Learning a new language can feel overwhelming at first, but the best way to start is by picking up practical phrases you can actually use in daily life. Korean is no exception. While textbooks might bombard you with grammar rules and vocabulary lists, what really helps you connect with people in real situations are everyday sentences. Whether you’re planning a trip to Seoul, making Korean friends, or just watching your favorite K-dramas with subtitles off, these handy phrases will make your life easier. One can also consider the best Korean classes in Mumbai or Korean courses in Mumbai if they want to learn advanced Korean.
15 Common Korean Sentences You Should Learn To Use Every Day
Here are 15 common Korean sentences that you’ll find yourself using almost every single day.
- 안녕하세요. (Annyeonghaseyo.) – Hello.
The most basic yet powerful word in Korean. It works in almost every situation, from greeting your barista to meeting your boss. Want to sound casual with close friends? You can simply say 안녕 (Annyeong).
- 감사합니다. (Gamsahamnida.) – Thank you.
Good manners go a long way in Korean culture. If someone helps you or gives you something, saying “감사합니다” will always leave a good impression. For a more casual setting, you can say 고마워 (Gomawo).
- 죄송합니다. (Joesonghamnida.) – I’m sorry.
Accidentally bump into someone on the subway? Or need to excuse yourself politely? This is your go-to sentence. For less formal situations, you can use 미안해 (Mianhae).
- 이거 얼마예요? (Igeo eolmayeyo?) – How much is this?
Shopping in Korea is fun, but you’ll need this sentence almost everywhere whether in a street market, a convenience store, or even a clothing shop.
- 화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
One of the most useful questions you’ll ever learn. “화장실” means bathroom, and this phrase will save you in emergencies.
- 이거 주세요. (Igeo juseyo.) – Please give me this.
When ordering food at a restaurant or buying something at a store, simply point at the item and say this. It’s polite, simple, and effective.
- 맛있어요! (Masisseoyo!) – It’s delicious!
Korean food is amazing, and you’ll want to express that joy. Whether it’s your first bite of kimchi or a sizzling plate of bulgogi, saying 맛있어요! will make locals smile.
- 괜찮아요. (Gwaenchanayo.) – It’s okay / I’m okay.
This is a versatile phrase. You can use it to reassure someone (“I’m fine”), politely decline an offer, or say something is acceptable.
- 네 / 아니요. (Ne / Aniyo.) – Yes / No.
Two small but powerful words. They’ll help you survive countless conversations, from ordering coffee to answering questions at the train station.
- 이해했어요. (Ihaehaesseoyo.) – I understand.
If someone is explaining something to you and you get it, this phrase shows you’re following along. The opposite is 이해 못했어요 (Ihae mot haesseoyo), I didn’t understand.
- 천천히 말해 주세요. (Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo.) – Please speak slowly.
Koreans might speak too fast when you’re just learning. This polite request helps you keep up without feeling lost.
- 사진 찍어도 돼요? (Sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo?) – Can I take a picture?
Perfect for tourists. Whether you’re at Gyeongbokgung Palace or a trendy Seoul café, this polite question shows respect before snapping photos.
- 지금 몇 시예요? (Jigeum myeot siyeyo?) – What time is it now?
A handy phrase when you don’t want to keep checking your phone or if you’re trying to catch a bus or train.
- 어디 가세요? (Eodi gaseyo?) – Where are you going?
A common everyday question you might hear from friends, family, or even taxi drivers. It’s casual yet practical.
- 좋아요! (Joayo!) – I like it! / It’s good!
Whether you’re complimenting food, music, or an idea, this simple phrase makes conversations warmer and friendlier.
Why Learning These Sentences Matters
Mastering these 15 sentences is like unlocking a starter pack for real-life Korean conversations. They cover the essentials: greetings, politeness, shopping, eating, and asking for directions. Unlike complicated grammar rules, these are easy to remember and apply right away.
When you start using them in daily life, you’ll notice how much smoother your interactions become. Locals appreciate foreigners who make the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. It also boosts your confidence, because you’re not just learning Korean in theory – you’re living it.
Final Thoughts
Language learning doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just these 15 common Korean sentences, you can greet people, show manners, order food, and get around comfortably. The more you practice, the more natural they’ll feel. Think of them as your everyday toolkit, small steps that bring you closer to fluency.
So, next time you say 안녕하세요 with a smile, remember, you’re not just learning words, you’re connecting with a culture. And that’s the most rewarding part of learning Korean. So, enrol in the best Korean institute in Mumbai to learn advanced Korean.