15 Basic Phrases for Beginners

15 Basic Korean Phrases for Beginners to Start Using Today!

Learning Korean can be an exciting and rewarding journey. If you're planning a trip to Korea, connecting with Korean-speaking friends, or diving into K-dramas and K-pop, make sure that mastering a few basic Korean phrases for beginners is one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence in Korean conversation. Here are 15 essential Korean phrases to help you get started today!

15 Basic Korean Phrases

Korean Phrase	Translation	Description	Example
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)	Hello!	A friendly, polite greeting suitable for any time of day.	"안녕하세요! 오늘 기분이 어때요?" (Hello! How are you feeling today?)
감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.)	Thank you.	A must-know phrase to express gratitude.	"도와주셔서 감사합니다." (Thank you for your help.)
죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.)	I’m sorry.	Use this polite phrase to apologize, even for minor mistakes.	"늦어서 죄송합니다." (I’m sorry for being late.)
제 이름은 ___ 입니다. (Je ireumeun ___ imnida.)	My name is ___	Introduce yourself with this simple phrase.	"제 이름은 수미입니다." (My name is Sumi.)
어디예요? (Eodiyeyo?)	Where is it?	Perfect for asking directions while exploring.	"화장실 어디예요?" (Where is the bathroom?)
얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)	How much is it?	Use this to ask about the price while shopping.	"이거 얼마예요?" (How much is this?)
괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.)	It’s okay. / I’m okay.	A polite way to say “no thanks” or reassure someone.	"괜찮아요, 걱정하지 마세요." (It’s okay, don’t worry.)
맛있어요! (Mashisseoyo!)	It’s delicious!	Show appreciation for food.	"김치가 정말 맛있어요!" (The kimchi is really delicious!)
잘 모르겠어요. (Jal moreugesseoyo.)	I don’t understand.	Use this when you need clarification.	"무슨 뜻인지 잘 모르겠어요." (I don’t understand what it means.)
영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeongeo hal su isseoyo?)	Can you speak English?	Helpful for beginners in a conversation.	"영어 할 수 있어요?" (Can you speak English?)
뭐 해요? (Mwo haeyo?)	What are you doing?	A casual question for friends.	"지금 뭐 해요?" (What are you doing right now?)
몇 시예요? (Myeot siyeyo?)	What time is it?	Ask for the time with this phrase.	"지금 몇 시예요?" (What time is it now?)
네 / 아니요 (Ne / Aniyo)	Yes / No	Basic responses for everyday interactions.	"이거 좋아요?" "네!" (Do you like this? Yes!)
실례합니다. (Sillyehamnida.)	Excuse me.	Use this to politely get attention or pass by.	"실례합니다, 지나갈게요." (Excuse me, I’ll pass by.)

Why These Basic Korean Phrases Are Important

These basic Korean phrases are a game-changer for beginners learning Korean. Here's why:

Greetings and Courtesies: Phrases like "안녕하세요" (Hello) and "감사합니다" (Thank you) will help you make a great first impression in Korea. Politeness is a key aspect of Korean culture, and knowing these phrases will help you communicate more naturally and respectfully.

Practical Questions: When traveling or shopping, questions like "얼마예요?" (How much is it?) and "어디예요?" (Where is it?) are essential for navigating new environments.

Clarifications: As a beginner, phrases like "잘 모르겠어요" (I don’t understand) and "다시 말해 주세요" (Please say it again) are invaluable for improving your conversation skills. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification!

Expressing Emotions: Phrases such as "죄송합니다" (I’m sorry) and "맛있어요!" (It’s delicious!) allow you to communicate your feelings, making interactions more enjoyable and authentic.

Tips for Learning Korean Phrases Faster

If you're eager to start using these basic Korean phrases right away, here are some tips to help you master them quickly:

Practice with Native Speakers: Engaging with native Korean speakers—whether through a friend, language exchange partner, or tutor—is one of the best ways to master these phrases.

Use Language Learning Apps: Apps like LingoDeer provides interactive lessons that reinforce these phrases. With audio guides and pronunciation practice, these tools can help build your Korean language foundation. Check out this review post to learn more about LingoDeer!

Make Flashcards: Create flashcards with the Korean phrases and example sentences. This is a great way to practice using them in the right context.

Watch Korean Dramas and Shows: Watching Korean dramas or variety shows is a fun way to immerse yourself in the language. You'll hear these phrases in everyday contexts, which makes them easier to remember.

Start Using These Basic Korean Phrases Today!

Now that you’ve learned 15 basic Korean phrases, you're ready to start you’re ready to incorporate them into everyday conversations. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, learning Korean as a new hobby, or communicating with Korean-speaking friends, these phrases will help you connect more naturally and confidently!