500+ Basic Words And Phrases In Korean: Useful List

Who isn’t the fan of Korean language today? Almost everyone, especially Southeast Asian community, now desperately wants to learn Korean. Thanks to the popular Korean dramas, movies, K-pop music, and even food that people have started enjoying nowadays. And the good news is, it is even easier to learn basic words and phrases in the Korean language. Yes, it’s true! Now you can easily understand your favorite Korean songs and start speaking like the Korean actor you have a crush on, hehe!

So, why not start today! In this article, we will explore around 500 basic words and phrases in Korean language that you can start using in your daily life right away! Along with this, we’ll also mention some quick tips that you can follow to learn Korean language quickly.

Let’s begin!

Do You Know Basic Words And Phrases In Korean? Take This Quiz To Check Now!

Everyday Korean For Beginners

Test how well you know the basic words and phrases in Korean!

1 / 5

"Annyeonghaseyo" (안녕하세요) means "Hello."

True

False

2 / 5

What does "Gamsahamnida" (감사합니다) mean?

Sorry

Please

Thank you

3 / 5

How do you say "No" in Korean?

Amado (아마도)

Aniyo (아니요)

Anida (아니다)

4 / 5

“Ye" (예) is the Korean word for "Yes."

True

False

5 / 5

"Mianhamnida" (미안합니다) definitely means...

I am fine

Excuse me

Sorry

What Are The Top 10 Basic Words In Korean?

If you are wondering which essential Korean words you should learn first, have a look at the list below:

Meanings And Sounds Of These Basic Words And Phrases in Korean

Let’s understand the meaning and pronunciation of the above-mentioned Korean words and phrases in detail:

1. Yes – Ne (네)

Ne (네) is used the same way it is used in the English language. As a traveler, this is really essential. You can use it at airports or during shopping, dining, and traveling around the country. You can also hear people say ye (예) to say “Yes” in Korean, which has the same meaning as ne (네), but is the more polite way to say “Yes.” 

2. No – A-Ni-Yo (아니요)

‘No’ is also one of the basic but most important words to learn in Korean. It is as important as the word ‘yes’ as you can’t say ‘yes’ all the time. And the easiest way to say ‘no’ is a-ni-yo (아니요) 

3. Ok – Gwaen-Chan-A-Yo (괜찮아요)

The common way of agreeing is saying Ok – gwaenchanayo (괜찮아요). This is just a word, but it is really important and useful in many different situations. 

4. Hello – An-Nyeong-Ha-Se-Yo (안녕하세요)

Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) is one of the most common words in the Korean language that you will hear anywhere. Koreans love to welcome people with a greeting. This is the easiest Korean greeting that you can use in both formal and informal situations. This is also a great conversation starter and icebreaker when communicating with the locals.

5. Please – Ju-Se-Yo (주세요)

Koreans really value respect and politeness. It is clearly reflected in Koreans when you go to their country or even just watch their movies and dramas. That’s why, you’ll hear the word Please – juseyo (주세요) often. As a traveler, this is important to show politeness to the locals in different situations, such as dining in a restaurant and shopping. 

6. Thank you – Gam-Sa-Ham-Ni-Da (감사합니다)

Saying thank you – gamsahamnida (감사합니다) in Korean is really important, especially when you visit Korea. It is the best way to say ‘thankyou’ in formal conversations. While in casual situations, Korean people mostly use gomawoyo (고마워요) to say ‘thank you’.

We all know that saying ‘Thank you’ is a sign of showing appreciation and gratitude to another person, which is very important among Koreans. There are a lot more Korean phrases that you can use to say Thank you, but this is the most common one you can use in both speaking and writing. 

7. You’re Welcome- Cheon-Man-E-Yo (천만에요)

You should also know how to respond when somebody expresses gratitude to you by simply just saying You’re welcome – cheonmaneyo (천만에요) in Korean. This is also a sign of politeness toward other people. Korean phrases like this are really important to keep the conversation going and be nice. 

8. Excuse Me- Sil-Lye-Ham-Ni-Da (실례합니다)

There will also be times when you need to use the phrase Excuse me – sillyehamnida (실례합니다). This phrase is used to apologize, but there are different usages for this phrase. One example is jeogiyo
(저기요), which is used to get attention. Another example is jamsimanyo (잠시만요), which is used to pass someone. 

9. Sorry – Mi-An-Ham-Ni-Da (미안합니다)

Mianhamnida (미안합니다) is the formal way of saying sorry. While, mianhe (미안해) is mostly used in casual situations.

10. Goodbye – An-Nyeong-Hi-Gye-Se-Yo (안녕히 계세요)

Knowing how to say Goodbye – annyeonghi gyeseyo (안녕히 계세요) in Korean is also important, especially if you are a tourist. It is one of the most common Korean greetings, which is mostly used in daily conversations.

These 10 basic words and phrases in the Korean language are just the simplest and easiest that you can learn. As a person who doesn’t know how to speak Korean, these phrases and words can serve as a good starting point. For people who speak English, learning Korean may be challenging, especially in written form, since it is complicated. But with a lot of practice and consistency, it becomes easier.

Other Basic Words And Phrases In Korean You Should Learn

Speaking Korean will require you to learn more vocabulary other than the 10 phrases mentioned above. Keeping this in mind, let’s look at more Korean phrases that you can use in different situations:

1. For Everyday Life Conversations

There are plenty of Korean phrases and vocabulary that are commonly used in everyday conversation. Some of them are as follows:

2. Korean Words For Shopping 

Shopping is part of a great adventure in Korea. Even if you don’t plan to go to Korea, there may be times when you want to buy something in a Korean store. Here are some words that can make your shopping experience easier:

3. Basic Korean Words And Phrases About Food And Dining

Another reason why people love Korean culture is because of their food. If you want to eat in local restaurants or if someone invited you for a meal, these are some common Korean food related phrases you need to know as a beginner. Take note of the pronunciation of these basic words and phrases in the Korean language because it is really important.

4. Essential Phrases About Travel And Directions In Korean

Traveling is really hard if it is your first time, and it is even harder when you don’t know how to speak their native language. So, if you’re traveling to Korea soon, learning the following phrases can work as a savior for you:

5. Korean Phases About Clarification

Being a non-native speaker will really give you a hard time understanding conversations and interactions. So, it’s nice to learn some basic words and phrases in the Korean language that you can use to make things clear. Surely, Koreans will be kind enough to clarify things for you.

6. Words And Phrases About Emergency In Korean

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. You never know when and where it will happen. You may feel comfortable if you always have a doctor like ‘Kang Mo-Yeon'(in Descendants of the Sun) or a responsive police officer like ‘Choi Eun-Cheol’ (in Hometown Cha-cha-cha) by your side. But, if you don’t have people like them at all times, you must learn some basic words and phrases in Korean to be used for emergencies like the following:

7. Korean Phrases About Accommodation 

Going to a place as wonderful as South Korea will bring you different sorts of adventures which can be tiring but fulfilling. One of the first things you’ll do when you arrive in Korea is to look for accommodation to enjoy the Korean cultural experience. Here, learning some Korean words related to accommodation can make your experience smoother:

8. Korean Words And Phrases Related To Love And Relationships 

Learning Korean vocabulary without some love and relationship phrases is incomplete. After all, I bet one of the reasons why you’re here is because of your favorite Oppa and bias. And I am pretty sure that the K-dramas have already made you fall in love or at least believe in true love.

Falling in love with Koreans is not hard because, let’s admit it, what’s not to love about them? So, here are some basic Korean words related to love and relationships:

9. Basic Words For Family In The Korean Language

10. Korean Verbs And Adjectives 

Verbs and adjectives are essential parts of the sentence structure. If you know the basic verbs and adjectives, it will be easier for you to understand and write sentences in Korean.

Here are some basic verbs and adjectives you’ll need to know.

11. Words About Time In Korean 

One thing to learn about Koreans is they are really organized. Everything is fast-paced to keep productivity but remember, fast-paced doesn’t always compromise quality. They still care about details and quality of work. Here are some time related Korean words for you:

12. Korean Slang Words 

In learning basic words and phrases in the Korean language, we shouldn’t miss Korean slang words. If you have a strong grasp of this, understanding Korean jokes and watching K-dramas will be much easier. Also, if you start making friends, you will talk more casually.

Usually, these are the terms that you’ll commonly use:

13. K-Drama Words And Phrases

“Crash Landing On You,” “Reply 1988,” and “Goblin” these are just three of the most iconic K-dramas that made history in the K-drama world. If you’re an OG K-drama fan, you have surely unconsciously picked up words commonly used in K-dramas. Wondering what these words mean?

Check out these basic Korean phrases used in K-dramas. 

14. Korean Words For Music

It is no doubt that the Korean music industry is a global trend and has a huge fanbase in different parts of the world. Thus, let’s discuss some most common music related Korean words:

 A List Of 365 Common Korean Words To Improve Your Vocabulary

Below are some of the basic vocabulary of common Korean words about everyday life, essential words such as Korean family words, most typical greetings, basic medical terms, directions, and other terms for everyday life. Save this as a quick cheat sheet:

Words That Reflects Korean Culture

Whenever we hear Korean people’s speech or observe their expressions when watching their dramas online, Korean language becomes more familiar. Thus, by listening to native Korean speakers, you are already making a lot of effort to remember these basic words and phrases!

Learning about Korean culture is necessary because this will widen your perspective on learning the Korean language itself. When you observe Korean culture, you will recognize the meaning behind their language, words, phrases, sentences, and vocabulary in terms of speaking. 

But if not Korean culture, let’s quickly explore some common Korean words that reflect Korean culture:

• Friend – Chingu (친구) : Koreans generally use this word for the people of the same age.

• Mutual Understanding/Something’s going on – Sseom-ta-da (썸타다) : This basic Korean phrase came from the English word ‘something’ or ‘something’s going’ on in terms of dating, and ‘ta-da’ is an expression of ‘go-along’ if the dating couple will move to a more serious relationship.

• Love – Sarang (사랑) : This is a Korean word for love. Japanese also have this word with the same meaning.

• Charming Act – Aegyo (애교): This word is a trend right now in Korea. Mostly, women and even men do this charming and adorable act to look sweet to people. They often do the ‘aegyo’ when they take a ‘selka’ on their phones.

• Selfie – Selka (셀카):  From the English word ‘selfie’. Most Korean artists love to take pictures. Coz why not? Korean glass skin is worth showing off.

• Rice – bap (밥) :  It’s not only the Philippines and Japan who love to eat rice, but also Korea. The rice that they eat was often wrapped in different types of leaves, together with meat or fish.

• Clear Liquor –Soju (소주 ): This is the most popular liquor in Korea. In Korean culture, drinking alcohol like soju, rice wine, and other alcohol is a big part of the lives of Korean family.

• Now – jigeum (지금 ):  We frequently hear this word from our favorite K-pop groups whenever they have interviews, or sometimes in the daily conversations of your favorite Korean actors or artists in a variety show. This literally means ‘now’ or ‘at this moment’.

• Just a moment/wait –jamkkannmanyo (잠깐만요): This expression from the most common Korean words is generally formally used in everyday life.

• All together – da gachi (다 같이) : You probably heard it right? This Korean word is usually heard when you watch a concert from your favorite Kpop group in initiating the fans to sing along with them.

• What is this? – ige mwoyeyo (이게 뭐예요): This is also an expression from the most common Korean words, and it is also mainly used in everyday life in an informal manner, most especially when you are talking with your close friends or relatives.

• Good – joayo (좋아요) : This is also one of the most common Korean words that are being used a lot. You must have heard this on the videos of different Korean vloggers who want viewers to subscribe and ‘joayo’ their vlogs.

Learn these cultural terms and you will be one step ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Korean Vocabulary

Wrapping Up

Thus, this ultimate guide to 500+ basic words and phrases in the Korean language cover almost every word that you might have heard or need to use in daily life. In crux, we have mastered some polite Korean words, and vocabulary related to shopping, traveling, dining out, time, and emergency. Along with this, we have also explored a few effective love phrases and common K-drama words to ensure you know almost every word that you like.

So, save this vocabulary guide as a mini dictionary, but don’t forget to practice them daily. Otherwise, your struggle of learning new vocabulary will all go in vain.

Start Learning Korean With Ling Now!

Learning basic words and phrases in the Korean Language will definitely help survive. You will hear a lot of phrases and words that you don’t even understand, and it will make it hard for you to have good communication with the locals. Of course, you won’t always have the opportunity to check your dictionaries or some free PDF files saved on your cellphone to compose what you want to say.

Here, the Ling app actually comes to your rescue. With Ling, you can easily learn, hear, and practice new Korean words and phrases, and even practice speaking them with its dialog feature.

Through Ling, you don’t have to attend any class on a given schedule because you can learn with just your phone or computer during your free time. Learning a language will be a lot easier and more fun.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Ling app and start learning Korean today!