The Magic of Hangul (Part 5): What to Say After “Annyeonghaseyo”

16 May, 2025

Sometimes when I meet people and they find out I’m Korean, they’ll try a few words in Korean.
It’s always nice — and usually goes like this:

“Annyeonghaseyo.”
“Gamsahamnida.”
“Masisseoyo.”

And then... it stops.

Those are great phrases. But if you want to go a little further —
right after that first hello — here are a few things you can say that sound natural, polite, and very Korean.

1. 처음 뵙겠습니다 (Cheoeum boepgetseumnida)

This is the most formal way to say “Nice to meet you.”
You’ll hear it in business, interviews, or first-time introductions.

If you only memorize one thing after “Annyeonghaseyo,” this is a strong choice.

2. 반갑습니다 (Bangapseumnida)

This one’s a little warmer and more relaxed — still polite, but friendlier.

You can say it after 처음 뵙겠습니다, or use it by itself.
It’s a go-to for everyday situations.

3. 잘 부탁드립니다 (Jal butak deurimnida)

Literally: “Please take good care of me.”

This might sound strange in English, but in Korean, it’s a humble way to say:
“I hope we get along.”

Great when starting work, school, or anything new with others.

4. 한국어 조금 할 수 있어요 (Hangugeo jogeum hal su isseoyo)

This means “I can speak a little Korean.”

It helps set expectations — and often makes people more patient with you.
It also shows effort, which is always appreciated.

And if you add the “just a little” gesture —
holding your thumb and index finger slightly apart —
you’ll get a few extra smiles.

5. 공부 열심히 하고 있어요 (Gongbu yeolsimhi hago isseoyo)

“I’ve been studying hard.”

It’s a natural way to respond when someone notices you’re learning Korean.
It sounds genuine, and lets the other person know you’re taking it seriously.

Final thought

The first few words after “Annyeonghaseyo” can feel awkward.
But they’re also a chance to make a real connection.

With just a few natural expressions, you’ll sound more confident —
and more like yourself, in Korean.

Every block you read, every phrase you say —
it all builds toward real connection.

What’s next?

You’ve learned how to say hello. Now it's time to keep the conversation going:

• Part 1: Hangul is easier than you think
  Korean letters aren’t hard. In fact, they’re easier than English.

• Part 2: How Korean letters fit together
  Letters don’t just sit side by side. They *combine. Here's how.*

• Part 3: Start reading Korean in minutes
  You’ve seen the pieces. Now it’s time to put them together.

• Part 4: You can read these words now!
  A few shapes turn into real words — like magic.

• Part 5: What to say after “Annyeonghaseyo”
  You know how to greet someone. Here’s what comes next.

Want to see how real Korean sounds?

Once you’ve learned Hangul, try picking up Korean through music and lyrics:

• Pookie — And the K-Pop Drama Behind the Smile
• Midnight Special — A Song About Lingering, and a Member Who Never Leaves

← Back to Korean Expressions