안녕 (an-nyeong, annyeong) · 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, annyeonghaseyo)
안녕 is used among close friends casually, while 안녕하세요 is a polite greeting showing respect.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A casual greeting used among close friends or younger people, similar to 'hi' or 'hey' in English.
When to use
Among friends, Within family, Among peers
The nuance
Used only among friends, family, or peers; inappropriate in formal situations or with elders.
A polite greeting used to show respect, appropriate for first meetings or addressing elders and strangers.
When to use
Meeting strangers, To elders, Formal occasions
The nuance
Used in formal or respectful contexts, suitable for all ages and relationships.
안녕, 오늘 뭐 해?
an-nyeong, o-neul mwo hae?, an nyeong, o neul mwo hae?
A natural casual greeting to a friend.
안녕하세요, 오늘 뭐 해?
an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, o-neul mwo hae?, an nyeong ha se yo, o neul mwo hae?
Polite greeting, acceptable even among friends.
어른에게 '안녕'이라고 인사했어요.
eo-reun-e-ge 'an-nyeong'i-ra-go in-sa-haess-eo-yo., eo reun e ge 'an nyeong'i ra go in sa haess eo yo.
Using casual greeting with elders is rude; should use '안녕하세요'.
처음 만난 사람에게 '안녕'이라고 했어요.
cheo-eum man-nan sa-ram-e-ge 'an-nyeong'i-ra-go haess-eo-yo., cheo eum man nan sa ram e ge 'an nyeong'i ra go haess eo yo.
Casual greeting inappropriate for first-time meetings.
가족끼리 '안녕'이라고 인사해요.
ga-jok-kki-ri 'an-nyeong'i-ra-go in-sa-hae-yo., ga jok kki ri 'an nyeong'i ra go in sa hae yo.
Casual greeting is natural within family.
공식 자리에서 '안녕'이라고 인사했어요.
gong-sik ja-ri-e-seo 'an-nyeong'i-ra-go in-sa-haess-eo-yo., gong sik ja ri e seo 'an nyeong'i ra go in sa haess eo yo.
Casual greeting inappropriate in formal settings.
안녕하세요, 잘 지내세요?
an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, jal ji-nae-se-yo?, an nyeong ha se yo, jal ji nae se yo?
Polite and natural respectful greeting.
친구에게 '안녕하세요'라고 인사했어요.
chin-gu-e-ge 'an-nyeong-ha-se-yo'ra-go in-sa-haess-eo-yo., chin gu e ge 'an nyeong ha se yo'ra go in sa haess eo yo.
Using polite greeting with friends is acceptable.
Which greeting should you use to casually greet a friend?
What is the appropriate greeting to a stranger elder?
Which greeting is suitable in formal occasions?
What does it mean?
