환영합니다
hwanyeonghamnida
Welcome (more formal)
Phrase in 30 Seconds
The standard formal way to say 'Welcome' in Korean, used at airports, hotels, and official events.
- Means: 'I/We welcome you' in a highly respectful, formal manner.
- Used in: Official ceremonies, business meetings, and welcoming travelers at borders.
- Don't confuse: With '어서 오세요', which is the standard 'Welcome' for shops and restaurants.
Explanation at your level:
意思
A more formal and official welcoming greeting.
文化背景
Formal language is a sign of respect, not distance. Using '{환영|歡迎}합니다' shows you value the guest's presence highly. New employees are often greeted with a 'Hwanyoung-hoe' (Welcome Party) where this phrase is used in speeches. Websites use this phrase to create a sense of professional hospitality upon landing on their home page. The phrase is used in a very similar way for state functions, often appearing in large red-and-white propaganda banners for visiting dignitaries.
The 'Signpost' Word
If you see this word on a building, it's likely an entrance or a reception area.
Don't 'Welcome' your Mom
Using this with family sounds like you're treating them like strangers. Stick to 'Annyeong'!
意思
A more formal and official welcoming greeting.
The 'Signpost' Word
If you see this word on a building, it's likely an entrance or a reception area.
Don't 'Welcome' your Mom
Using this with family sounds like you're treating them like strangers. Stick to 'Annyeong'!
The 'Fact' Pattern
Always use the pattern '...오신 것을 {환영|歡迎}합니다' to sound like a native pro.
Hand Gestures
When saying this formally, a slight bow (15-30 degrees) is usually expected.
自我测试
Which phrase is most appropriate for a banner at an international airport?
[ ] 대한민국 방문을 [ ].
Airports require the highest level of formal welcome.
Complete the sentence to welcome a new employee to the team.
우리 팀원이 된 것을 진심으로 [ ].
The phrase '{환영|歡迎}합니다' fits perfectly in a professional team setting.
Match the 'Welcome' to the correct situation.
1. Shop Entrance, 2. Airport Banner, 3. Friend's House
Shops use 'Eoseo oseyo', Airports use 'Hwanyoung-hamnida', and Friends use 'Eoseo wa'.
Fill in the host's line in this formal gala opening.
Host: 내빈 여러분, 오늘 행사에 오신 것을 [ ].
A gala opening is a classic 'very formal' situation.
🎉 得分: /4
视觉学习工具
Welcome vs. Welcome
常见问题
12 个问题No. Use '아니에요' (Anieyo) or '천만에요' (Cheonmaneyo) instead.
Only if you are welcoming them to an event you are hosting. Otherwise, it's not a standard greeting.
{환영|歡迎} is the act of welcoming; {반가움|半가움} is the feeling of being glad to see someone.
Yes, if you are welcoming someone to a group chat or a formal meeting.
In very casual settings, people might just say '{환영|歡迎}!' but it's rare.
Use '돌아온 것을 {환영|歡迎}합니다' (Doraon geoseul hwanyoung-hamnida).
Yes, it is one of the few formal phrases that is identical in both North and South.
Yes, it's very common on wedding welcome boards.
It means 'joy' or 'happiness'.
Shopkeepers use '어서 오세요' because it sounds more inviting and less 'official'.
Yes, '아기의 탄생을 {환영|歡迎}합니다' (Welcome the birth of the baby) is beautiful.
Yes, if a friend is very late, you might say it to tease them about their 'grand arrival'.
相关表达
어서 오세요
similarPlease come in quickly/warmly
반갑습니다
similarNice to meet you
환대
specialized formWarm hospitality
영접
specialized formFormal reception
환송
contrastFarewell/Send-off
在哪里用
Arriving at Incheon Airport
Sign: 대한민국 방문을 {환영|歡迎}합니다.
Traveler: 와, 드디어 한국에 왔어!
First day at a Korean company
Manager: 우리 팀에 오신 것을 {환영|歡迎}합니다.
New Employee: 감사합니다. 열심히 하겠습니다!
Opening a YouTube video
YouTuber: 제 채널에 오신 여러분을 {환영|歡迎}합니다!
Viewer: (Clicks Like)
Joining an online community
System Message: 카페 가입을 {환영|歡迎}합니다.
User: 반갑습니다. 잘 부탁드려요.
A formal gala dinner
Host: 내빈 여러분, 이 자리에 오신 것을 {환영|歡迎}합니다.
Audience: (Applause)
A hotel check-in
Receptionist: 저희 호텔 방문을 {환영|歡迎}합니다, 고객님.
Guest: 예약 확인 부탁드려요.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Hwan' (Fan) of yours 'Young' (Younger than you) bowing to you at the airport.
Visual Association
A giant red carpet rolling out from the word 'Hwan' all the way to a pair of open arms represented by 'Young'.
Rhyme
Hwan-young is the song, when guests come along!
Story
You arrive at a grand palace. A guard named Hwan and a servant named Young stand at the gate. Together, they shout 'Hwanyoung-hamnida!' as they open the golden doors for you.
Word Web
挑战
Go to a Korean website (like Naver) and try to find the word '{환영|歡迎}' on the sign-up or landing page.
In Other Languages
Bienvenido
Korean has no gender/number agreement but has strict formality levels.
Bienvenue
Korean requires a verb ending (~합니다), whereas French can use the noun alone.
Willkommen
Korean is register-locked to formal/official use.
歓迎します (Kangei shimasu)
Almost identical in usage and etymology.
أهلاً وسهلاً (Ahlan wa sahlan)
Arabic is highly common in daily speech; Korean is for special occasions.
欢迎 (Huānyíng)
Chinese uses it in retail; Korean uses 'Eoseo oseyo' for retail.
Bem-vindo
Korean is more 'heavy' and ceremonial.
Welcome
English 'Welcome' is used as a response to 'Thank you'; Korean is NEVER used this way.
Easily Confused
English speakers use 'Welcome' for both greetings and 'You're welcome'.
Remember: {환영|歡迎}합니다 is ONLY for when someone arrives. 천만에요 is ONLY for 'You're welcome'.
Both mean 'Welcome'.
Use 'Eoseo oseyo' if you are selling something or at home. Use '{환영|歡迎}합니다' if you are giving a speech or on a sign.
常见问题 (12)
No. Use '아니에요' (Anieyo) or '천만에요' (Cheonmaneyo) instead.
Only if you are welcoming them to an event you are hosting. Otherwise, it's not a standard greeting.
{환영|歡迎} is the act of welcoming; {반가움|半가움} is the feeling of being glad to see someone.
Yes, if you are welcoming someone to a group chat or a formal meeting.
In very casual settings, people might just say '{환영|歡迎}!' but it's rare.
Use '돌아온 것을 {환영|歡迎}합니다' (Doraon geoseul hwanyoung-hamnida).
Yes, it is one of the few formal phrases that is identical in both North and South.
Yes, it's very common on wedding welcome boards.
It means 'joy' or 'happiness'.
Shopkeepers use '어서 오세요' because it sounds more inviting and less 'official'.
Yes, '아기의 탄생을 {환영|歡迎}합니다' (Welcome the birth of the baby) is beautiful.
Yes, if a friend is very late, you might say it to tease them about their 'grand arrival'.