technology, and connect via digital platforms during your language journey.

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With 24/7 access at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, Kylian removes all the barriers that have kept you from mastering the language you’ve always wanted to learn.

Take your free lesson with Kylian today.