Basic Words

1. 네

   Ne

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

2. 아니요

   A-ni-yo

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

3. 부탁합니다

   Bu-tak-ham-ni-da

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

4. 감사합니다

   Gam-sa-ham-ni-da

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. 실례합니다

   Sil-lye-ham-ni-da

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

6. 죄송합니다

   Joe-song-ham-ni-da

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. 괜찮아요

   Gwaen-chan-a-yo

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. 모르겠어요

   Mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. 알겠습니다

   Al-ge-sseum-ni-da

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. 다 끝났어요

    Da kkeun-na-sseo-yo

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. 기다려 주세요

    Gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. 잠시만요

    Jam-si-man-yo

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. 어른 한 명이요

    Eo-reun han myeong-i-yo

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. 예약 안 했어요

    Ye-yak an hae-sseo-yo

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. 예약했어요

    Ye-yak-hae-sseo-yo

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. 도와주세요

    Do-wa-ju-se-yo

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. 다시 한 번 말해 주세요

    Da-si han beon mal-hae ju-se-yo

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. 천천히 말해 주세요

    Cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. 조금 할 수 있어요

    Jo-geum hal su i-sseo-yo

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. 영어 할 줄 아세요?

    Yeong-eo hal jul a-se-yo?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. 이거

    I-geo

    This

    Usage

    Points at something next to you; the workhorse word for ordering and shopping

22. 그거

    Geu-geo

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Points at something near the person you are talking to

23. 저거

    Jeo-geo

    That over there

    Usage

    Points at something away from both of you

24. 여기

    Yeo-gi

    Here

    Usage

    The place you are standing; as in "여기서 세워 주세요" (stop here)

25. 거기

    Geo-gi

    There

    Usage

    The place where the other person is, or a place already mentioned

26. 저기

    Jeo-gi

    Over there

    Usage

    A place away from both of you; note that "저기요" is used to mean "excuse me"

27. 저

    Jeo

    I, me (humble)

    Usage

    The humble first person, used with strangers and elders; "나" is the casual one. The same spelling is also the demonstrative "that over there", so point at yourself while showing it

28. 같이

    Ga-chi

    Together

    Usage

    Says you are doing something together; "함께" is a slightly stiffer synonym. Attached to a noun ("〜같이") it instead means "like ~"

Browse all TravelPhrases languages