One of the easiest ways to impress people from another culture is by greeting them in their language. If you plan to impress your Korean or Japanese friend then you should know these basic greetings. It can also be that you are on vacation to Korea and Japan, and it is a great idea to greet the people you meet in their own languages. When one talks in the native language of the other person, it makes them feep special and they appreciate the efforts taken by you to learn their language. Learning basics about a language could also be the beginning of learning a new language.
The Korean language was invented by King Sejong, he invented the Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The Korean language is a northern Asian language, also established as the Altaic language. It is influenced by Mongolian, Turkish and Japanese. Whereas, Japanese is the only language that is known to not be away from its genetic affiliation.
Korean words and phrases for Greetings
Hi: 안녕 annyeong
I am fine: 나는 괜찮아 naneun gwaenchanh-a
Nice to meet you: 만나서 반갑습니다 mannaseo bangabseubnida
Hello: 안녕하십니까 annyeonghasibnikka
How are you: 잘 지내고 있나요? jal jinaego issnayo?
How have you been: 어떻게 지냈나 요? eotteohge jinaessna yo?
How was your day: 오늘 어땠어요? oneul eottaess-eoyo?
Thank you: 감사합니다 gamsahabnida
Welcome: 환영하다 hwan-yeonghada
Japanese words and phrases for Greetings
Hi: こんにちは Kon’nichiwa
I am fine: 大丈夫です Daijōbudesu
Nice to meet you: はじめまして Hajimemashite
Hello: こんにちは Kon’nichiwa
How are you?: 元気ですか? Genkidesuka?
How have you been?: 元気でしたか？ Genkideshita ka?
How was your day?: あなたの一日はどうでした？ Anata no tsuitachi wa dōdeshita?
Thank you: ありがとうございました Arigatōgozaimashita
Welcome: ようこそ Yōkoso
Importance of Bowing
After knowing some basic greetings in Korean and Japanese, the next step is to learn how to bow. Bowing is considered to be a sincere and respectful way to greet people, especially older people. You mostly bow to people who are older than you or people you respect. One doesn’t bow to their friends and similar-aged people. Many Korean and Japanese people consider bowing an important greeting as it showcases respect for one another. So the next time you visit Korea and Japan make sure you show your respect to older people by bowing.
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