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
	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