When I first landed in Seoul, I felt both excitement and nervousness. Surrounded by the rhythm of a language I didn’t yet understand, I walked into a small café and whispered, “Annyeonghaseyo.”
The barista’s eyes lit up, and a kind smile followed. That one word changed everything — the atmosphere, the connection, and even my confidence.
In Korea, saying hello isn’t just about words — it’s about respect, warmth, and sincerity. Learning how to say hello in Korean opens a door not only to communication but to the soul of Korean culture itself.
Yet, this truth stretches far beyond Korea: across the world, every “hello” carries its own emotion, etiquette, and cultural history. Let’s explore how one word can unite billions of hearts.
🗺️ Table of Greetings Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Hello” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) | Formal, polite greeting showing respect; used with strangers and elders. |
| Turkish | Merhaba | Symbol of warmth and friendship across Turkey. |
| English | Hello / Hi | Universal greeting, often informal and friendly. |
| French | Bonjour | A daily ritual of politeness; literally means “good day.” |
| Spanish | Hola | Friendly and expressive, used warmly across Latin cultures. |
| Italian | Ciao | Casual, affectionate greeting and farewell. |
| German | Hallo / Guten Tag | Clarity and politeness define German greetings. |
| Japanese | Konnichiwa | Literally “good afternoon”; rooted in social etiquette. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Nǐ hǎo (你好) | “You good”; expresses respect and goodwill. |
| Hindi (India) | Namaste (नमस्ते) | Spiritual greeting meaning “I bow to you.” |
| Swahili | Jambo / Habari | Joyful East African greetings that invite conversation. |
| Zulu | Sawubona | “I see you”; deeply meaningful and humanizing. |
| Arabic | As-salamu alaykum | “Peace be upon you”; used across Muslim cultures. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Kia ora | “Be well”; reflects gratitude and positivity. |
| Hawaiian | Aloha | Means love, peace, and hello — the spirit of Hawaii. |
🇰🇷 How to Say Hello in Korean
The Korean word for “hello” is Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) — pronounced ahn-nyoung-ha-se-yo.
It’s more than a greeting; it’s an expression of respect, harmony, and goodwill.
Korean culture values hierarchy, age, and politeness, and greetings reflect that beautifully.
- Use “Annyeonghaseyo” with strangers, elders, and in professional settings.
- Use “Annyeong” (안녕) casually with friends or younger people.
Cultural Insight:
When greeting someone, Koreans often bow slightly. The deeper the bow, the greater the respect. The combination of words and gesture turns a simple “hello” into an act of humility and honor.
Learning how to say hello in Korean is one of the most meaningful first steps toward understanding Korea’s values of respect and connection.
🇪🇺 How to Say Hello in European Languages
Europe’s greetings reflect its balance of tradition and modern informality:
- France – Bonjour: Polite and essential before any conversation.
- Spain – Hola: A warm and social hello, often with physical affection.
- Italy – Ciao: Playful, casual, and musical.
- Germany – Hallo / Guten Tag: Direct and clear, depending on formality.
- Portugal – Olá: Cheerful and easygoing, much like Portuguese culture.
- Greece – Yasou: Means “to your health,” emphasizing good wishes.
In Europe, greetings show both manners and identity — every hello is a reflection of national personality.
🌏 How to Say Hello in Asian Languages
Asia’s greetings are steeped in meaning, spirituality, and respect.
- Korea — Annyeonghaseyo: Formal, sincere, and deeply cultural.
- Japan — Konnichiwa: Polite and accompanied by a bow.
- China — Nǐ hǎo: A respectful greeting prioritizing harmony.
- India — Namaste: Both verbal and physical, symbolizing unity and divinity.
- Thailand — Sawasdee ka/krub: Soft, graceful, and full of charm.
- Vietnam — Xin chào: Gentle, melodic, and inviting.
- Indonesia — Halo: Friendly and informal, with universal appeal.
- Philippines — Kumusta: Adapted from Spanish, showing colonial and cultural blending.
- Arabic-speaking world — As-salamu alaykum: “Peace be upon you,” a bridge of goodwill.
- Turkey — Merhaba: Derived from Arabic roots, meaning “to open one’s heart.”
Asia’s greetings remind us that words can express both reverence and warmth in a single breath.
🌍 How to Say Hello in African Languages
African greetings are vibrant, personal, and full of community spirit.
- Swahili – Jambo / Habari: Friendly, curious greetings that invite dialogue.
- Zulu – Sawubona: “I see you” — an acknowledgment of existence.
- Yoruba – Bawo ni? “How are you?” — often leading to long, heartfelt exchanges.
- Amharic – Selam: “Peace,” showing Ethiopia’s spiritual traditions.
- Akan – Maakye: Morning greeting; Africa’s greetings often change by time of day.
- Hausa – Sannu: Gentle and polite.
- Shona – Mhoro: Simple yet warm.
- Somali – Iska warran? “What’s the news?” inviting personal connection.
- Lingala – Mbote: Friendly and expressive.
- Berber – Azul: A peaceful, ancient greeting.
In Africa, a greeting is not a formality — it’s a celebration of presence.
🌺 How to Say Hello in Indigenous & Island Languages
In island and indigenous cultures, greetings are deeply spiritual, symbolizing respect for nature, ancestors, and life itself.
- Hawaiian — Aloha: The spirit of love, harmony, and compassion.
- Maori — Kia ora: “Be healthy and well.”
- Samoan — Talofa: “I am happy to see you.”
- Cherokee — Osiyo: A word of open-hearted welcome.
- Tahitian — Ia ora na: “May you live”; uplifting and kind.
- Fijian — Bula: Means “life” — said joyfully and loudly.
- Inuit — Aluu: Short and sincere; adapted to Arctic simplicity.
- Haitian Creole — Bonjou: “Good morning”; a bright, warm hello.
- Tagalog — Kumusta: Derived from “Cómo está”; warm and friendly.
- Guaraní — Avy’a rohayhu: Expresses happiness and affection.
Across islands and indigenous nations, greetings celebrate community, coexistence, and care.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning of Annyeonghaseyo
The Korean greeting Annyeonghaseyo reflects Confucian values of hierarchy, humility, and respect.
Its literal translation combines “Annyeong” (peace/well-being) with “Haseyo” (are you doing?), forming a question that means “Are you at peace?”
This reflects how Korean society values emotional and social harmony — every greeting carries compassion and mindfulness.
🌸 Proverbs About Greeting Across Cultures
- Korean: “A kind word warms three winters.”
- Turkish: “A smiling face is half the greeting.”
- Zulu: “Sawubona” — “I see you”; “Ngikhona” — “I am here because you see me.”
- Arabic: “Begin with peace, end with peace.”
- Italian: “Who greets first has more friends.”
These proverbs remind us that greetings are humanity’s oldest form of kindness.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say hello in Korean?
You say Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요) — a formal, polite greeting meaning “Are you at peace?”
Q2: What is the informal way to say hello in Korean?
Use Annyeong (안녕) with friends, children, or younger people.
Q3: Why are Korean greetings important?
Because they show respect for age, status, and social harmony — essential in Korean culture.
Q4: What does Annyeonghaseyo literally mean?
It comes from “Annyeong” (peace) + “Haseyo” (do/are), meaning “Are you well?”
Q5: Are bows necessary when saying hello in Korea?
Yes, a slight bow is polite and shows respect, especially in formal situations.
❤️ Conclusion: The Global Power of Hello
Whether you say Annyeonghaseyo, Bonjour, Hola, or Aloha, each “hello” is a tiny act of hope. It crosses borders, bridges cultures, and says, “I see you, and I respect you.”
So next time you meet someone new, try saying Annyeonghaseyo — not just as a word, but as a gesture of warmth, peace, and shared humanity.
💬 Your Turn:
How do you say “hello” in your language? Comment below and join a global chorus of connection and respect! 🌍
