Meaning
A common greeting used in Korean.
Cultural Background
The bow is essential. A 15-degree bow is standard for '안녕하세요'. In business, '안녕하십니까' is preferred over '안녕하세요' for the first meeting. Younger people often use '안녕하세요' even with friends if they are not very close yet.
The Bow
Always bow slightly. It makes your '안녕하세요' sound much more natural.
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Never use this with close friends; it sounds like you are being sarcastic.
Meaning
A common greeting used in Korean.
The Bow
Always bow slightly. It makes your '안녕하세요' sound much more natural.
Register
Never use this with close friends; it sounds like you are being sarcastic.
Context
You can use it to get someone's attention in a shop.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct polite greeting?
How do you greet a teacher?
안녕하세요 is the polite form required for teachers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 안녕하세요! B: ____.
Polite greetings are usually returned with the same level of politeness.
Match the situation to the greeting.
Meeting a stranger for the first time.
Always use polite forms with strangers.
Choose the best response.
You enter a store. What do you say?
This is the standard greeting for entering a business.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you greet a teacher?
안녕하세요 is the polite form required for teachers.
A: 안녕하세요! B: ____.
Polite greetings are usually returned with the same level of politeness.
Meeting a stranger for the first time.
Always use polite forms with strangers.
You enter a store. What do you say?
This is the standard greeting for entering a business.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is not time-specific.
It has a question mark in writing, but it's a greeting.
It is a sign of respect.
Yes, but '안녕' is more common.
Not necessarily, but it's less polite.
People will still understand you.
안녕하세요.
Yes, but more formal.
Related Phrases
안녕하십니까
specialized formVery formal hello
안녕
specialized formInformal hello
반갑습니다
builds onNice to meet you
안녕히 계세요
similarGoodbye (stay in peace)
