What does 안녕 mean?

안녕 (an-nyeong, annyeong)

안녕 (annyeong) is a common Korean greeting used casually and as the base of polite forms like 안녕하세요.

Korean word 안녕 meaning casual greeting

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

안녕(an-nyeong, annyeong)

안녕 means 'peace' or 'well-being' and is used as a greeting wishing health and peace, like in '안녕하세요' or '안녕히 가세요.'

Nuances

  • Informal, gives a friendly and relaxed vibe
  • Not appropriate in formal settings
  • Adding '히' makes it polite ('안녕히')
  • Implies wishing health and peace

When to use

Meeting friends, Saying goodbye, Casual greeting, Relaxed atmosphere

In context

안녕 is an informal greeting used among friends or close people. For formal or unfamiliar situations, use polite forms like 안녕하세요.

Real-world examples

  • 안녕! 오늘 어때?

    an-nyeong! o-neul eo-ttae?, an nyeong! o neul eo ttae?

    Natural informal greeting to a friend.

  • 안녕히 가세요.

    an-nyeong-hi ga-se-yo., an nyeong hi ga se yo.

    Polite form used when parting.

  • 안녕히 주무세요.

    an-nyeong-hi ju-mu-se-yo., an nyeong hi ju mu se yo.

    Polite night-time farewell.

  • 안녕하세요!

    an-nyeong-ha-se-yo!, an nyeong ha se yo!

    '안녕하세요' is incorrect; correct is '안녕하세요'.

  • 안녕 친구야!

    an-nyeong chin-gu-ya!, an nyeong chin gu ya!

    Natural greeting to a friend.

  • 안녕히 계세요.

    an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo., an nyeong hi gye se yo.

    Polite farewell when someone stays.

Quick quiz

  1. In which situation is '안녕' mainly used?

    '안녕'은 어떤 상황에서 주로 사용하나요?('an-nyeong'euneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosa-yong-ha-na-yo?, 'annyeong'euneotteonsanghwangeseojurosayonghanayo?)
  2. Which of the following is correct?

    다음 중 올바른 표현은?(da-eumjungol-ba-reunpyo-hyeon-eun?, daeumjungolbareunpyohyeoneun?)
  3. What is the basic meaning of '안녕'?

    '안녕'의 기본 의미는 무엇인가요?('an-nyeong'uigi-bonui-mi-neunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, 'annyeong'uigibonuimineunmueosingayo?)

More meaning guides

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