What does 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) mean?
- 안녕하세요annyeonghaseyo
Hello
Polite: safe with most people
안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) means "hello" in Korean. It is the standard polite greeting you can use with almost anyone: strangers, shop staff, teachers and coworkers. It works at any time of day.
Where it comes from
안녕 means peace or well-being, and 하세요 is a polite, respectful form of 하다. Literally it asks "Are you at peace?" or "Are you well?", but people use it simply as "hello."
How to use 안녕하세요
It is the go-to greeting in Korea. People usually say it with a small bow or nod.
You do not need to answer the "are you well" part. Just say 안녕하세요 back.
It is a greeting only. For goodbye, use 안녕히 가세요 or 안녕히 계세요.
Examples
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Greeting a teacher in the hallway
Introducing yourself on the first day
A streamer opening a live broadcast
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하십니까 | Hello (very formal) | Used in news, the military and formal speeches. |
| 안녕 | Hi | Casual, for friends only. |
| 안녕히 가세요 | Goodbye (to someone leaving) | Polite goodbye. |
| 안녕히 계세요 | Goodbye (to someone staying) | Polite goodbye when you leave. |
Questions learners ask
Can I say annyeonghaseyo to friends?
You can, but it sounds a bit formal. Close friends say 안녕.
How do you reply to annyeonghaseyo?
Just say 안녕하세요 back, often with a small bow.