Beginner Korean Series EP 1: "Annyeonghaseyo! Greetings and Introductions"

[1: Importance of Greetings in Korean Culture]

Let’s start with the most common and polite greeting:

• 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) – This means ‘Hello’ in a formal way.
• 안녕 (annyeong) – This means ‘Hi’ and is used casually with friends or people your age.”

First, the formal version:

• 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo). Repeat after me:
  [Pause for 2 seconds]
• 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo).

Now, let’s try the casual version:

• 안녕 (annyeong). Repeat after me:
  [Pause for 2 seconds]
• 안녕 (annyeong).

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[2: Introducing Yourself]

“Now that you know how to greet someone, let’s move on to introducing yourself. In Korea, when you meet someone for the first time, it’s polite to share your name and say ‘Nice to meet you.’

Here are the two key phrases you’ll need:

1. 저는 [Your Name]입니다 (jeoneun [Your Name]-imnida) – This means ‘I am [Your Name].’
2. 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida) – This means ‘Nice to meet you.’”

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Phrase Breakdown:

1. 저는 [Name]입니다

   • 저는 means ‘I am.’
   • [Your Name] is where you say your name.
   • 입니다 is a polite ending, like ‘am’ or ‘is.’

2. 만나서 반갑습니다

   • 만나다 means ‘to meet,’ and 반갑다 means ‘to be glad.’
   • Combined, it means, ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you.’

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“Let’s try saying these together. 

1. 저는 [Your Name]입니다 (jeoneun [Your Name]-imnida).
   [Pause for listener response.]

2. 만나서 반갑습니다 (mannaseo bangapseumnida).
   [Pause for listener response.]

• 저는 [Your Name]입니다. 만나서 반갑습니다.

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[3: Practice Dialogue ]

Speaker A:

• 안녕하세요. 저는 마이크입니다 (annyeonghaseyo. jeoneun Mike-imnida).

Speaker B:

• 안녕하세요. 저는 수지입니다. 만나서 반갑습니다 (annyeonghaseyo. jeoneun Suji-imnida. mannaseo bangapseumnida).

• 안녕하세요. 저는 수지입니다. 만나서 반갑습니다.
  [Pause for listener response.]

• 안녕하세요. 저는 마이크입니다. 만나서 반갑습니다.
  [Pause for listener response.]