What it means
The standard polite greeting in Korean. Use it with people you don't know well, elders, or in formal situations.
Nuance & when to use
This is the safe, respectful default greeting. Among close friends of similar age you'd use the casual 안녕 (annyeong). Always appropriate when in doubt.
⚠ Common mistake
Don't confuse 안녕하세요 (polite) with 안녕 (casual). Using 안녕 with someone older or a stranger can come across as rude.
Example sentences
안녕하세요, 저는 제니예요.
Annyeonghaseyo, jeoneun Jeniyeyo.
Hello, I'm Jenny.
선생님, 안녕하세요!
Seonsaengnim, annyeonghaseyo!
Hello, teacher!
처음 뵙겠습니다. 안녕하세요.
Cheoeum boepgesseumnida. Annyeonghaseyo.
Nice to meet you for the first time. Hello.
아침마다 이웃에게 안녕하세요 인사를 해요.
Achimmada iuege annyeonghaseyo insareul haeyo.
Every morning I greet my neighbors.
See also
안녕
안녕히 가세요
안녕히 계세요
FAQ
When is this used?
This is the safe, respectful default greeting. Among close friends of similar age you'd use the casual 안녕 (annyeong). Always appropriate when in doubt.
What's a common mistake?
Don't confuse 안녕하세요 (polite) with 안녕 (casual). Using 안녕 with someone older or a stranger can come across as rude.
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