Learn Korean in 20 Minutes - ALL the Basics You Need

Summary

This KoreanClass101 lesson offers a fun and easy introduction to basic Korean expressions. It covers how to introduce yourself in both formal and informal ways, say 'thank you,' use polite greetings, and ask if someone speaks English. The lesson also includes essential phrases for apologizing, getting attention in a restaurant, and basic numbers in Korean. With a mix of formal and informal language tips, cultural insights, and practical phrases, this lesson ensures learners can confidently navigate everyday interactions in Korean from the very first lesson.

Takeaways

• 😀 Informal Korean Introductions: To introduce yourself informally, you can say 'Annyeong. [Name]-ya. Bangawo' which means 'Hi, I'm [Name]. Nice to meet you.'
• 😀 Formal Korean Introductions: For a formal introduction, use 'Annyeong haseyo. [Name]-eyo. Bangawoyo,' which shows respect and politeness.
• 😀 Thank You Phrases: The formal 'Gamsahamnida' means 'Thank you,' while the informal 'Gomawo' means 'Thanks.' To express more gratitude, add 'Daedanhee' to form 'Daedanhee gamsahamnida' (Thank you very much).
• 😀 Informal Goodbye: To say goodbye casually, use 'Jal isseo' which means 'Stay well.'
• 😀 Formal Goodbye: When leaving politely, say 'Annyeonghi-gyeseyo,' meaning 'Please stay peacefully.'
• 😀 Asking if Someone Speaks English: The phrase 'Yeongeo haseyo?' means 'Do you speak English?' A more polite form would be 'Sillyehajiman, yeongeo haseyo?' which means 'Excuse me, but do you speak English?'
• 😀 Polite Responses to Thanks: When someone thanks you, the most common response is 'Anieyo' (No problem). Another option is 'Chonmaneyo,' though it is less common.
• 😀 Apology Phrases: 'Silyehamnida' is a polite 'Excuse me,' while 'Joisonghamnida' means 'I’m sorry' (used for mistakes or inconveniences). 'Mianhae' is the informal version of 'Sorry.'
• 😀 Cultural Insight - Bowing: In Korean culture, it’s polite to make a small bow when introducing yourself. Men bow with their hands at their sides, while women bow with their hands in front.
• 😀 Korean Numbers (1-10): The Chinese-based number system in Korean includes: Il (1), I (2), Sam (3), Sa (4), O (5), Yuk (6), Chil (7), Pal (8), Gu (9), Sip (10).

Q & A

What is the difference between the informal and formal ways of greeting in Korean?

In Korean, 'Annyeong' (안녕) is the informal greeting, typically used with friends or people younger than you, and means 'Peace.' On the other hand, 'Annyeonghaseyo' (안녕하세요) is the formal greeting, which means 'Are you at peace?' and is used with people you don't know well, or those older or in higher social positions.

How do you introduce yourself informally in Korean?

To introduce yourself informally in Korean, you can say 'Annyeong, [your name]-ya, bangawo' (안녕, [your name]-야, 반가워), where 'Annyeong' means 'Hi,' '[your name]-ya' is the informal way of saying your name, and 'bangawo' means 'Nice to meet you.'

What are the polite and casual ways to say 'thank you' in Korean?

'Gamsahamnida' (감사합니다) is the formal way to say 'thank you,' while 'Gomawo' (고마워) is the casual, friendly way. To express 'thank you very much,' you can say 'Daedanhee gamsahamnida' (대단히 감사합니다), with 'daedanhee' meaning 'greatly.'

How do you respond to someone thanking you in Korean?

A common informal response to 'thank you' in Korean is 'Anieyo' (아니에요), which means 'No problem.' For a more formal response, you can say 'Chonmaneyo' (천만에요), although 'Anieyo' is more frequently used in daily conversations.

How can you politely ask if someone speaks English in Korean?

To ask if someone speaks English politely, you can say 'Yeongeo haseyo?' (영어 하세요?), which means 'Do you speak English?' If you want to be more specific about their ability, you can say 'Yeongeo hal-su-isseoyo?' (영어 할 수 있어요?), meaning 'Can you speak English?'

What is the phrase to apologize when you have made a mistake in Korean?

The phrase 'Joisonghamnida' (죄송합니다) is used to apologize when you've made a mistake or accidentally bumped into someone. It means 'I’m sorry' and is a formal expression of regret.

What is the difference between 'Silyehamnida' and 'Joisonghamnida'?

'Silyehamnida' (실례합니다) means 'Excuse me' and is used when you want to ask for someone's attention or make a request. 'Joisonghamnida' (죄송합니다), however, is used to express a sincere apology, typically when you've made a mistake or caused inconvenience.

How do you ask someone to stay or go well in Korean?

To ask someone to stay well, you can say 'Jal-isseo' (잘 있어) informally. To ask someone to go well, you can say 'Jal-ga' (잘 가), also informal. For more formal situations, you would say 'Annyeonghi-gyeseyo' (안녕히 계세요) to ask someone to stay, and 'Annyeonghi-gaseyo' (안녕히 가세요) to ask someone to go.

What are the Korean numbers from one to ten in the Chinese-based system?

The numbers from one to ten in the Chinese-based Korean system are: 1 - Il (일), 2 - I (이), 3 - Sam (삼), 4 - Sa (사), 5 - O (오), 6 - Yuk (육), 7 - Chil (칠), 8 - Pal (팔), 9 - Gu (구), 10 - Sip (십).

How do you say 'zero' in Korean?

'Zero' in Korean is 'Yeong' (영) in general use, but when giving a phone number, it is often pronounced 'Gong' (공). For example, a phone number might be read as 'Gong il Gong sam il chil o sa i yuk pal' (공일공삼일칠오사이육팔).