Getting to Grips With How to Express Salutations Using the Korean Language

Greeting someone with a warm "hello" is a universal expression that makes an individual

feel accepted and it lets him perceive that the person is glad to see him. This kind of greeting is usual to people all over the world regardless of gender, age, beliefs or nationality he has.

In Korea, the normally used expression when meeting someone is "annyeonghaseyo" which means "hello." The nation is highly influenced by Confucianism thus as a result, there is an emphasis on hierarchy in society and honor for the elderly. Customs and traditions which show respectfulness towards others and for older members of society are still practiced today. One of the practices in Korea is bowing when meeting persons. Traditionally when two people of like social position meet they both bow. But, when one of the two persons has a lower social position, he, who has a lower social position, only is required to bend during the salutations. This traditional practice applies for example, to a instructor and a student. The student demonstrates respect by bowing towards his instructor. In reply, the teacher will nod his head in acknowledgment. To Koreans, bowing is not the sole form of salutation used. Another form of greeting is by waving at one another when two close friends meet. In the business sphere, businessmen practice handshaking when they meet each other.

As a general rule, when hearing Korean you should try to make sure that you are using the courteous form of a greeting or expression by adding the suffix 'yo' to the end of the salutation or expression. The word "annyeonghaseyo" is also translated as hello but the 'yo' suffix at the end turns it into the polite form of hi. Those older than you, strangers or anyone in a higher social position should be spoken to using the courteous form.

Besides "annyeonghaseyo" there are extra basic salutations you can get to know. To ask about somebody's condition and ask how somebody is doing, the word "Jaljineseyo" can be spoken. To become more familiar with the person and when presenting yourself, you may say: "Hello, I am ." and the words to use in Korean is "Anneyonghaseyo, ....... imni da." To ask the person his or her name, you could use "Sungham-i mu-uht ipnika?" When meeting or upon knowing the name of the person, you could say in appreciation "Chuh-eum bepgetseupnidal " which is the same as " happy to see you!" There are many common expressions in the Korean language you may want to use some of which are "Joh-eun Achim-ipnida" meaning "Good morning" and "Areumdaun Bamipnida" which is What a beautiful night!

There are several ways of greeting someone. It is crucial to be familiar with what usual words, phrases and sentences are spoken in greeting people in the Korean lingo. There are formal and informal manners of greetings and studying how to use the two is also vital.

Getting to Grips With How to Express Salutations Using the Korean Language

By: Jonathon Penway

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