# Korean Greetings & Essential Responses: Learn From K-Drama (2026)
**Learn Korean greetings through KDrama** – the most natural way to master Korean conversation starters! This guide teaches you **23 essential Korean greetings and responses** you’ll hear in every K-drama. These phrases are your gateway to speaking Korean naturally and confidently. When you learn Korean greetings through KDrama, you’ll instantly connect with Korean culture and sound like a native speaker.
## Table of Contents
1. [Why Korean Greetings Matter](#why-korean-greetings-matter)
2. [Basic Greetings](#basic-greetings)
3. [Saying Goodbye in Korean](#saying-goodbye)
4. [Essential Yes/No Responses](#essential-responses)
5. [Requests & Helping](#requests-and-helping)
6. [Thank You & Sorry in Korean](#thank-you-and-sorry)
7. [Encouragement & Politeness](#encouragement-and-politeness)
8. [How to Practice Korean Greetings](#how-to-practice)
9. [Common Mistakes to Avoid](#common-mistakes)
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## Why Korean Greetings Matter
When you learn Korean greetings through KDrama, you quickly discover that **proper greetings are everything** in Korean culture. They determine:
– Your relationship level with someone
– Your social status in the interaction
– How much respect you’re showing
– Whether the conversation flows naturally
### **Formality Levels Are Everything**
Watch any K-drama office scene (like **Misaeng** or **What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim**) and you’ll notice:
– Junior employees bow deeply and say “안녕하십니까”
– Seniors just nod and say “응”
– Getting it wrong = awkward social situation!
### **23 Greetings = Complete Korean Conversation Foundation**
When you learn Korean greetings through KDrama using all 23 phrases in this guide, you’ll handle any Korean social situation with confidence!
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## Basic Greetings
### **1. 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello** ⭐
**English:** Hello / How are you
**Pronunciation:** ahn-nyoung-hah-seh-yo
**Formality:** Polite (safe for everyone)
**When to Use:**
– Meeting anyone for the first time
– Greeting anyone older than you
– Professional/business settings
– Entering any store or restaurant
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Crash Landing on You:** Yoon Se-ri greeting North Korean villagers
– **Business Proposal:** Ha-ri meeting Tae-mu’s family
– **Every single drama:** The most essential Korean greeting!
**Cultural Note:** Always add a slight bow. Deeper bow = more respect!
[Read full guide: 안녕하세요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/annyeonghaseyo-meaning)
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### **2. 감사합니다 / 고마워요 (Gamsahamnida / Gomawoyo) – Thank You** ⭐
**English:** Thank you
**Pronunciation:** gahm-sah-hahm-nee-dah / go-mah-wo-yo
**Formality:** 감사합니다 (formal), 고마워요 (casual polite)
**When to Use:**
– **감사합니다:** Business, strangers, elders, formal occasions
– **고마워요:** Friends, peers, casual situations
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Start-Up:** Dal-mi thanking investors (formal)
– **Hospital Playlist:** Friends helping each other (casual)
[Read full guide: 감사합니다 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/gamsahamnida-meaning)
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### **3. 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo) – It’s Okay** ⭐
**English:** It’s okay / I’m fine / No problem / Are you okay?
**Pronunciation:** gwaen-chah-nah-yo
**Formality:** Polite
**Multiple Meanings:**
1. Reassuring someone: “Don’t worry, it’s okay”
2. Declining politely: “No thanks, I’m okay”
3. Responding to apology: “It’s fine”
4. Asking if someone is okay: “괜찮아요?” (Are you okay?)
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Crash Landing on You:** Comforting emotional scenes
– **Hospital Playlist:** Doctors reassuring patients
[Read full guide: 괜찮아요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/gwaenchanayo-meaning)
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## Saying Goodbye in Korean
### **4. 안녕히 가세요 / 계세요 (Annyeonghi Gaseyo / Gyeseyo) – Goodbye** ⭐
**English:** Goodbye
**Pronunciation:** ahn-nyoung-hee gah-seh-yo / gyeh-seh-yo
**Critical Difference:**
– **가세요 (gaseyo):** “Go peacefully” – said by person STAYING
– **계세요 (gyeseyo):** “Stay peacefully” – said by person LEAVING
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Itaewon Class:** Sae-ro-yi leaving the bar → 계세요
– **My Mister:** Boss staying in office → 가세요 to leaving employee
[Read full guide: 안녕히 가세요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/annyeonghi-gaseyo-meaning)
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### **5. 또 봐요 (Tto Bwayo) – See You Again** ⭐
**English:** See you again / See you later
**Pronunciation:** ttoh bwah-yo
**Formality:** Casual polite
**When to Use:**
– Saying goodbye to someone you’ll see again
– Ending a pleasant meeting
– Warm, friendly farewell
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Reply 1988:** Neighborhood friends parting
– **Hospital Playlist:** Band members after practice
– **Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha:** Village warmth
**Variations:**
– 또 봐! (casual – to close friends)
– 또 봐요 (polite)
– 나중에 봐요 (See you later)
– 내일 봐요 (See you tomorrow)
—
## Essential Yes/No Responses
### **6. 네 / 응 (Ne / Eung) – Yes** ⭐
**English:** Yes
**Pronunciation:** neh / eung
**Formality:** 네 (polite), 응 (casual)
**Usage Rules:**
– **네:** To bosses, elders, strangers, formal situations
– **응:** To close friends, younger people
**Phone Call Note:** Koreans say “네, 네, 네” on phone calls meaning “I’m listening” – not necessarily agreeing!
[Read full guide: 네/응 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/ne-eung-meaning)
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### **7. 아니요 / 아니 (Aniyo / Ani) – No** ⭐
**English:** No
**Pronunciation:** ah-nee-yo / ah-nee
**Formality:** 아니요 (polite), 아니 (casual)
**Cultural Warning:** Koreans rarely say direct “no”! They often use:
– “글쎄요…” (Well…)
– “다음에요” (Next time = polite no)
– “좀 그래요…” (It’s a bit…)
[Read full guide: 아니요/아니 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/aniyo-ani-meaning)
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### **8. 알겠어요 / 알았어 (Algesseoyo / Arasseo) – I Understand** ⭐
**English:** I understand / Got it / Okay
**Pronunciation:** ahl-gess-uh-yo / ah-rah-ssuh
**Formality:** 알겠어요 (polite), 알았어 (casual)
**When to Use:**
– After receiving instructions
– Acknowledging someone’s explanation
– Agreeing to do something
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim:** Secretary Kim replying to boss
– **Reply 1988:** Kids responding to parents
[Read full guide: 알겠어요/알았어 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/algesseoyo-arasseo-meaning)
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### **9. 맞아요 / 그래요 (Majayo / Geuraeyo) – That’s Right** ⭐
**English:** That’s right / Exactly / I see
**Pronunciation:** mah-jah-yo / geu-rae-yo
**Agreement Responses:**
– **맞아요:** “That’s correct” (confirming facts)
– **그래요:** “That’s right” / “I see” (acknowledging)
[Read full guide: 맞아요/그래요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/majayo-geuraeyo-meaning)
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### **10. 몰라요 / 모르겠어요 (Mollayo / Moreugesseoyo) – I Don’t Know**
**English:** I don’t know
**Pronunciation:** mohl-lah-yo / moh-reu-gess-uh-yo
**Two Versions:**
– **몰라요:** Simple “I don’t know”
– **모르겠어요:** Softer, more polite version
**Cultural Tip:** Add “미안해요, 몰라요” (Sorry, I don’t know) to sound more polite!
[Read full guide: 몰라요/모르겠어요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/mollayo-moreugessoyo-meaning)
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## Requests & Helping
### **11. 주세요 (Juseyo) – Please Give Me** ⭐
**English:** Please give me / Please (do something)
**Pronunciation:** joo-seh-yo
**How to Use:**
– Ordering food: “물 주세요” (Water, please)
– Asking for item: “이거 주세요” (This one, please)
– Making requests: “말씀해 주세요” (Please tell me)
**K-Drama Restaurant Scenes:**
– **Let’s Eat series:** “이거 주세요” constantly!
– Every food scene in every drama!
[Read full guide: 주세요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/juseyo-meaning)
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### **12. 도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please Help Me**
**English:** Please help me / Help!
**Pronunciation:** doh-wah-joo-seh-yo
**Emergency vs Casual:**
– **Emergency:** “도와주세요!” (Help! – loud, urgent)
– **Casual:** “좀 도와줘” (Help me a bit – to friends)
[Read full guide: 도와주세요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/dowajuseyo-meaning)
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### **13. 할 수 있어요 (Hal Su Isseoyo) – You Can Do It / I Can Do It** ⭐
**English:** You can do it / I can do it / It’s possible
**Pronunciation:** hal soo ee-ssuh-yo
**Formality:** Polite
**Two Main Uses:**
**1. Encouraging others:**
“할 수 있어요!” (You can do it!)
**2. Expressing capability:**
“저 할 수 있어요” (I can do it)
**K-Drama Encouragement Scenes:**
– **Start-Up:** Team members pushing each other
– **Twenty-Five Twenty-One:** Sports training scenes
– **Hospital Playlist:** Doctors during difficult surgeries
**Casual Version:**
– 할 수 있어! (You can do it! – to friends)
– 나 할 수 있어 (I can do it – confident)
**Related Expression:**
– 할 수 없어요 (I can’t do it)
– 할 수 있을까요? (Can I do it? / Is it possible?)
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### **14. 잘 부탁합니다 (Jal Butakamnida) – Please Take Care of Me** ⭐
**English:** Please take care of me / I’m in your hands / Nice to meet you (formal)
**Pronunciation:** jal boo-tah-kahm-nee-dah
**Formality:** Formal
**Critical Cultural Concept:**
This phrase has NO direct English translation! It means:
– “I’m entrusting myself to you”
– “Please look after me”
– “I’m counting on you”
– “Thank you in advance for your help”
**When to Use:**
– Starting a new job: “잘 부탁합니다!” (to coworkers)
– Beginning a business relationship
– Asking someone to do a favor
– First meetings in formal settings
**K-Drama Workplace Scenes:**
– **Misaeng:** New employee first day
– **Start-Up:** Business partnerships beginning
– **What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim:** Professional settings
**Casual Version:**
– 잘 부탁해! (casual – to friends)
– 잘 부탁해요 (polite – to peers)
**Cultural Note:**
This phrase shows you understand Korean business culture! Using it correctly makes a GREAT first impression.
—
## Thank You & Sorry in Korean
### **15. 미안해요 (Mianhaeyo) – I’m Sorry** ⭐
**English:** I’m sorry / I apologize
**Pronunciation:** mee-ahn-hae-yo
**Formality:** Casual polite
**When to Use:**
– Apologizing to friends, peers
– Small mistakes
– Informal situations
[Read full guide: 미안해요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/mianhaeyo-meaning)
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### **16. 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) – I’m Very Sorry** ⭐
**English:** I’m very sorry / I sincerely apologize
**Pronunciation:** jweh-song-hahm-nee-dah
**Formality:** Very formal
**미안해요 vs 죄송합니다:**
– Friend spills coffee: “미안해요”
– Employee makes error: “죄송합니다”
– Business setting: Always “죄송합니다”
[Read full guide: 죄송합니다 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/joesonghamnida-meaning)
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### **17. 천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo) – You’re Welcome** ⭐
**English:** You’re welcome / Not at all / Don’t mention it
**Pronunciation:** cheon-mahn-eh-yo
**Formality:** Polite
**When to Use:**
– After someone thanks you
– Responding to 감사합니다 or 고마워요
– Polite social response
**K-Drama Polite Exchanges:**
– **Every drama:** Natural conversation flow
– **Hospital Playlist:** Warm doctor-patient interactions
– **Reply 1988:** Neighborly kindness
**Variations:**
– 천만에요 (formal polite)
– 아니에요 (It’s nothing – very common!)
– 별말씀을요 (Don’t mention it – very formal)
– 뭘요~ (What, it’s nothing~ – casual)
**Cultural Note:**
Koreans actually use “아니에요” (It’s nothing) MORE than “천만에요” in daily life! But 천만에요 is the “textbook” you’re welcome.
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### **18. 실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida) – Excuse Me (Formal)**
**English:** Excuse me / I beg your pardon
**Pronunciation:** shil-lyeh-hahm-nee-dah
**Formality:** Formal
**When to Use:**
– Formally interrupting someone
– Passing through a crowd politely
– Getting attention in formal settings
– Entering someone’s space
**vs 저기요:**
– 실례합니다: More formal, shows extra politeness
– 저기요: Casual, everyday use
[Read full guide: 실례합니다 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/sillyehamnida-meaning)
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### **19. 잠깐만요 (Jamkkanmanyo) – Wait a Moment** ⭐
**English:** Wait a moment / Just a second / Hold on
**Pronunciation:** jahm-kkahn-mahn-yo
**Formality:** Polite
**When to Use:**
– Need time to think
– Someone’s talking too fast
– Answering phone or door
– Pausing conversation
**K-Drama Every Scene:**
– All phone call scenes
– Interrupting conversations
– Action scenes needing a pause
[Read full guide: 잠깐만 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/jamkkanman-meaning)
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## Encouragement & Politeness
### **20. 고생했어요 (Gosaenghaesseoyo) – You Worked Hard** ⭐
**English:** You worked hard / Thank you for your effort
**Pronunciation:** go-saeng-hae-ssuh-yo
**Cultural Significance:**
This phrase acknowledges **effort**, not just results – HUGE in Korean culture!
**When to Use:**
– After someone finishes work
– Leaving office (to coworkers)
– After group projects
– To show appreciation for effort
**K-Drama Examples:**
– **Hospital Playlist:** Doctors after long shifts
– **Reply 1988:** Parents to children after exams
– **Itaewon Class:** Boss to employees
[Read full guide: 고생했어요 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/gosaenghaesseoyo-meaning)
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### **21. 수고하셨습니다 (Sugohasimmnida) – Thank You for Your Work (Formal)** ⭐
**English:** Thank you for your hard work (very formal)
**Pronunciation:** soo-go-hah-shyum-nee-dah
**Hierarchy Rule:**
– Boss to employee: “고생했어요” ✅
– Employee to boss: “수고하셨습니다” ✅
– Employee to boss: “고생했어요” ❌ (rude!)
[Read full guide: 수고하셨습니다 Meaning](https://day1ers.com/sugohasimnida-meaning)
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### **22. 힘내 (Himnae) – Cheer Up / Hang in There** ⭐
**English:** Cheer up / Hang in there / You can do it!
**Pronunciation:** him-nae
**Formality:** Casual
**When to Use:**
– Friend going through hard time
– Encouraging before difficult task
– Comforting someone who is sad
– Motivating a struggling friend
**힘내 vs 화이팅:**
– **힘내:** Comforting, supportive (you’re having a hard time)
– **화이팅:** Energetic, exciting encouragement (you’re about to do something!)
**K-Drama Comfort Scenes:**
– **Reply 1988:** Friends supporting each other
– **Hospital Playlist:** Band members through tough times
– **My Mister:** Emotional support moments
**Variations:**
– 힘내! (casual – to friends)
– 힘내요! (polite)
– 힘내세요! (more formal)
– 힘내, 잘 될 거야! (Cheer up, it’ll work out!)
**Responding to 힘내:**
– “고마워” (Thank you)
– “응, 힘낼게” (Yeah, I’ll hang in there)
– “고마워, 덕분에 힘나네” (Thanks, I feel better because of you)
**Cultural Note:**
When someone is crying in a K-drama and their friend says “힘내…” it’s one of the most tender moments. This word carries deep emotional warmth!
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### **23. 밥 먹었어? (Bap Meogeosseo?) – Did You Eat?** ⭐
**English:** Did you eat? / Have you eaten?
**Pronunciation:** bahp muh-guh-ssuh
**Formality:** Casual
**CRITICAL Cultural Understanding:**
This is **NOT always about food**! It means:
– How are you?
– I care about you
– Are you taking care of yourself?
**K-Drama Caring Moments:**
– **Reply 1988:** Parents to children constantly
– **Hospital Playlist:** Friends checking on each other
– **My Mister:** Showing deep concern
**Polite Versions:**
– 밥 먹었어요? (polite)
– 진지 드셨어요? (very polite – to elders)
– 식사하셨어요? (formal)
[Read full guide: 밥 먹었어? Meaning](https://day1ers.com/bap-meogeosseo-meaning)
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## How to Practice Korean Greetings
### **Method 1: Morning Routine in Korean**
Practice this every morning:
– “안녕하세요!” (arriving somewhere)
– “잘 부탁합니다” (starting something new)
– “감사합니다” (receiving anything)
– “수고하셨습니다” (end of day)
### **Method 2: Drama Shadowing**
Pick office scenes from **Start-Up** or **Misaeng:**
1. Watch the scene
2. Pause before each greeting
3. Say it yourself
4. Compare with drama audio
### **Method 3: Formality Chart**
Make a chart:
“`
To Boss: 안녕하십니까, 네, 죄송합니다, 수고하셨습니다
To Friend: 안녕, 응, 미안해, 고생했어
“`
Practice switching!
### **Method 4: Best Drama Episodes**
– **Reply 1988 Episode 1:** Family greetings galore
– **Misaeng Episode 1:** Workplace greetings masterclass
– **Hospital Playlist Episode 1:** Mix of formal/casual
—
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
### **Mistake 1: Using Casual Speech Too Early**
Wait until the other person uses casual speech first!
### **Mistake 2: Forgetting to Bow**
Korean greetings include physical bowing:
– 15° = peers
– 30° = elders
– 45° = very formal
### **Mistake 3: Mixing Formality Levels**
Stay consistent within a conversation!
### **Mistake 4: Saying 안녕 to Elders**
“안녕!” alone is only for close friends or younger people.
Always use “안녕하세요” with elders!
### **Mistake 5: Not Using 잘 부탁합니다**
This phrase is ESSENTIAL for professional situations.
Forgetting it makes you seem culturally unaware!
—
## Your Korean Greeting Mastery Plan
**Week 1: The Big 5**
1. 안녕하세요 (Hello)
2. 감사합니다 (Thank you)
3. 괜찮아요 (It’s okay)
4. 죄송합니다 (I’m sorry)
5. 네 / 아니요 (Yes/No)
**Week 2: Daily Essentials**
6. 주세요 (Please give me)
7. 알겠어요 (I understand)
8. 잘 부탁합니다 (Please take care of me)
9. 힘내 (Cheer up)
10. 밥 먹었어? (Did you eat?)
**Week 3: Complete the Set**
11-23: All remaining expressions!
—
## Your Next Steps
✅ **Master 5 phrases this week**
✅ **Watch a workplace K-drama** (Misaeng, Start-Up)
✅ **Practice bowing with greetings**
✅ **Use 잘 부탁합니다 in a new situation!**
**Continue learning:**
– [Hub 2: Emotions & Feelings](/korean-emotions-feelings-kdrama)
– [Hub 3: Daily Conversations](/korean-daily-conversations-kdrama)
– [Back to Main Guide](/learn-korean-through-kdrama)
—
**Last Updated:** February 17, 2026
**Phrases Covered:** 23 essential Korean greetings & responses
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Estimated Study Time:** 2-3 weeks
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*Part of the Day1ers Korean Learning Hub – Master Korean greetings and open every door in Korean society!*