At the A1 beginner level, the word '반갑다' is primarily introduced as a fixed, essential phrase for greetings. Learners memorize '만나서 반갑습니다' as a single chunk of vocabulary meaning 'Nice to meet you.' At this stage, the grammatical breakdown of the phrase is less important than its functional use in establishing initial social contact. Students learn to use it when introducing themselves to a new teacher, a classmate, or a language exchange partner. The focus is entirely on the formal '합쇼체' (반갑습니다) and polite '해요체' (반가워요) forms to ensure learners are always respectful in their early interactions. Teachers emphasize the pronunciation, particularly the blending of sounds, and the appropriate bowing or nodding that accompanies the phrase in Korean culture. While learners might not fully grasp that '반갑다' is an adjective meaning 'to be glad,' they successfully use it to navigate the crucial first moments of any Korean conversation. It is the key that unlocks further dialogue, making it one of the top ten most important words for absolute beginners to master.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding of '반갑다' expands beyond a mere rote greeting. They begin to recognize it as an independent adjective that can be conjugated and used in various sentence structures. They learn the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation rule, understanding why '반갑다' becomes '반가워요' in the present tense and '반가웠어요' in the past tense. This allows them to express gladness after an event has concluded, such as saying '오늘 정말 반가웠어요' (It was really nice meeting you today) at the end of a gathering. Furthermore, A2 learners start using '반갑다' to express joy at seeing familiar faces again, moving beyond just first-time introductions. They learn to pair it with phrases like '오랜만이에요' (It's been a long time). They also begin to see its application to non-human subjects, such as receiving '반가운 편지' (a welcome letter) or hearing '반가운 소식' (welcome news). This broadens their emotional vocabulary, allowing them to express relief and happiness in a more nuanced and culturally appropriate manner.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of '반갑다' becomes significantly more nuanced and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners are now comfortable with the cause-and-effect grammar pattern '-아/어서', allowing them to explicitly state the reason for their gladness: '도와주셔서 반갑습니다' (I am glad because you helped me - though '감사합니다' is better here, the structure is understood). More importantly, B1 learners master the noun-modifying form '반가운', using it effortlessly to describe people, news, and events (e.g., 반가운 손님, 반가운 비). They also learn to distinguish '반갑다' from similar emotional adjectives like '기쁘다' (happy/glad) and '즐겁다' (enjoyable), understanding that '반갑다' is strictly tied to encounters and arrivals. They begin to use the verb form '반가워하다' to describe the feelings of third parties, such as '어머니가 저를 보고 아주 반가워하셨어요' (My mother was very glad to see me). This level marks a transition from using the word as a survival tool to using it as a precise instrument of emotional expression.
In the B2 upper-intermediate stage, learners wield '반갑다' with near-native intuition, applying it appropriately across a wide spectrum of registers and social contexts. They understand the subtle shifts in tone required for different situations. In a formal business email, they confidently write '연락 주셔서 반갑습니다' (Glad to receive your contact). In a casual setting with close friends, they naturally drop the honorifics and exclaim '야, 진짜 반갑다!' (Hey, so great to see you!). They also begin to appreciate the idiomatic and slightly metaphorical uses of the word. For example, they understand when a news anchor refers to a drop in inflation as '반가운 지표' (a welcome indicator). B2 learners are highly aware of the cultural weight of the word; they know that expressing '반가움' (gladness) is not just a polite formality, but a crucial way of validating the other person's presence and maintaining harmonious relationships (기분) in Korean society. They can also self-correct common mistakes, ensuring they never use '반갑다' for general, non-encounter-based happiness.
At the C1 advanced level, the comprehension of '반갑다' extends into the realms of literature, media analysis, and complex social dynamics. Learners encounter the word in novels and poetry, where it is often used to personify nature or abstract concepts—such as a poet welcoming the spring breeze as a '반가운 손님' (welcome guest). They can engage in deep discussions about the psychological and cultural implications of greetings in Korea, analyzing how the frequent use of '반갑다' reflects a society that highly values interpersonal connectivity (정). C1 learners can effortlessly manipulate the word in complex grammatical structures, such as concessive clauses or hypothetical scenarios: '비록 짧은 만남이었지만, 무척 반가웠습니다' (Even though it was a short meeting, I was very glad). They also master related vocabulary and compound words, understanding the subtle differences between '반갑다' and highly formal synonyms like '환영하다' (to welcome) or '경하하다' (to congratulate/celebrate), choosing the exact right word for highly specific, formal, or academic contexts.
At the C2 mastery level, the learner's use of '반갑다' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They possess a profound understanding of the word's etymology and its evolution in modern Korean society. They can play with the word stylistically, using it sarcastically or ironically if the situation demands it (e.g., encountering a recurring problem and saying '참 반가운 얼굴이네' - 'What a welcome sight' [sarcastic]). C2 users understand the micro-expressions and exact intonations that accompany '반갑다' in different regions or among different generations. They can write eloquent, persuasive essays or deliver compelling speeches where '반갑다' is used not just as a greeting, but as a rhetorical device to build immediate rapport with an audience. Their mastery means they no longer think about the 'ㅂ' irregular rule or the distinction from '기쁘다'; the word flows naturally as an exact reflection of their intended emotional and social positioning within any given Korean cultural context.

반갑다 em 30 segundos

  • Used for greetings (Nice to meet you).
  • Expresses joy from encounters or reunions.
  • Can describe welcome news or events.
  • Adjective, follows 'ㅂ' irregular rules.
The Korean adjective '반갑다' (ban-gap-da) is a foundational vocabulary word that every learner encounters early in their language journey, primarily because it forms the core of standard greetings. However, to truly master this word, one must understand that its meaning extends far beyond a simple 'hello' or 'nice to meet you.' At its core, '반갑다' expresses a genuine, internal feeling of gladness, joy, or pleasure that arises specifically from encountering someone or something. This encounter could be meeting a person for the first time, reuniting with an old friend after a long period of separation, receiving long-awaited news, or even seeing a familiar object that evokes positive memories. The emotional weight of '반갑다' is significant; it is not a passive state of being okay, but an active, positive reaction to a stimulus. When you say '만나서 반갑습니다' (Glad to meet you), you are literally saying 'Because we met, I am glad.' This cause-and-effect relationship is crucial for understanding how Korean expresses emotions.
Core Meaning
To feel joy or pleasure upon encountering a person, hearing news, or seeing something familiar.

처음 뵙겠습니다. 만나서 반갑습니다.

Furthermore, '반갑다' is intrinsically linked to the concept of human connection in Korean culture. It acknowledges the value of the other person's presence. When used toward inanimate objects or abstract concepts like 'news' (소식) or 'rain' (비), it personifies the joy, treating the arrival of these things as a welcomed guest. For instance, farmers might describe rain after a drought as '반가운 비' (welcome rain). This usage highlights the word's versatility and its deep roots in expressing relief and happiness.
Extended Usage
Used to describe inanimate objects or events that bring relief or joy, such as rain during a drought or a letter from afar.

오랜만에 친구의 반가운 목소리를 들었다.

To fully grasp '반갑다', one must also differentiate it from other words expressing happiness, such as '기쁘다' (to be glad/happy) or '즐겁다' (to be joyful/pleasant). While '기쁘다' is a general feeling of happiness that can arise from any positive event (like passing an exam), '반갑다' is strictly triggered by an encounter or an arrival. You cannot say you are '반갑다' because you ate delicious food, unless the food itself is something you haven't seen in years and are treating like an old friend. This specificity makes '반갑다' a highly targeted emotional descriptor.
Nuance
Specifically tied to encounters, arrivals, or reunions, unlike general happiness.

고향에 돌아오니 모든 것이 반갑다.

가뭄 끝에 내리는 반가운 단비.

우연히 길에서 선생님을 만나서 정말 반가웠어요.

In conclusion, '반갑다' is a beautiful, highly specific adjective that captures the warmth of human connection and the joy of welcoming someone or something into your presence. Its usage reflects a culture that deeply values interpersonal relationships and the shared joy of coming together. By mastering this word, learners not only improve their vocabulary but also gain insight into the emotional landscape of the Korean language, allowing for more authentic and heartfelt communication in a wide variety of social contexts.
Using '반갑다' correctly involves understanding its grammatical nature as a descriptive verb (adjective) in Korean, as well as mastering its various conjugations across different speech levels. Because it is an adjective, it cannot act directly on an object; instead, it describes the state of the subject. In the most common greeting, '만나서 반갑습니다', the subject 'I' (나는/저는) is omitted but implied. The structure literally translates to 'Because (we) met, (I) am glad.' This cause-and-effect structure using the connective '-아/어서' is the standard way to express the reason for your gladness.
Formal High (합쇼체)
반갑습니다. Used in professional settings, with strangers, or in formal public addresses.

여러분, 만나서 반갑습니다.

Moving down the formality scale, we have the polite level (해요체), which is '반가워요'. Notice the irregular conjugation here. '반갑다' is a 'ㅂ' irregular adjective. When followed by a vowel, the 'ㅂ' changes to '우' (or '오' in some cases, though '우' is standard here), resulting in '반가우 + 어요' which contracts to '반가워요'. This irregularity is crucial to memorize as it applies to many common Korean adjectives like 춥다 (cold) and 덥다 (hot).
Polite (해요체)
반가워요. Used in everyday polite conversation with acquaintances or colleagues of similar status.

오랜만이에요. 정말 반가워요.

For intimate relationships, such as close friends or children, the casual level (해체) '반가워' is used. Again, the 'ㅂ' irregularity applies. You might hear friends exclaiming '야, 진짜 반가워!' when they run into each other unexpectedly.
Casual (해체)
반가워. Used with close friends, younger siblings, or children.

친구야, 너무 반가워!

Beyond acting as a predicate at the end of a sentence, '반갑다' frequently modifies nouns. To do this, we attach the noun-modifying ending '-은/ㄴ'. Because of the 'ㅂ' irregularity, '반갑다' becomes '반가운'. This form is incredibly useful for creating descriptive phrases like '반가운 소식' (welcome news), '반가운 얼굴' (a welcome face/familiar face), or '반가운 손님' (a welcome guest).

아침에 반가운 편지를 받았습니다.

네가 무사히 돌아와서 정말 반갑다.

Finally, it is important to note the past tense. When recounting a past encounter or the feeling you had upon receiving news, you use '반가웠다' (formal: 반가웠습니다, polite: 반가웠어요, casual: 반가웠어). For example, after a party, you might text a friend, '오늘 만나서 정말 반가웠어' (It was really great seeing you today). Mastering these forms—present, past, and noun-modifying—along with the crucial 'ㅂ' irregular rules, will allow you to use '반갑다' fluently and accurately in almost any social situation.
The word '반갑다' is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, permeating almost every layer of social interaction. Its most prominent and frequent appearance is, undoubtedly, in introductory greetings. Whenever two people meet for the first time, regardless of the setting, '만나서 반갑습니다' (Glad to meet you) is the standard, expected phrase. You will hear this in formal business meetings, casual blind dates, university club orientations, and even when being introduced to a friend's family. It serves as the social glue that initiates a positive interaction.
First Meetings
The most common context. It is the equivalent of 'Nice to meet you' in English.

새로운 팀원 여러분, 반갑습니다.

Beyond first meetings, '반갑다' is heavily used in reunions. Whether it's been a few weeks or several years, encountering someone you already know triggers this word. In these situations, it is often paired with '오랜만이다' (It's been a long time). You will hear people enthusiastically exclaiming '어머, 오랜만이에요! 너무 반가워요!' (Oh my, it's been a while! So glad to see you!) in cafes, on the street, or at alumni gatherings. The tone of voice here is usually much more animated than in a first-meeting scenario, reflecting genuine emotional warmth.
Reunions
Used to express joy when seeing someone after a period of absence.

선배님, 다시 뵙게 되어 정말 반갑습니다.

Media and broadcasting also make extensive use of '반갑다'. Television hosts, radio DJs, and YouTubers frequently open their shows by welcoming their audience with '시청자 여러분, 반갑습니다' (Viewers, glad to see you). This creates a parasocial bond, making the audience feel personally welcomed into the broadcast. Furthermore, in news reporting, you will often hear the noun-modifying form '반가운' used to describe positive developments. For example, an economic recovery might be described as '반가운 소식' (welcome news), or a sudden drop in fine dust levels might be called '반가운 가을바람' (a welcome autumn breeze).
Media & News
Used by hosts to greet audiences, or by reporters to describe positive, long-awaited events.

구독자 여러분, 오늘 영상에서도 만나서 반갑습니다.

드디어 비가 내린다는 반가운 예보가 있습니다.

고객님, 저희 매장을 찾아주셔서 반갑습니다.

Finally, '반갑다' appears in literature and poetry to personify nature or abstract concepts. A poet might describe the morning sun as '반갑다', treating it as an old friend returning after the dark night. This poetic usage highlights the deep emotional resonance of the word, proving that it is not just a functional greeting, but a profound expression of joy at the arrival of light, life, or companionship. Understanding these diverse contexts is essential for any learner aiming for fluency.
While '반갑다' is introduced early in Korean language studies, learners frequently make subtle but noticeable mistakes in its application. The most prevalent error stems from confusing '반갑다' with other adjectives that express happiness, specifically '기쁘다' (to be glad/happy) and '좋다' (to be good/to like). Learners often attempt to use '반갑다' to describe general states of happiness. For example, a student might say '시험에 합격해서 반가워요' (I am 'ban-gap-da' because I passed the exam). This is incorrect. Passing an exam is a personal achievement, not an encounter or an arrival. The correct word here is '기뻐요' (I am happy/glad). '반갑다' must always be linked to encountering someone, receiving something, or the arrival of an event.
Mistake: General Happiness
Using '반갑다' for personal achievements or general good moods instead of '기쁘다'.

Incorrect: 선물을 받아서 반가워요. (Unless the gift is from a long-lost friend and you are emphasizing the connection).

Correct: 선물을 받아서 기뻐요.

Another common pitfall involves the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation. Because '반갑다' ends in a 'ㅂ' consonant, learners often mistakenly conjugate it as a regular verb. They might say '반갑어요' instead of the correct '반가워요', or '반갑은' instead of '반가운'. This is a fundamental grammatical error that immediately marks the speaker as a beginner. Rote memorization of the 'ㅂ' irregular rule is essential. When the stem ends in 'ㅂ' and is followed by a vowel, the 'ㅂ' drops and '우' (or '오') is added.
Mistake: Conjugation
Failing to apply the 'ㅂ' irregular rule, resulting in forms like '반갑어요'.

Incorrect: 만나서 반갑어요.

A third mistake relates to the subject of the sentence. In English, we say 'Nice to meet YOU.' The focus is on the other person. In Korean, '반갑다' describes the speaker's internal state. You are saying '(I) am glad.' Therefore, you cannot say '당신이 반갑습니다' to mean 'You are nice.' It would mean 'You are feeling glad.' While technically grammatically possible if you are describing someone else's feelings (though usually '반가워하다' is used for third persons), it is completely wrong as a greeting. The correct structure is '만나서 (제가) 반갑습니다' - Because we met, (I) am glad.
Mistake: Subject Confusion
Trying to make the other person the subject of '반갑다' in a greeting.

Incorrect: 선생님이 반갑습니다. (Meaning 'You are glad, teacher').

Correct: 선생님을 만나서 (제가) 반갑습니다.

By understanding these common errors—distinguishing it from general happiness, mastering the irregular conjugation, and keeping the subject straight—learners can use '반갑다' with the confidence and accuracy of a native speaker.
To develop a rich and nuanced Korean vocabulary, it is essential to understand how '반갑다' relates to and differs from other words that express positive emotions. The Korean language is highly specific when it comes to emotional states, and choosing the right word depends entirely on the context and the source of the emotion. The most frequently compared word is '기쁘다' (to be glad, happy, joyful). While both translate to 'glad' in English, their usage is distinct. '기쁘다' is a broad term used for any internal feeling of joy or happiness resulting from a positive event, achievement, or situation. You are '기쁘다' when you win a prize, pass a test, or hear good news. '반갑다', on the other hand, is strictly situational: it is the joy of an encounter, a reunion, or an arrival.
기쁘다 vs 반갑다
기쁘다 is general happiness from an event; 반갑다 is specific joy from an encounter or arrival.

시험에 합격해서 기뻐요. (Happy about passing)

합격 소식을 들어서 반가워요. (Glad to receive the news itself)

Another similar word is '즐겁다' (to be joyful, pleasant, enjoyable). '즐겁다' describes a state of ongoing enjoyment or a pleasant atmosphere. You use it to describe an experience, like a party, a trip, or a conversation. You would say '파티가 즐거웠어요' (The party was enjoyable). You would not use '반갑다' here unless you mean you were glad the party finally arrived. '반갑다' is the initial spark of joy upon meeting; '즐겁다' is the sustained enjoyment of the interaction.
즐겁다 vs 반갑다
즐겁다 describes an ongoing pleasant experience; 반갑다 describes the initial joy of an encounter.

친구들과 노는 것은 항상 즐겁다.

We must also consider '행복하다' (to be happy). This is a much deeper, more profound, and often long-term state of well-being. It is the English equivalent of true 'happiness'. While meeting someone might make you '반갑다' (glad), it takes more substantial life circumstances to make you '행복하다'. You wouldn't typically say '만나서 행복합니다' upon a first meeting, as it sounds overly dramatic or romantic, whereas '만나서 반갑습니다' is perfectly standard.
행복하다 vs 반갑다
행복하다 is profound, long-term happiness; 반갑다 is immediate gladness from a meeting.

가족과 함께 있어서 행복해요.

오랜만에 가족을 만나서 반가워요.

By carefully distinguishing '반갑다' from '기쁘다', '즐겁다', and '행복하다', learners can articulate their emotions with the precision and cultural appropriateness expected of advanced Korean speakers.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

ㅂ 불규칙 활용 (ㅂ Irregular Conjugation)

-아/어서 (Cause and Effect)

-은/ㄴ (Noun Modifying Form for Adjectives)

-게 (Adverbial Form)

-아/어하다 (Making Adjectives into Verbs for 3rd Person)

Exemplos por nível

1

만나서 반갑습니다.

Nice to meet you.

Standard formal greeting. '-습니다' is the formal polite ending.

2

안녕하세요, 반갑습니다.

Hello, nice to meet you.

Combining the standard hello with the expression of gladness.

3

정말 반갑습니다.

Really nice to meet you.

'정말' means 'really' or 'truly', adding emphasis.

4

처음 뵙겠습니다. 반갑습니다.

How do you do? Nice to meet you.

'처음 뵙겠습니다' is strictly for first-time meetings.

5

반가워요.

Nice to meet you (polite).

The polite '-아요/어요' form. Note the 'ㅂ' irregular change to '워'.

6

친구들, 반가워.

Friends, nice to see you.

Casual form used among friends or to younger people.

7

선생님, 반갑습니다.

Teacher, nice to meet you.

Using a title before the greeting shows respect.

8

모두 반갑습니다.

Nice to meet everyone.

'모두' means 'everyone' or 'all'.

1

오늘 만나서 정말 반가웠어요.

It was really nice meeting you today.

Past tense form '반가웠어요' used at the end of a meeting.

2

오랜만이에요. 반가워요.

It's been a long time. Glad to see you.

Often paired with '오랜만이다' for reunions.

3

반가운 소식이 있어요.

I have some welcome news.

Noun-modifying form '반가운' describing '소식' (news).

4

다시 만나서 반갑습니다.

Glad to meet you again.

'다시' means 'again'.

5

반가운 얼굴이네요.

It's a welcome face.

Idiomatic expression meaning 'Glad to see you'.

6

연락 주셔서 반갑습니다.

Glad you contacted me.

Using '-아/어서' to show the reason for gladness.

7

고향 친구를 만나서 반가웠다.

I was glad to meet my hometown friend.

Plain past tense form '반가웠다' used in writing or diaries.

8

비가 와서 반가워요.

I'm glad it's raining.

Used for inanimate events that bring relief.

1

뜻밖의 장소에서 만나니 더욱 반갑네요.

Meeting in an unexpected place makes it even more glad.

Use of '-네요' for mild surprise or realization.

2

어머니가 저를 보고 무척 반가워하셨어요.

My mother was very glad to see me.

Verb form '반가워하다' used for a third person's feelings.

3

합격했다는 반가운 전화를 받았습니다.

I received a welcome phone call saying I passed.

Complex noun modification: '합격했다는 반가운 전화'.

4

이렇게 많은 분들이 와 주셔서 반갑습니다.

I am glad that so many people came.

Honorific verb '와 주시다' combined with '-아/어서'.

5

가뭄 끝에 내리는 반가운 단비입니다.

It is welcome sweet rain falling after a drought.

Poetic/descriptive use of '반가운'.

6

그의 성공 소식은 우리 모두에게 반가웠다.

The news of his success was welcome to all of us.

Using '반갑다' with a non-human subject (소식).

7

먼 길 오시느라 고생하셨습니다. 뵙게 되어 반갑습니다.

You worked hard coming a long way. Glad to see you.

Formal greeting acknowledging the guest's effort.

8

우연히 마주친 옛 친구가 어찌나 반갑던지 눈물이 났다.

I was so glad to accidentally run into an old friend that I cried.

Expressing degree with '어찌나 ~던지'.

1

어려운 시기에 이런 반가운 소식을 전하게 되어 기쁩니다.

I am happy to deliver such welcome news during difficult times.

Distinguishing '반가운' (modifying news) and '기쁩니다' (speaker's feeling).

2

신제품에 대한 시장의 반응이 좋아 무척 반가운 일입니다.

It is a very welcome thing that the market's reaction to the new product is good.

Using '반가운 일' (a welcome matter/event).

3

오랜 진통 끝에 노사 합의가 이루어졌다는 반가운 소식입니다.

It is welcome news that a labor-management agreement was reached after long growing pains.

Advanced vocabulary context (노사 합의).

4

타지에서 고향 사람을 만나면 그렇게 반가울 수가 없어요.

When you meet someone from your hometown in a foreign place, you couldn't be more glad.

Emphatic structure '그렇게 ~ㄹ/을 수가 없다'.

5

그녀는 꼬리를 흔들며 반가워하는 강아지를 안아주었다.

She hugged the puppy that was showing gladness by wagging its tail.

Using '반가워하다' for animals showing joy.

6

침체된 경제에 모처럼 반가운 활력이 돌고 있습니다.

A welcome vitality is finally circulating in the stagnant economy.

Metaphorical use describing economic conditions.

7

비록 짧은 만남이었지만, 서로의 안부를 확인할 수 있어 반가웠습니다.

Although it was a short meeting, I was glad we could check on each other's well-being.

Concessive clause '비록 ~지만'.

8

귀사의 무궁한 발전을 기원하며, 이번 제휴를 매우 반갑게 생각합니다.

Wishing your company endless development, we consider this partnership very welcome.

Formal business correspondence style '반갑게 생각하다'.

1

봄을 알리는 제비의 귀환은 농부들에게 가장 반가운 전령이다.

The return of the swallow announcing spring is the most welcome messenger to farmers.

Literary style, using '반가운' to modify '전령' (messenger).

2

오랜 검토 끝에 도출된 긍정적인 결론이라 더욱 반갑지 않을 수 없습니다.

As it is a positive conclusion drawn after a long review, I cannot help but be even more glad.

Double negative for strong affirmation: '~지 않을 수 없다'.

3

적막한 산사에서 들려오는 풍경 소리가 객에게는 여간 반가운 것이 아니었다.

The sound of the wind chime heard from the quiet mountain temple was exceptionally welcome to the guest.

Emphatic structure '여간 ~은/ㄴ 것이 아니다'.

4

그의 제안은 교착 상태에 빠진 협상에 가뭄의 단비처럼 반가운 것이었다.

His proposal was as welcome as sweet rain during a drought to the deadlocked negotiations.

Simile using '가뭄의 단비처럼'.

5

잊혀져 가던 전통 문화가 젊은 세대 사이에서 다시 유행한다는 것은 참으로 반가운 현상이다.

It is a truly welcome phenomenon that a forgotten traditional culture is becoming popular again among the younger generation.

Academic/sociological observation style.

6

아무리 반가운 손님이라도 사흘이 지나면 귀찮아진다는 옛말이 있다.

There is an old saying that even the most welcome guest becomes annoying after three days.

Using '아무리 ~라도' (No matter how...).

7

혹독한 겨울을 이겨내고 피어난 매화꽃이 어찌 반갑지 않으리오.

How could the plum blossoms that bloomed after overcoming the harsh winter not be welcome?

Archaic/poetic rhetorical question ending '-으리오'.

8

국제 사회의 지지와 연대는 고립된 그들에게 무엇보다 반가운 구원의 손길이었다.

The support and solidarity of the international community was, above all, a welcome helping hand of salvation to them who were isolated.

Complex abstract nouns and political context.

1

매일 마주치는 지겨운 일상 속에서, 우연히 발견한 옛 사진 한 장은 묘하게도 반가운 위로가 되었다.

In the boring daily routine I face every day, an old photograph I accidentally found strangely became a welcome comfort.

Nuanced emotional description combining '묘하게도' and '반가운 위로'.

2

정치권의 해묵은 갈등 속에서 들려온 양당의 타협 소식은 실로 오랜만에 맛보는 반가움이었다.

The news of compromise between the two parties heard amidst the long-standing conflict in the political sphere was truly a gladness tasted for the first time in a long while.

Using the noun form '반가움'.

3

그는 겉으로는 내색하지 않았지만, 속으로는 경쟁자의 몰락을 내심 반가워하는 눈치였다.

He didn't show it on the outside, but inwardly he seemed to be secretly glad about his competitor's downfall.

Describing hidden psychological states with '내심 반가워하는 눈치'.

4

시대의 변화에 발맞추어 제도가 개선된다는 점은 쌍수를 들어 반길 만한 일이다.

The fact that the system is being improved in step with the changes of the times is something to be welcomed with open arms.

Idiom '쌍수를 들어 반기다' (to welcome with both hands).

5

아무리 원수지간이라도 타국에서 마주치면 반갑기 마련이라는 인간의 본성을 그는 꿰뚫어 보았다.

He saw through the human nature that it is natural to be glad when encountering someone in a foreign country, even if they are enemies.

Philosophical observation using '~기 마련이다'.

6

그의 신작 출간은 문단 전체가 오매불망 기다려온 터라, 그 반가움의 크기는 이루 말할 수 없었다.

Since the publication of his new work was something the entire literary circle had been eagerly waiting for, the magnitude of that gladness was beyond words.

Advanced idiom '오매불망' and structure '이루 말할 수 없다'.

7

모처럼의 호황이라는 반가운 지표 이면에는 양극화 심화라는 어두운 그림자가 도사리고 있다.

Behind the welcome indicator of a rare economic boom lurks the dark shadow of deepening polarization.

Analytical writing contrasting '반가운 지표' with negative realities.

8

세월의 풍파를 겪고 백발이 되어 다시 만난 지기지우의 얼굴은 그저 반갑다는 말로는 다 형용할 수 없는 뭉클함이었다.

The face of an intimate friend met again with white hair after weathering the storms of life was a touching emotion that could not be fully described merely with the word 'glad'.

Highly literary, expressing the limitations of the word '반갑다'.

Colocações comuns

만나서 반갑다
반가운 소식
반가운 얼굴
반가운 손님
반가운 비
무척 반갑다
정말 반갑다
반갑게 맞이하다
반갑게 인사하다
내심 반갑다

Frases Comuns

만나서 반갑습니다
처음 뵙겠습니다, 반갑습니다
오랜만이에요, 반가워요
반가운 소식이네요
다시 만나서 반가워요
정말 반가웠습니다
반갑게 맞아주다
얼마나 반가운지 몰라요
참 반갑다
반가운 마음에

Frequentemente confundido com

반갑다 vs 기쁘다

반갑다 vs 즐겁다

반갑다 vs 좋다

Expressões idiomáticas

"쌍수를 들어 반기다"
"가뭄에 단비처럼 반갑다"
"구세주를 만난 듯 반갑다"
"버선발로 뛰어나가 반기다"
"십 년 묵은 체증이 내리듯 반갑다"
"가뭄 끝에 단비"
"학수고대하던"
"오매불망 기다리던"
"가려운 데를 긁어주듯 반갑다"
"천군만마를 얻은 듯 반갑다"

Fácil de confundir

반갑다 vs

반갑다 vs

반갑다 vs

반갑다 vs

반갑다 vs

Padrões de frases

Como usar

note

Always remember it describes the speaker's feeling, not the listener's trait.

Erros comuns
  • Using '반갑다' for passing a test.
  • Conjugating as '반갑어요'.
  • Saying '당신이 반갑습니다'.
  • Using '반가운' as a verb at the end of a sentence.
  • Saying '그가 반갑다' for a third person.

Dicas

The 'ㅂ' Irregular Rule

Always remember that '반갑다' drops the 'ㅂ' and adds '우' before vowels. Practice saying '반가워요' and '반가웠어요' until it feels natural. Do not say '반갑어요'.

The Ultimate Icebreaker

'만나서 반갑습니다' is your best friend when starting a conversation in Korea. Say it clearly and with a smile. It immediately sets a positive tone for the interaction.

Bow While Speaking

In formal situations, do not just say '반갑습니다' while standing stiffly. Accompany the phrase with a polite bow (about 30 to 45 degrees) to show true respect.

Noun Modification

Expand your vocabulary by using '반가운'. Try combining it with different nouns: 반가운 소식 (news), 반가운 얼굴 (face), 반가운 목소리 (voice).

Tone Matters

For first meetings, keep your tone steady and polite. For reunions, raise your pitch slightly and sound enthusiastic ('어머! 반가워요!') to show genuine excitement.

Email Openers

When replying to a business email, starting with '연락 주셔서 반갑습니다' (Glad you contacted me) is a highly professional and polite way to begin your message.

Third Person Usage

Never say '그가 반갑다'. Always use the verb form '반가워하다' for third parties: '그가 반가워했다' (He was glad).

Catching the Past Tense

At the end of gatherings, listen for '반가웠습니다'. It signals that the event is concluding and people are expressing their final pleasantries.

Weather and News

Pay attention to the news. You will often hear '반가운' used to describe positive changes, like rain during a dry season or a drop in prices.

Check Your Emotion

Before using '반갑다', ask yourself: 'Am I happy because I met someone or received something?' If the answer is no, use '기쁘다' instead.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a BANd playing in the GAP between two mountains when you finally meet your friend. You say 'BAN-GAP-da' (I am glad to meet you!).

Origem da palavra

Native Korean word.

Contexto cultural

Always accompanied by a bow or a nod, depending on the formality level.

Crucial to match the ending to the listener: -습니다 (formal), -어요 (polite), -어 (casual).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"처음 뵙겠습니다. 만나서 반갑습니다."

"오랜만이에요! 정말 반가워요."

"이렇게 다시 뵙게 되어 반갑습니다."

"오늘 와 주셔서 반갑습니다."

"반가운 소식이 하나 있어요."

Temas para diário

오늘 누구를 만나서 가장 반가웠나요?

최근에 들은 가장 반가운 소식은 무엇인가요?

오랜만에 만난 친구에게 반갑다고 말해본 경험을 써보세요.

당신에게 '반가운 비'와 같은 존재는 누구인가요?

처음 만난 사람에게 반갑게 인사하는 나만의 방법은?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, this is a common mistake. '반갑다' describes your own feeling of gladness. Saying '당신이 반갑습니다' literally means 'You are feeling glad.' The correct way to say 'I am glad to meet you' is '만나서 (제가) 반갑습니다'.

'기쁘다' is a general word for feeling happy or glad about any positive event, like passing a test. '반갑다' is specifically used when you are glad because of an encounter, a reunion, or the arrival of something or someone.

This is due to the 'ㅂ' irregular conjugation rule in Korean. When an adjective stem ends in 'ㅂ' and is followed by a vowel ending (like -아요/어요), the 'ㅂ' is dropped and '우' is added. So, 반갑 + 어요 becomes 반가우 + 어요, which contracts to 반가워요.

Yes! While mostly used for people, you can use it for things that bring relief or joy upon their arrival. Common examples include '반가운 소식' (welcome news) or '반가운 비' (welcome rain after a drought).

You should use the past tense. The polite form is '오늘 만나서 정말 반가웠어요' (It was really nice meeting you today). If you are speaking casually, you can say '오늘 반가웠어'.

No. While it is the standard greeting for first meetings, it is also heavily used when reuniting with someone you haven't seen in a while. In that case, you might say '오랜만이에요. 정말 반가워요!'.

Because '반갑다' is an adjective describing internal feelings, you cannot directly use it for a third person. You must change it into a verb using '-아/어하다'. So, 'My friend was glad' is '친구가 반가워했어요'.

The noun form is '반가움', which translates to 'gladness' or 'joy of meeting'. You might see it in literary contexts, like '반가움을 감출 수 없었다' (I couldn't hide my gladness).

If you are receiving a call from someone you haven't spoken to in a long time, you can say '어머, 반가워요!' (Oh, so glad to hear from you!). However, it is not a standard phone answering greeting like '여보세요' (Hello).

For extremely formal or written contexts, you might use '환영합니다' (Welcome) if you are hosting, or '뵙게 되어 영광입니다' (It is an honor to meet you). However, '반갑습니다' is formal enough for almost all business situations.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write 'Nice to meet you' in formal Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'It was nice meeting you today' in polite Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'Welcome news' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'Nice to see you (casual)' to a friend.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I am glad you contacted me.' (Polite)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'My friend was glad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'A welcome guest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'Glad to meet you again' (Formal).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'He welcomed me gladly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'It's been a long time. Glad to see you.' (Polite)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I received a welcome letter.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write the dictionary form of the word.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I am glad it is raining.' (Polite)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Gladness' (Noun form).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'Everyone, nice to meet you.' (Formal)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I couldn't hide my gladness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'A welcome face' in Korean.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I was really glad.' (Plain past tense)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write 'How do you do? Nice to meet you.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Gladly' (Adverb).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Nice to meet you' formally.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'It was nice meeting you' politely.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Greet a friend you haven't seen in a while.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I have welcome news'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Glad you contacted me' on the phone.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce '반갑습니다' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Nice to meet you all' to a group.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I am really glad' with emphasis.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'How do you do? Nice to meet you.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Glad to see you again'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce '반가워요' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'My mom was glad' (Polite).

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Welcome guest'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I ran to them gladly'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I am glad it rained'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'It's a welcome face'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I don't know how glad I am'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Thank you for welcoming me gladly'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Gladness' in Korean.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'See you later, it was nice meeting you'.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the tense: '반가웠습니다'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the politeness level: '반가워'.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '반가운 소식'. What is being modified?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '친구가 반가워해요'. Who is glad?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '반갑게 인사했어요'. How did they greet?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '처음 뵙겠습니다. 반갑습니다.' What is the situation?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '오랜만이에요. 반가워요.' What is the situation?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '반가운 비가 오네요.' What is the weather?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '정말 반갑습니다.' What is the emotion?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '연락 주셔서 반갑습니다.' What is the medium?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '반가운 얼굴이 많네요.' What does the speaker see?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '반가움에 안아주었다.' What did they do?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '다시 만나서 반가워요.' What does '다시' mean here?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '오늘 참 반가웠어.' Who is speaking?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '모두 반갑습니다.' Who is addressed?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Foi útil?
Nenhum comentário ainda. Seja o primeiro a compartilhar suas ideias!