Learning Korean: ‘Introducing Yourself’ for Beginners
When you start learning Korean, one of the first and most important topics is introducing yourself. A good self-introduction makes communication smoother, shows politeness, and helps you connect with new friends, classmates, or colleagues. In Korean culture, introductions follow a certain structure: greeting → name → country → job or studies → hobby → polite closing. Let’s look at the most useful expressions for beginners.
1. Greeting and Name
- 안녕하세요. 제 이름은 [이름]입니다.
(Annyeonghaseyo. Je ireumeun [name] imnida.)
Meaning: Hello, my name is [name].
When to use: Formal situations such as school, work, or when meeting elders. - 제 이름은 [이름]이에요.
(Je ireumeun [name] ieyo.)
Meaning: My name is [name].
When to use: Polite but less formal than “입니다.” - 나 [이름]이야.
(Na [name]-iya.)
Meaning: I’m [name].
When to use: Casual, with close friends or people your age.
2. Talking About Where You’re From
- 저는 [나라]에서 왔습니다.
(Jeoneun [country]eseo wasseumnida.) – Formal: I came from [country]. - 저는 [나라]에서 왔어요.
(Jeoneun [country]eseo wasseoyo.) – Polite: I’m from [country]. - 나 [나라]에서 왔어.
(Na [country]eseo wasseo.) – Casual: I’m from [country].
Tip: Adding your city makes it more natural. Example: 저는 호주 시드니에서 왔습니다. (I’m from Sydney, Australia.)
3. Age and Personal Info
- 저는 [나이]살입니다.
(Jeoneun [age]-sal imnida.) – Formal: I am [age] years old. - 저는 [나이]살이에요.
(Jeoneun [age]-sal-ieyo.) – Polite: I’m [age] years old. - 나 [나이]살이야.
(Na [age]-sal-iya.) – Casual: I’m [age].
In Korean, age is often shared early in conversations because it affects the way people speak politely or casually.
4. Job or Studies
- 저는 학생입니다.
(Jeoneun haksaeng-imnida.) – Formal: I am a student. - 저는 학생이에요.
(Jeoneun haksaeng-ieyo.) – Polite: I’m a student. - 나 학생이야.
(Na haksaeng-iya.) – Casual: I’m a student.
Other examples:
- 저는 요리사예요. (I’m a chef.)
- 저는 회사원입니다. (I’m an office worker.)
- 저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요. (I’m learning Korean.)
5. Talking About Hobbies
Sharing hobbies makes introductions friendlier.
- 제 취미는 독서입니다. (Formal: My hobby is reading.)
- 제 취미는 음악 듣기예요. (Polite: My hobby is listening to music.)
- 내 취미는 영화 보기야. (Casual: My hobby is watching movies.)
Other options:
- 저는 운동을 좋아해요. (I like exercising.)
- 저는 요리하는 걸 즐겨요. (I enjoy cooking.)
6. Closing Polite Introduction
- 잘 부탁드립니다. (Jal butak deurimnida.) – Formal: Please take care of me / I look forward to working with you.
- 잘 부탁해요. (Jal butak haeyo.) – Polite: Let’s get along well.
- 잘 부탁해! (Jal butak hae!) – Casual: Take care of me (friendly).
This phrase doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it’s a cultural way to show humility and ask for kindness in future interactions.
For beginners learning Korean, mastering self-introduction is a powerful step. Start with your name, country, age, job or studies, and hobby, then close politely with “잘 부탁드립니다.” Remember to adjust the level of politeness depending on the situation. Using the right introduction helps you not only practice the Korean language but also show respect for Korean culture.
Try practicing these sentences with friends, classmates, or language partners. The more you repeat them, the more natural they will feel!
‘Ordering Food’: https://rrrdgt.site/learning-korean-23/