Learning Korean phrases for beginners is one of the easiest ways to start speaking Korean with confidence.
You don’t need long grammar lessons or thousands of vocabulary words. You simply need the right phrases that real people actually use every day.
These simple expressions become your first tools for greeting someone, asking for help, ordering food, introducing yourself, and surviving daily conversations.
If you’re just starting your Korean journey, these phrases help you feel less lost and more excited. They give you a quick win.
They make Korean feel friendly instead of scary.
This guide breaks down the most useful Korean phrases for beginners into clean, easy categories so you can learn step by step. Let’s dive in together.
Why It Matters — Why Learning Korean Phrases for Beginners Is Important 💡
Learning Korean phrases for beginners helps you communicate right away, even before you fully understand grammar.
These phrases give you practical shortcuts that you can use in real situations.
For example, imagine traveling in Seoul and needing directions, or needing help ordering food at a restaurant. can save you from confusion and stress.
Knowing some basic phrases also makes interactions warmer. Koreans appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language. It builds connection, trust, and respect. Even small phrases show effort and create friendly moments.
They open doors, break barriers, and give you confidence from the very first day.
Greetings & Basic Manners 😊
안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
Meaning: Hello
Explanation: A polite greeting used in almost every situation.
Use When: Meeting someone new, entering a shop, greeting a teacher.
Example: You walk into a café and say, “안녕하세요!” with a smile.
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
Meaning: Thank you
Explanation: A very polite way to show gratitude.
Use When: Someone helps you, gives you something, or answers a question.
Example: After receiving your order, you say, “감사합니다.”
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
Meaning: I’m sorry
Explanation: A respectful apology.
Use When: Accidentally bumping into someone or interrupting someone.
Example: You step on someone’s foot and say, “죄송합니다.”
네 / 아니요 (Ne / Aniyo)
Meaning: Yes / No
Explanation: The simplest answers you’ll use daily.
Use When: Responding to questions in shops, taxis, or conversations.
Example: “따뜻한 커피 맞죠?” “네!”
Self-Introduction Phrases 📝
저는 ___입니다 (Jeoneun ___ imnida)
Meaning: I am ___
Explanation: Perfect for stating your name or role.
Use When: Introducing yourself in casual or formal settings.
Example: “저는 Sami 입니다.”
만나서 반가워요 (Mannaseo bangawoyo)
Meaning: Nice to meet you
Explanation: A friendly introduction phrase.
Use When: Meeting new friends, coworkers, or classmates.
Example: “안녕하세요, 만나서 반가워요!”
제 이름은 ___예요 (Je ireumeun ___yeyo)
Meaning: My name is ___
Explanation: Another simple name-sharing phrase.
Use When: Starting any introduction.
Example: “제 이름은 Ali예요.”
Travel & Navigation Phrases 🧭
어디예요? (Eodi-yeyo?)
Meaning: Where is it?
Explanation: Useful when asking for locations.
Use When: Finding a station, store, or hotel.
Example: “화장실 어디예요?”
이거 어떻게 가요? (Igeo eotteoke gayo?)
Meaning: How do I get there?
Explanation: Common for tourists.
Use When: Asking for directions.
Example: “명동은 어떻게 가요?”
여기 멈춰 주세요 (Yeogi meomchwo juseyo)
Meaning: Stop here, please
Explanation: Perfect for taxis or buses.
Use When: Getting off at your location.
Example: “여기 멈춰 주세요.”
Food & Ordering Phrases 🍜
이거 주세요 (Igeo juseyo)
Meaning: Please give me this
Explanation: A simple way to order anything.
Use When: Pointing at menu items.
Example: At a restaurant, “이거 주세요.”
추천해 주세요 (Chucheon hae juseyo)
Meaning: Please recommend something
Explanation: Helpful when unsure what to eat.
Use When: Asking a waiter for suggestions.
Example: “맛있는 거 추천해 주세요.”
물 좀 주세요 (Mul jom juseyo)
Meaning: Please give me water
Explanation: Basic and polite.
Use When: Asking for water.
Example: “물 좀 주세요.”
Shopping Phrases 🛍️
얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)
Meaning: How much is it?
Explanation: One of the most used phrases.
Use When: Buying clothes, food, or anything.
Example: “이 셔츠 얼마예요?”
좀 깎아 주세요 (Jom kkakka juseyo)
Meaning: Please give me a discount
Explanation: Gently asks for a lower price.
Use When: Markets or street shops.
Example: “좀 깎아 주세요.”
다른 색 있어요? (Dareun saek isseoyo?)
Meaning: Do you have another color?
Explanation: Great for clothes or items.
Use When: Exploring more options.
Example: “다른 색 있어요?”
Emergency & Help Phrases 🚨
H3: 도와주세요! (Dowajuseyo!)
Meaning: Please help
Explanation: Simple and urgent.
Use When: Any emergency situation.
Example: “도와주세요!”
H3: 병원 어디예요? (Byeongwon eodi-yeyo?)
Meaning: Where is the hospital?
Explanation: Important for health emergencies.
Use When: Looking for medical help.
Example: “병원 어디예요?”
길을 잃었어요 (Gireul ilheosseoyo)
Meaning: I’m lost
Explanation: Clear and easy.
Use When: Needing directions back.
Example: “길을 잃었어요.”
Daily Conversation Phrases 💬
H3: 맞아요 (Majayo)
Meaning: That’s right
Explanation: Great for agreeing.
Use When: Responding naturally in conversation.
Example: “네, 맞아요.”
잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo)
Meaning: Wait a moment
Explanation: Polite pause request.
Use When: Asking someone to hold on.
Example: “잠시만요!”
이해했어요 (Ihaehaesseoyo)
Meaning: I understand
Explanation: Shows you are following the conversation.
Use When: Confirming understanding.
Example: “이해했어요.”
Bonus Recap Table
| Category | Phrase | Meaning | Use Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greetings | 안녕하세요 | Hello | Greeting anyone |
| Food | 이거 주세요 | Give me this | Ordering food |
| Travel | 어디예요? | Where is it? | Finding locations |
| Shopping | 얼마예요? | How much? | Buying items |
| Emergency | 도와주세요 | Help | Urgent situations |
| Conversation | 맞아요 | That’s right | Agreeing |
Final Thoughts
Learning Korean phrases for beginners is the fastest way to start speaking naturally. You don’t need to master everything at once just start with simple greetings, travel phrases, and conversation basics.
Use them in small moments: greeting someone, asking a question, or ordering food.
With real practice, you’ll build confidence and sound more natural day by day. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the journey of learning Korean.
QuicklyReply helps you master real-life communication with ready-to-use English phrases for work, travel, and daily life—perfect for teachers, learners, and professionals seeking quick, natural expressions.
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