Everyday Korean Expressions
Daily everyday Korean expressions with meaning, nuance, and native examples.
How to Say “I’ll Take This” in Korean: 이거 주세요 (igeo juseyo)
“Igeo juseyo” means “I’ll take this” / “give me this, please” — point at what you want and you can order almost anything.
Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “How Much Is It?” in Korean: 얼마예요 (eolmayeyo)
“Eolmayeyo?” means “how much is it?” — the single most useful phrase for shopping and markets in Korea.
Jun 18, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Whoa” in Korean: 헐 (heol)
“Heol” is a slangy gasp — “whoa,” “no way,” “OMG” — for shock, disbelief, or secondhand embarrassment.
Jun 18, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Thanks For Your Hard Work” in Korean: 수고하셨어요 (sugohasyeosseoyo)
“Sugohasyeosseoyo” means “thank you for your hard work” — said at the end of a task, shift, or workday to acknowledge someone’s effort.
Jun 17, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Well Done” in Korean: 잘했어 (jalhaesseo)
“Jalhaesseo” means “well done” / “good job” — praise for something someone did well.
Jun 17, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “I Don’t Like It” in Korean: 싫어 (sireo)
“Sireo” means “I don’t like it” or a firm “no, I don’t want to” — the direct opposite of “joa.”
Jun 16, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Good” in Korean: 좋아 (joa)
“Joa” means “good,” “I like it,” or “sounds good” — a tiny word that handles approval, agreement, and liking all at once.
Jun 16, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “I Don’t Know” in Korean: 몰라 (molla)
“Molla” means “I don’t know” — a casual shrug of an answer for friends.
Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Wait A Moment” in Korean: 잠깐만 (jamkkanman)
“Jamkkanman” means “just a moment” / “hold on” — what you say to pause someone or buy yourself a second.
Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Quickly” in Korean: 빨리 (ppalli)
“Ppalli” means “quickly” or “hurry up” — a word so central to Korean life that “ppalli-ppalli culture” describes the country’s fast pace.
Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Got It” in Korean: 알았어 (arasseo)
“Arasseo” means “got it” / “okay” — you understood and you’ll do it. It’s the casual acknowledgment you give a friend.
Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “How Are You” in Korean: 잘 지내 (jal jinae)
“Jal jinae?” asks “Are you doing well?” and “Jal jinae” (statement) means “take care.” It’s how Koreans ask after and wish well to each other.
Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Excuse Me” in Korean: 저기요 (jeogiyo)
“Jeogiyo” is how you get a stranger’s attention — “excuse me” to ask a question, call a waiter, or stop someone politely.
Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Welcome” in Korean: 어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo)
“Eoseo oseyo” means “welcome” or “come on in” — the greeting you’ll hear the moment you step into any Korean shop or restaurant.
Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Thanks For The Food” in Korean: 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgesseumnida)
“Jal meokgesseumnida” is what you say before a meal — roughly “I’ll eat well,” a thank-you to whoever provided the food.
Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Oh Dear” in Korean: 아이고 (aigo)
“Aigo” is an all-purpose sigh of sympathy, surprise, or effort — the sound Koreans make at everything from sad news to standing up.
Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “How About It?” in Korean: 어때 (eottae)
“Eottae” asks “How is it?” or “What do you think?” — a quick way to get someone’s opinion or check how something’s going.
Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “I Miss You” in Korean: 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo)
“Bogo sipeo” literally means “I want to see you” — the standard way to say “I miss you” in Korean.
Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Good Luck” in Korean: 화이팅 (hwaiting)
“Hwaiting” (from English “fighting”) is Korea’s all-purpose cheer — “You got this!” / “Good luck!” / “Let’s go!”
Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “It’s Okay” in Korean: 괜찮아 (gwaenchana)
“Gwaenchana” means “it’s okay,” “I’m fine,” or a gentle “no thanks” — one of the most versatile phrases in Korean.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “It’s Delicious” in Korean: 맛있어 (masisseo)
“Masisseo” means “it’s delicious” — the reaction you’ll use constantly at Korean meals.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Good Night” in Korean: 잘 자 (jal ja)
“Jal ja” literally means “sleep well” — the casual “good night” you text a friend or partner.
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Awesome” in Korean: 대박 (daebak)
“Daebak” is an all-purpose “Awesome!” or “No way!” — originally meaning “jackpot,” now a reaction to anything amazing (or shockingly bad).
Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Really” in Korean: 진짜 (jjinjja)
“Jjinjja” means “really” — both as a question (“For real?”) and an intensifier (“It’s really good”).
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Hi” in Korean: 안녕 (annyeong)
“Annyeong” is a casual “hi” and “bye” in one — the friendly greeting you use with people your own age or younger.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Thanks” in Korean: 고마워 (gomawo)
“Gomawo” is a warm, casual “thanks” for friends and people close to you.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “I Love You” in Korean: 사랑해 (saranghae)
“Saranghae” means “I love you” in casual Korean — the line you’ll hear in every K-drama confession scene.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Say “Sorry” in Korean: 미안해 (mianhae)
“Mianhae” is the everyday way to say sorry to someone you’re close to — a quick, heartfelt apology rather than a stiff, formal one.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read