Korean Speaking Cheatsheet: Essential Phrases for Conversations

Must-know Korean phrases for real conversations, with romanization and English, so you can start speaking even before you've mastered Hangul.

1 min read

These are the Korean phrases that get you into real conversations fast. Romanization is included so you can start today, but try to read the Hangul too, it pays off quickly. Say each one out loud.

Greetings and basics

KoreanRomanizationEnglish
안녕하세요annyeonghaseyoHello
감사합니다gamsahamnidaThank you
네 / 아니요ne / aniyoYes / No
만나서 반가워요mannaseo bangawoyoNice to meet you
죄송합니다joesonghamnidaI'm sorry
안녕히 계세요annyeonghi gyeseyoGoodbye (to someone staying)

Keeping a conversation going

KoreanRomanizationEnglish
이거 한국어로 어떻게 말해요?igeo hangugeoro eotteoke malhaeyo?How do you say this in Korean?
무슨 뜻이에요?museun tteusieyo?What does it mean?
좋아요 / 안 좋아요joayo / an joayoI like it / I don't like it
저도요jeodoyoMe too

When you get stuck

KoreanRomanizationEnglish
잘 모르겠어요jal moreugesseoyoI don't understand
다시 말해 주세요dasi malhae juseyoPlease say it again
천천히 말해 주세요cheoncheonhi malhae juseyoPlease speak slowly
아직 배우고 있어요ajik baeugo isseoyoI'm still learning

For the full approach, read how to learn Korean by speaking, or get a free call and practice these with Mira.

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