Chapter 4 - Greeting In Korean

When learning a new language, greetings are one of the first things you master. They are essential for making connections, showing respect, and starting conversations. In Korean, one of the most common ways to greet someone politely is “반갑습니다” (bangapseumnida). You’ll often hear this phrase in formal situations, and knowing how to use it correctly will help you sound more natural when speaking Korean.

What Does “반갑습니다” Mean?

The phrase 반갑습니다 comes from the verb 반갑다 (bangapda), which means "to be glad" or "to be pleased." When combined with the formal -습니다 ending, it becomes 반갑습니다, meaning "I’m glad to meet you" or "Nice to meet you."

This phrase is commonly used when meeting someone for the first time or greeting someone you haven’t seen in a while. It expresses happiness and warmth, making it a great way to start a conversation in a respectful manner.


Pronunciation Guide

If you're new to Korean, pronunciation can be tricky, but don’t worry! Let’s break it down:

반갑습니다[ban-gap-seum-ni-da]

  • 반 (ban) – Pronounced like "bahn" (short and crisp).

  • 갑 (gap) – Sounds like "gap" but with a softer “g” sound.

  • 습 (seum) – This syllable is light, and the "eu" sound is subtle.

  • 니다 (ni-da) – Ends smoothly with "nee-da."

When spoken naturally, 반갑습니다 flows smoothly, with the final syllables blending slightly into each other.


When and How to Use “반갑습니다”

  1. Meeting Someone for the First Time

    • "안녕하세요? 반갑습니다!" (Hello? Nice to meet you!)

    • This is the perfect way to introduce yourself in a polite setting.

  2. Greeting Someone You Haven’t Seen in a While

    • "오랜만이에요! 반갑습니다!" (It's been a long time! Nice to see you!)

    • This phrase expresses happiness when meeting an acquaintance after some time.

  3. In a Professional or Formal Setting

    • When meeting a client, business partner, or elder, 반갑습니다 is the polite and appropriate greeting.


Informal and Casual Variations

While 반갑습니다 is polite and formal, Koreans also have casual ways to say “Nice to meet you” in everyday situations:

  • 반가워요 (bangawoyo) – Polite but less formal (used with colleagues or acquaintances).

  • 반가워 (bangawo) – Informal (used with close friends or younger people).



               "반갑습니다"




Dialogue

  • Soyeon :        Who is this?
  • Zhoumi :       This is my friend Minsoo Lee.
  • Soyeon :        Nice to meet you. I'm Soyeon Kim.
  • Minsoo :        Nice meeting you.

Grammar Explanation

What is " - 습니다/ ㅂ니다 "


This final ending is used with a verb stem to formally explain or declare something to a listener. 
When the verb stem ends in a vowel, use ' -ㅂ니다 '. 
When the verb stem ends in a consonant, use ' - 습니다 '.

For example:
  • 집에 갑니다.                                    I go home.
  • 저는 키가 큽니다.                           I'm tall.
  • 가방 안에 책이 없습니다.              There is no book in the bag.


What is " - 습니까/ㅂ니까?"


This final ending is used with a verb stem to formally ask a question. When the verb stem ends in a vowel, use ' - ㅂ니까? '. When the verb stem ends in a consonant, use ' -습니끼?'.

  • 어디에 갑니까?                              Where are you going?
  • 충전기가 있습니까?                      Is there a charger?
  • 외국친구가 없습니까?                  Don't you have a foreign friend?    


Now with these examples, you will understand more easily how to use this grammar pattern.

I will give you another conversation example using this grammar so that you can understand more.


eg. 샘이: 안녕하십니까?  조이 씨.              (Hello, Joy.)
      조이: 네, 안녕하십니까? 샘이 씨.         (Hello, Sammy.)
      샘이: 제 친구 조미입니다.                     (This is my friend, Zhoumi.)
      조미: 처음 뵙겠습니다. 조미입니다.    (First time meeting you, I'm Zhoumi.)
      조이: 반갑습니다. 조이입니다.             (Nice meeting you. I'm Joy.)
      조미: 조이 씨는 한국 사람입니까?       (Joy, are you Korean?)
      조이: 아니요, 미얀마 사람입니다.        (No, I'm from Myanmar.)



Today's learning is concluded here.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
See you in another lesson. :)



                                                                     ~ The End ~

Connect with Wookie on 


Comments