Useful Korean Words and Phrases

Pronunciation Key

The Korean phonetic alphabet, han-gul, was created in 1443. It has 10 vowels and 14 consonant sounds. Although the alphabet appears complicated, it is actually very easy to learn and extremely useful. Pick up a good phrase book and learn han-gul before you leave.

The following pronunciation tips should get you started:

  • Si = shi
  • “l” = a combination of an English “r” and “l” 
 
English
Korean
 
Yes
nay
nay
       
 
No

anyo
     
 
Good morning/day/night

anyong hashimnika?
     
 
Hello

yobosayo
     
 
Goodbye

anyonghee kahshipsheeyo
     
 
Excuse me

sheelay hamnida
     
 
Thank you

kamsa hamnida
     
 
Please

-shipsheeyo
     
 
Where is the bus station?

Bus chang-go-jang odi imnika?
Where is the train station?

Keecha-yok oki imnikka?
Where is the bathroom (toilet)?

Hwajangshil-ee odi imnikka?
Nice to meet you

Cho-um pepkaysumnida.
I don’t understand
 

Eehay moht algaysumnida.
I don’t speak Korean
 

Chonun hangukmalul mot hamnida.
My name is ______.

Chonun ____ rahgo hamnida.

Korean Numbers

English
 
Korean
 
English
 
Korean
               
 
one
 

il
 
six
 

yuk
 
two
 

ee
 
seven
 

chil
 
three
 

sahm
 
eight
 

pal
 
four
 

sah
 
nine
 

ku
 
five
 

oh
 
ten
 

ship
Sign up for our newsletter!