Learning a new language can be a rewarding experience, and mastering the most commonly used words is a great way to start. For Korean learners, understanding these essential words will help you build a solid foundation in the language. Find out the top 100 most commonly used Korean words, their meanings, and how to use them in sentences.
Top 12 Basic Korean Words For Travelling To Korea
If you’re travelling to South Korea, knowing these 12 words will help you get around the country. Learning Hangeul, the Korean alphabet can help with pronunciation so you’re more easily understood.
- 안녕하세요? (annyeonghasaeyo?) – hello (literal meaning: are you at peace?)
- 반갑습니다 (bangapseumnida) – nice to meet you
- 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) – thank you
- 죄송합니다 (joisonghamnida) – sorry
- 주세요 (juseyo) – please
- 저기요 (jeogiyo) – excuse me/over here (often used to get a staff member’s attention)
- 화장실 (hoajangshil) – bathroom
- 어디예요? (eodiyaeyo?) – where is
- 네 (nae) – yes
- 아니요 (aniyo) – no
- 알레르기 (allereugi) – allergy
- 영어 (yeongeo) – English
Test: Try saying “Hello, where is the bathroom?” in Korean!
Common Korean Pronouns (대명사)
Pronouns are essential for referring to people or things. Note that in Korean, “I” and “you” aren’t used in the same way as English.
If it’s clear that you’re talking about yourself, you can drop “I” (저/나) entirely. The only cases where it is used is if it’s unclear who you’re talking about, or you want to emphasise that you think such and such or you act in a certain way. This is usually in contrast with a statement that someone else has made. Learn more in our marking particles lesson.
Likewise, unless you’re close with the person, it’s very rare for Koreans to use the word “you” (너/당신). In fact, it can be considered rude if you refer to someone in this way. Instead, it’s best to use the person’s name, occupation, or a term of endearment if you’re close.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 나 (na) | I, me (informal) | “나는 학생이야.” (Naneun haksaeng-iya) “I am a student” |
| 저 (jeo) | I, me (formal) | “저는 회사원입니다.” (Jeoneun hoesawonimnida) “I am an office worker” |
| 너 (neo) | you (informal) | 나는 너를 사랑해.” (naneun neoreul saranghae) “I love you.“ |
| 당신 (dangshin) | you (formal, but rarely used) | “당신은 어디 가세요?” (Dangsin-eun eodi gaseyo?) “Where are you going?” |
| 우리 (uri) | we, our | “우리는 친구입니다.” (Urineun chingu-imnida.) “We are friends.” |
| 사람 (saram) | person | “그 사람은 누구예요?” (Geu saram-eun nugu-yeyo?) “Who is that person?” |
Essential Basic Korean Verbs (동사)
If you only have time to learn a handful of verbs, we’d recommend you learn these.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 하다 (hada) | to do | “공부 많이 해요.” (Gongbu mani haeyo) “I study a lot.” |
| 이다 (ida) | to be (generally used like “is” or “am” in English) | “책이에요.” (Chaekiaeyo) “It’s a book.” |
| 있다 (itda) | to exist, to have (used when referring to a certain place or state) | “고양이 한 마리가 있어요.” (Goyangee han mari isseoyo) “I have one cat.” |
| 없다 (eopda) | to not exist, to not have | “시간이 없어요.” (Sigani eobseoyo.) “I don’t have time.” |
| 가다 (gada) | to go | “오른쪽으로 가세요.” (Oreunjjog-eulo gaseyo.) “Go to the right.” |
| 오다 (oda) | to come | “여기로 오세요.” (Yeogilo oseyo.)” “Please come here.” |
| 보다 (boda) | to see, to look | “영화를 봐요.” (Yeonghwa-reul bwayo.) “I watch movies.” |
| 먹다 (meokda) | to eat | “저는 밥을 먹어요.” (Jeoneun bap-eul meogeoyo.) “I eat rice.” |
| 주다 (juda) | to give | “전화해 주세요.” (Jeo-ege jeonhwa hae juseyo.) “Please call me.” |
The Most Commonly Used Basic Korean Nouns (명사)
Here are some easy Korean nouns for you to learn.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 이 (i) | this (used when the object is close to the speaker) | “이 가방은 너무 작아요.” (I gabang-eun neomu jagayo.) “This bag is too small.” |
| 그 (geu) | that (used when the object is far from the speaker but close to the listener) he (그녀/geunyeo is she) | “그 집은 아주 큽니다.” (Geu jib-eun aju keumnida.) “The house is very big.” |
| 저 (jeo) | that (over there); used when an object is far away from the speaker and listener | “저 안경은 멋있어요.” (Jeo angyeongeun musisseoyo) “Those glasses (over there) are cool.” |
| 것 (geot) | thing, object | “이것을 어떻게 사용해요?” (Igeos-eul eotteoke sayonghaeyo?) “How do you use this?” |
| 학교 (hakgyo) | school | “학교에 가요.” (Hakgyo-e gayo.) “I am going to school.” |
| 집 (jib) | house, home | “이 집은 오래됐어요.” (I jib-eun olaedoess-eoyo.) “This house is old.” |
| 회사 (hoesa) | company, workplace | “지금 회사에서 일해요.” (Jigeum heosaeseo ilhaeyo) “I’m working at a company now.” |
| 친구 (chingu) | friend | “친구랑 만나요.” (Chingu-rang mannayo.) “I meet with a friend.” |
| 가족 (gajok) | family | “가족과 함께 시간을 보내요.” (Gajok-gwa hamkke sigan-eul bonaeyo.) “I spend time with my family.” |
If you want to refer to “this thing” or “that thing”, you can combine 이/그/저 with 것 to form:
- 이것 (igeot) – this thing (when it’s close to you, the speaker)
- 그것 (geugeot) – that thing (when it’s close to the listener and far from you, the speaker)
- 저것 (jeogeot) – that thing over there (when it’s far from you or the speaker)
This is particularly useful for beginners if you don’t know the word for a specific item. You can simply point to the object you want to talk about and use one of the three phrases above to refer to it. Simple!
The Most Common Particles (조사)
These can be attached to nouns in order to help the listener understand nuances of what you’re saying, such as the topic of the conversation, the object you’re going to do something to, or the location you’re speaking about. For a closer look at what these do, refer to the Korean marking particles guide here.
- 은/는 (eun/neun) – Topic markers
- 이/가 (i/ga) – Subject markers
- 을/를 (eul/reul) – Object markers
- 에 (e) – Location or time marker (“at,” “to,” “in”)
- 에서 (eseo) – At, in (location where an action occurs)
Interlude: Time To Apply What You’ve Learned!
Let’s take a moment to digest what you’ve learned and apply the knowledge you have so far. Practicing what you’ve learned as you go will help you memorize the words.
Using the words above, try to say the following. Don’t worry about conjugating the verbs for now, just focus on forming the sentences! Write your answers in the comments.
- I see people
- I am at school
- I am a person
- I go to work
Once that’s done, let’s get back to vocabulary.
More Korean Verbs
Got more time? Whilst these Korean verbs are still fairly basic, they’ll level up your conversations.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 되다 (dweda) | to become, to be | “좋은 하루 되세요.” (Joheun haru doeseyo.) “Have a good day.” |
| 만들다 (mandeulda) | to make | “빵을 만들었어요.” (Bbangeul mandeuleosseoyo.) “I made bread.” |
| 알다 (alda) | to know | “한국어를 좀 할 줄 알아요.” (Hangukeoreul hal jul arayo.) “I know how to speak Korean.” |
| 듣다 (deutda) | to listen | “나는 음악을 들어요.” (Naneun eumag-eul deureoyo.) “I listen to music.” |
| 말하다 (malhada) | to speak, to say | “나는 한국어를 말해요.” (Naneun hangug-eo-reul malhaeyo.) “I speak Korean.” |
| 읽다 (ikda) | to read | “좋은 책을 읽고 있어요.” (Joheun chaeg-eul ilggo isseoyo.) “I am reading a good book” |
| 쓰다 (sseuda) | to write, to use | “편지를 썼어요.” (Pyeonjireul sseosseoyo) “I wrote a letter.” |
| 배우다 (baeuda) | to learn | “한국어를 배우고 있어요.” (Naneun hangug-eo-reul baeugo isseoyo.) “I am learning Korean.” |
| 생각하다 (saenggakhada) | to think | “언니의 말을 생각했어요.” (Eonniui mareul saenggakhaesseoyo,) “I thought about Unnie’s words.” |
| 일하다 (ilhada) | to work | “사무실에서 일해요.” (Samusil-eseo ilhaeyo.) “I work in the office.” |
| 살다 (salda) | to live | “미국에 살아요.” (Migookae salayo.) “I live in America.” |
| 자다 (jada) | to sleep | “잘 자요.” (Jal jayo) “Sleep well.” |
| 필요하다 (piryohada) | to need | “돈이 필요해요.” (Don-i pil-yohaeyo.) “I need money.” |
| 가능하다 (ganeunghada) | to be possible | “이것은 가능해요?” (Igeoseun ganeunghaeyo?) “Is this possible?” |
| 많아지다 (manhajida) | to increase, to become more | “수가 많아지고 있어요.” (Suga manhajigo isseoyo.) “The numbers are increasing.” |
| 줄어들다 (jureodeulda) | to decrease, to become less | “속도가 줄어들고 있어요.” (Sokdoreul jureodeulgo isseoyo.) “The speed is decreasing.” |
| 시작하다 (sijakada) | to start | “우리는 시작할까요?” (Urineun sijakhalkkayo?) “Should we start?” |
| 끝나다 (kkeutnada) | to finish, to end | “시험이 끝났어요.” (Siheomi kkeutnasseoyo.) “The exam has finished.” |
Common Adjectives (Description Words; 형용사)
Adjectives describe qualities or states of being. They can add information to your sentences and allow you to describe things or say how you feel about something.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 좋다 (jota) | to be good | “좋은 아침이에요.” (Joheun achimiaeyo.) “Good morning.” |
| 나쁘다 (nappeuda) | to be bad | “그것은 나쁜 아이디어입니다.” (Geugeos-eun nappeun aideo-imnida.) “That’s a bad idea.” |
| 많다 (manta) | to be many, a lot | “사람이 너무 많아요.” (Sarami neomu manayo.) “There are too many people.” |
| 적다 (jeokda) | to be few, scarce | “양파가 너무 적어요.” (Yangpaga neomu jeokeoyo.) “There are too few onions.” |
| 크다 (keuda) | to be big | “키가 커요.” (Kiga keoyo.) “I am/he/she is tall.” |
| 작다 (jakda) | to be small | “키가 작아요.” (Kiga jakayo.) “I am/he/she is short.” |
| 길다 (gilda) | to be long | “머리가 길어요.” (Meoriga gileoyo.) “Her/His/My hair is long.” |
| 짧다 (jjalbda) | to be short | “머리가 짧아요.” (Meoriga jjalbayo.) “Her/His/My hair is short.” |
| 빠르다 (ppareuda) | to be fast | “빨리 오세요.” (Ppalri oseyo.) “Come quickly.” |
| 느리다 (neurida) | to be slow | “너무 느려요.” (Neomu neuryeoyo.) “You’re/It’s too slow.” |
| 쉽다 (swipda) | to be easy | “진짜 쉬워요.” (Jinjja swiweoyo.) “It’s really easy.” |
| 어렵다 (eoryeopda) | to be difficult | “한국어는 어려워요.” (Hangukeoneun eoryeowoyo.) “Korean is difficult.” |
General Nouns (명사)
Nouns are words that represent people, places, things, or ideas.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 사랑 (sarang) | love | “나는 사랑을 믿어요.” (Naneun sarangeul mideoyo.) “I believe in love.” |
| 행복 (haengbok) | happiness | “행복한 아기” (Haengbokhan agi) “Happy baby“ |
| 생각 (saenggak) | thought | “좋은 생각이에요.” (Joeun saenggakieyo.) “It’s a good thought.” |
| 문제 (munje) | problem, issue | “문제가 있어요.” (Munjega isseoyo.) “There is a problem.” |
| 정보 (jeongbo) | information | “이 정보는 중요해요.” (I jeongboneun jungyohaeyo.) “This information is important.” |
| 이야기 (iyagi) | story, conversation | “재미있는 이야기예요.” (Jaemiinneun iyagiyeyo.) “It’s an interesting story.” |
| 질문 (jilmun) | question | “질문이 있어요.” (Jilmuni isseoyo.) “I have a question.” |
| 대답 (daedap) | answer | “대답을 주세요.” (Daedapeul juseyo.) “Please give me the answer.” |
| 일 (il) | work, job | “나는 일을 해요.” (Naneun ileul haeyo.) “I do work.” |
| 돈 (don) | money | “돈이 필요해요.” (Doni piryohaeyo.) “I need money.” |
| 말 (mal) | language, speech, horse | “말을 잘하세요.” (Maleul jalhaseyo.) “You speak well.” |
Note that a lot of these nouns can be turned into verbs by adding the verb stem to the word (하다; hada, to do). That means you learn two words for the price of one!
- 사랑 -> 사랑하다 (saranghada) – to love
- 행복 -> 행복하다 (haengbokhada) – to be happy
- 생각 -> 생각하다 (saenggakhada) – to think
- 이야기 -> 이야기하다 (iyagihada) – to converse
- 질문 -> 질문하다 (jilmunhada) – to ask a question
- 대답 -> 대답하다 (daedaphada) – to reply
- 일 -> 일하다 (ilhada) – to work
- 말 -> 말하다 (malhada) – to speak
Location-Specific/Travel Words
Here are some words relating to travel and locations.
- 장소 (jangso) – place
- 나라 (nara) – country
- 도시 (dosi) – city
- 비행기 – (bihaengi) – airplane
- 기차 (kicha) – train
- 차 (cha) – car
Words Relating To Time In Korean
- 시간 (sigan) – time
- 오늘 (oneul) – today
- 내일 (naeil) – tomorrow
- 어제 (eoje) – yesterday
- 지금 (jigeum) – now
Adverbs (부사)
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often indicating manner, degree, frequency, or time.
- 정말 (jeongmal) – really
- 매우 (maeu) – very
- 많이 (mani) – a lot, much
- 조금 (jogeum) – a little
- 모두 (modu) – everyone, all
- 항상 (hangsang) – always
- 자주 (jaju) – often
- 때때로 (ttaettaero) – sometimes
- 가끔 (gakkeum) – occasionally
- 거의 (geoui) – almost
- 이미 (imi) – already
- 아직 (ajik) – not yet
- 아직도 (ajikdo) – still, even now
Particles (조사)
Particles are essential in Korean grammar as they indicate the grammatical function of words within a sentence. Here are some more:
- 와/과 (wa/gwa) – and (used to connect nouns in written Korean)
- 도 (do) – Also, too
- 의 (ui) – Possessive marker (“‘s,” “of”)
- 께 (kke) – Honorific object marker
- 에게 (ege) – To (a person, indirect object)
- 들 (deul) – plural marker
Question Words
These words can be used to help you ask questions in Korean.
| Korean Word | Translation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 언제 (eonje) | when | “언제 만날까요?” (Eonje mannalkkayo?) “When shall we meet?” |
| 어떻게 (eotteoke) | how | “이것을 어떻게 사용해요?” (Igeos-eul eotteoke sayonghaeyo?) “How do you use this?” |
| 왜 (wae) | why | “왜 늦었어요?” (Wae neujeosseoyo?) “Why are you late?” |
| 어디 (eodi) | where | “여기는 어디입니까?” (Yeogineun eodi-imnikka?) “Where is this?” |
| 누구 (nugu) | who | “그 사람은 누구예요?” (Geu saram-eun nugu-yeyo?) “Who is that person?” |
| 무엇 (mueot) / 뭐 (mwo, abbreviated) | what | “이것은 무엇입니까?” (Igeos-eun mueos-imnikka?) “What is this?” |
How Many Korean Words Are There?
According to the online open-sourced dictionary 우리말샘 (Urimalsaem), Korean has approximately 1,149,538 words/dictionary entries. This includes new words, colloquial expressions, words specific to Korean dialects, and jargon.
Don’t let that put you off learning Korean, though. Like many languages, you only need to know a fraction of this to understand and be understood. Many say that if you know around 3,000 words, this is enough to be conversational.
Think about it: you probably don’t know all the words in the English language, of which there are over 750,000, and yet you’re able to read this post and it’s likely you can hold conversations on a range of subjects.
My advice is to not get hung up on the number of words you know. After all, if you simply memorise Korean words without understanding their context, applying your knowledge, or studying the grammar that allows you to form sentences, chances are you won’t be able to string together a coherent phrase.
Instead, focus on the building blocks of the language by learning essential vocabulary and grammar together, and practicing what you’ve learned along the way.
How Do I Read Korean Words?
The first step is to learn Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. This will allow you to read every single Korean word even if you don’t know what it means yet.
Learning the alphabet is as easy as learning the English alphabet.
How Do I Write Korean Words?
Korean words are written in “blocks”. Each block must include at least one consonant and one vowel, but it can also have the following structure:
- Consonant + Vowel + Consonant
- Consonant + Vowel + Consonant + Consonant
How Do I Pronounce Korean Words?
Korean is pretty much phonetic, though it does have some rules that you must memorise, such as different pronunciations for final consonants. Whilst some sounds in Korean don’t exist in English, with some practice you’ll get these right.
I’ve also included romanization for each Korean word, so you can pronounce it immediately even if you don’t know Hangeul. But the best thing to do is learn the alphabet first as this will help you with pronunciation too.
What’s The Easiest Way To Learn The Meaning of a Korean Word?
You can use online Korean-English dictionaries to check the meaning of Korean words. One of the most popular options, Naver Dictionary, also provides daily vocabulary and idioms. The dictionary also includes daily conversations dialogues complete with explanations, and you can quiz your understanding on each dialogue.
Naver Dictionary is available on either the Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.
How Do I Memorize Korean Words?
There are many techniques that learners use to help memorize Korean words. Here are a few of the most effective:
- Use mnemonics: mnemonics are when you a associate a particular Korean word with a visual image or another word or sentence in English. For instance, if you’re trying to learn the verb 하다 (hada; to do), a good mnemonic would be imagining someone saying “I hadda lot to do“
- Use Anki or another spaced repetition system (SRS): Anki is a popular flashcard app that uses SRS, which is a method where the time intervals increase each time you get the answer for the flashcard correct. Whilst it’s not the prettiest app, and you can quite easily lie without recalling the word or definition, you can format your cards so you have to type in the answer.
- Speak Korean: one of the best ways to memorize and retain the words you learn is to speak Korean so you have to actively recall the word.
- Write Korean: likewise, writing in Korean can help you retain vocabulary as you’re actively using the words you’ve learned.
Why Knowing Common Words Matters
When learning Korean, focusing on the most frequently used words is crucial. These words form the building blocks of everyday conversation and written text. By mastering these words, you can improve your comprehension, communication skills, and overall fluency in Korean.
If you’d like to learn more words, I’d recommend that you learn through Korean nursery rhymes and children’s songs. It’s a great engaging way of learning! And for words you can learn quickly, take a look at this list of Konglish and Korean loanwords which have roots from other languages, as well as my guide on Korean onomatopoeia.