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.
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
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you |
| 네 / 아니요 | ne / aniyo | Yes / No |
| 만나서 반가워요 | mannaseo bangawoyo | Nice to meet you |
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | I'm sorry |
| 안녕히 계세요 | annyeonghi gyeseyo | Goodbye (to someone staying) |
Keeping a conversation going
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 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 좋아요 | joayo / an joayo | I like it / I don't like it |
| 저도요 | jeodoyo | Me too |
When you get stuck
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 잘 모르겠어요 | jal moreugesseoyo | I don't understand |
| 다시 말해 주세요 | dasi malhae juseyo | Please say it again |
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo | Please speak slowly |
| 아직 배우고 있어요 | ajik baeugo isseoyo | I'm still learning |
Say it, don't just scan it
Korean pronunciation lives in your mouth, not on the page. Read these aloud a few times until they feel natural.
For the full approach, read how to learn Korean by speaking, or get a free call and practice these with Mira.
Practice out loud today
Indilingo Voice is an AI tutor named Mira who calls you to practice speaking almost any language. Your first 2-minute call is free.
Get a free callKeep reading
TOEFL Speaking Roadmap: How to Reach 26+
The TOEFL Speaking section is short but brutal on timing. Here's a step-by-step roadmap to a 26+, task by task, focused on what actually raises your score.
IELTS Speaking Band 7 Roadmap: How to Get There
Stuck at band 6 to 6.5 in IELTS speaking? Here's a clear, step-by-step roadmap to reach band 7+, built around the four things examiners actually score.