Key Takeaways
- Learning Korean vocabulary first helps you speak and understand faster.
- Grouping words by daily use makes learning practical and memorable.
- Consistent use of basic words builds confidence across study, work, and travel.
Learning Korean becomes much easier when you start with words you actually hear and use. Vocabulary is the foundation of communication. Before grammar rules click, words help you recognize meaning, respond naturally, and stay motivated. This guide covers essential Korean vocabulary with context, so beginners can learn with clarity and purpose.
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Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions
Greetings shape conversations in Korean culture. Politeness reflects respect, especially in professional and social settings. Beginners should focus on common polite expressions first, as they appear in daily conversations, classrooms, offices, and customer interactions. These words help you start, maintain, and close conversations naturally.
Vocabulary
- Hello – 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- Hi – 안녕 (Annyeong)
- Thank you – 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)
- Thanks – 고마워요 (Gomawoyo)
- Sorry – 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)
- Excuse me – 실례합니다 (Sillyehamnida)
- Yes – 네 (Ne)
- No – 아니요 (Aniyo)
- Goodbye – 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
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Numbers You’ll Use Every Day
Numbers appear everywhere in Korean life. You use them for prices, time, dates, age, and work-related tasks. Learning numbers early improves daily communication and reduces hesitation. Once you understand number patterns, practical tasks like shopping or scheduling meetings feel much easier.
Vocabulary
- One – 하나 (Hana)
- Two – 둘 (Dul)
- Three – 셋 (Set)
- Four – 넷 (Net)
- Five – 다섯 (Daseot)
- Ten – 열 (Yeol)
- Twenty – 스물 (Seumul)
- Hundred – 백 (Baek)
- Thousand – 천 (Cheon)
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Pronouns and People
Words for people and relationships help you describe roles clearly. Korean often uses titles instead of pronouns, so understanding these terms avoids confusion. These words are essential for introductions, workplace communication, and family-related conversations. They also help learners understand respect levels in speech.
Vocabulary
- I / Me – 나 (Na)
- You – 당신 (Dangsin)
- We – 우리 (Uri)
- Friend – 친구 (Chingu)
- Teacher – 선생님 (Seonsaengnim)
- Student – 학생 (Haksaeng)
- Boss – 사장님 (Sajangnim)
- Colleague – 동료 (Dongnyo)
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Everyday Verbs
Verbs allow you to express actions, plans, and routines. Without verbs, vocabulary remains passive. Learning common verbs early helps beginners form simple sentences quickly. These verbs appear in daily conversations, emails, and instructions, making them essential for practical Korean use.
Vocabulary
- To do – 하다 (Hada)
- To go – 가다 (Gada)
- To come – 오다 (Oda)
- To eat – 먹다 (Meokda)
- To drink – 마시다 (Masida)
- To see – 보다 (Boda)
- To speak – 말하다 (Malhada)
- To work – 일하다 (Ilhada)
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Adjectives for Description
Adjectives help you express opinions, emotions, and conditions clearly. In Korean, adjectives often behave like verbs, which may feel new at first. Learning common descriptive words helps beginners talk about work, people, places, and experiences with confidence and clarity.
Vocabulary
- Good – 좋다 (Jota)
- Bad – 나쁘다 (Nappeuda)
- Big – 크다 (Keuda)
- Small – 작다 (Jakda)
- Easy – 쉽다 (Swipda)
- Difficult – 어렵다 (Eoryeopda)
- Busy – 바쁘다 (Bappeuda)
- Tired – 피곤하다 (Pigonhada)
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Food and Daily Essentials
Food vocabulary appears constantly in Korean conversations. Meals play a central role in social and professional bonding. Knowing basic food and daily-use words helps learners order confidently, shop easily, and participate in casual conversations, especially during travel or work breaks.
Vocabulary
- Food – 음식 (Eumsik)
- Water – 물 (Mul)
- Rice – 밥 (Bap)
- Coffee – 커피 (Keopi)
- Tea – 차 (Cha)
- Breakfast – 아침 (Achim)
- Lunch – 점심 (Jeomsim)
- Dinner – 저녁 (Jeonyeok)
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Time and Place Words
Time and place words help learners stay clear and organized while speaking Korean. These words are useful for planning schedules, attending meetings, and describing routines. Beginners who master these expressions understand instructions better in workplaces, schools, and travel situations.
Vocabulary
- Today – 오늘 (Oneul)
- Tomorrow – 내일 (Naeil)
- Yesterday – 어제 (Eoje)
- Now – 지금 (Jigeum)
- Morning – 아침 (Achim)
- Night – 밤 (Bam)
- Home – 집 (Jip)
- Office – 사무실 (Samusil)
Why This Vocabulary Matters
What this really means is simple. Vocabulary gives you independence. With these words, beginners can manage daily interactions and understand basic conversations. Many learners support self-study with Korean classes in Mumbai, guided Korean courses in Mumbai, or training from a Korean institute in Mumbai for faster progress.
Conclusion
Korean becomes approachable when you focus on useful words instead of memorizing complex rules. Start small, practice daily, and speak without fear. Over time, vocabulary turns into natural communication, making Korean a practical and rewarding language to learn.
About ReSOLT
ReSOLT delivers practical language training, expert-led programs, and career-oriented learning that helps students and professionals build confident communication skills for academic growth and long-term professional success.
FAQs
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How many Korean words should beginners learn first?
Around 300 to 500 common words provide a strong foundation.
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Should I learn vocabulary before grammar?
Yes. Vocabulary builds confidence and makes grammar easier later.
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Can busy professionals learn Korean effectively?
Yes. Short, consistent daily practice works well with full-time schedules.