안녕

Using 안녕 is as easy as a wave. You say it when you first see a friend. You say it again when you are walking away. In text messages, it is often written as 안녕~ with a tilde to sound cuter. If you want to sound extra casual, you can even just say it once and walk off. Just remember, it is strictly for people you are on 'banmal' (informal) terms with. If you say this to your boss, things might get awkward fast.

Use it when you meet your best friend at a cafe. Use it when you are hanging up the phone with your sibling. It is perfect for saying goodbye after a fun night out. You can also use it in casual group chats. It is great for those 'hit and run' moments where you pass a classmate in the hall. It feels warm, familiar, and very friendly. It is the sound of friendship in Korea.

Never use 안녕 with someone older unless they told you it is okay. Do not use it at a job interview or with a waiter. If you are at a government office, keep this word in your pocket. Using it with a stranger can come off as rude or overly bold. It is like calling a stranger 'hey kid' in English. When in doubt, add 하세요 to the end to be safe. Your grandmother might give you a look if you just say 안녕 to her.

Historically, Korea faced many hardships like wars and famines. Asking if someone was 'at peace' was a genuine inquiry about their survival. Today, it has lost that heavy weight and became a standard greeting. However, the root of wishing someone well-being remains. It reflects the community-focused nature of Korean culture. We don't just say 'Hi,' we check if you are okay. It is a small word with a big heart.

If you want to be formal, use 안녕하세요. If you are the one leaving, you might hear 잘 가 (Go well). If you are the one staying, you might hear 잘 있어 (Stay well). In the digital world, Gen Z might just type ㅇㄴ as a shortcut. Some people double it up like 안녕안녕 to sound extra bubbly. There is also 안녕히 계세요 for very formal goodbyes when you are the one leaving.