여보세요?
English: Hello?
안녕하세요?
English: Hello?
저는 [이름]입니다.
English: I am [Name].
잘 들리세요?
English: Can you hear me well?
무슨 일로 전화하셨나요?
English: What did you call about?
지금 좋은 시간인가요?
English: Is this a good time for you right now?
죄송하지만, 다시 말씀해 주실래요?
English: Sorry, but could you say that again?
조금 더 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요?
English: Could you speak a bit more slowly?
[이름]씨 계세요?
English: Is [Name] there?
잠시만 기다려 주실 수 있나요?
English: Could you please hold on a moment?
네, 기다리겠습니다.
English: Yes, I’ll wait.
지금 밖에 있어서 나중에 다시 전화할게요.
English: I’m out right now, so I’ll call you back later.
전화가 끊겼나봐요.
English: It seems the call got disconnected.
나중에 다시 전화드릴게요.
English: I’ll call you again later.
전화 좀 받아주세요.
English: Please pick up the phone.
[이름]씨와 통화하고 싶어요.
English: I’d like to speak with [Name].
전화번호가 어떻게 되세요?
English: What’s your phone number?
전화를 잘못 걸었나 봅니다.
English: I think I dialed the wrong number.
메시지를 남기시겠어요?
English: Would you like to leave a message?
전화를 끊을게요.
English: I’ll hang up now.
전화기 배터리가 없어요.
English: My phone battery is dead.
편한 시간에 전화주세요.
English: Call me at your convenience.
네, 알겠습니다.
English: Yes, I understand.
죄송합니다, 통화 중이에요.
English: I’m sorry, I’m on another call.
어디 계세요?
English: Where are you?
무엇을 도와드릴까요?
English: How can I help you?
확인해보고 다시 전화드릴게요.
English: I’ll check and call you back.
조금 기다려 주세요.
English: Please wait a moment.
다시 말씀해주실 수 있나요?
English: Could you say that again?
네, 그렇게 하겠습니다.
English: Yes, I’ll do that.
알겠습니다, 감사합니다.
English: Alright, thank you.
조심해서 가세요.
English: Take care on your way.
통화가 안 되는데, 다시 전화해 주세요.
English: I can’t hear you, please try calling again.
통화 가능한 시간을 알려주실래요?
English: Could you let me know when you’re available to talk?
약속 시간을 변경해야 할 것 같아요.
English: I think I need to change our appointment time.
어디서 만날까요?
English: Where shall we meet?
통화 품질이 좋지 않아요.
English: The call quality isn’t good.
전화기가 꺼져 있었어요.
English: My phone was turned off.
전화를 잘못 받았어요.
English: I received a call by mistake.
무슨 말씀이신지 이해했습니다.
English: I understand what you’re saying.
문자로 정보를 보내주시겠어요?
English: Could you send me the information via text?
음성 메시지를 남겨주세요.
English: Please leave a voice message.
통화시간을 알려주시겠어요?
English: Could you let me know your available call time?
화질이 좋지 않아요.
English: The video quality isn’t good.
다음에 전화할 시간을 알려주세요.
English: Please let me know when you’ll call next.
네, 듣고 있습니다.
English: Yes, I’m listening.
호출을 끝내겠습니다.
English: I’m going to end the call.
상세한 설명 감사합니다.
English: Thank you for the detailed explanation.
그 내용을 잘 기억하고 있어요.
English: I remember that information well.
다음 번에 자세한 이야기를 나누었으면 좋겠어요.
English: I hope we can discuss it in detail next time.
Have you ever felt thrilled by the idea of connecting with people from all around the globe? Sometimes, really, you just sense that spark when you try out a new language—especially one as vibrant and culturally rich as Korean. Even if you’re a total beginner, exploring the nuances of this language can be both exciting and super rewarding.
I still recall my first attempt at a Korean phone conversation. I was oops nervous, but I couldn’t help feeling that sense of adventure. These moments go beyond mere words—they bring us closer to the person on the other line and open up a world of fresh perspectives. While it may feel a little intimidating at first, a few essential expressions and a dash of cultural awareness can make a good difference.
The Warm Basics of Korean Phone Etiquette
Let’s start by thinking about what happens when you pick up the phone. Koreans typically greet each other with 여보세요 (Yeoboseyo) for “Hello,” and then switch to 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) if they want to be more polite. This quick shift sets the tone for the entire call and helps you care about the other person’s comfort. Here are a few pointers:
Respect is huge. Add -님 (-nim) to someone’s name (like 김민수님, Kim Minsu-nim) when you address them.
Body language matters, even if unseen. Standing or sitting upright can boost your confidence.
Eventually, you’ll develop a natural flow with practice, so don’t be sorry if you stumble.
Talk with sincerity. Sound genuinely interested when you listen or reply.
A cheerful voice can brighten someone’s day—feel that yay energy!
Essential Phrases You’ll Want to Know
죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) or 미안합니다 (Mianhamnida) means “I’m sorry.”
감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) is “Thank you,” a must-have for good manners.
부탁합니다 (Butakhamnida) is “Please,” which shows you value someone’s help.
Meanwhile, underlined words can indicate extra emphasis:
“Wow, we should try chatting more often!”
“I really appreciate active listening.”
“Could you make time to talk about that detail tomorrow?”
Use tonal variations if you want someone to sense your genuine interest, as when you exclaim “진짜요? (Jinjjayo?)” or “정말이에요? (Jeongmarieyo?)” to convey surprise and curiosity. It adds a dash of unexpected warmth, transforming a standard call into a memorable interaction.
Wrapping Up with a Friendly Touch
When saying goodbye, Koreans often use 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo) if the other person stays, or 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) if they’re leaving. This kind finish shows you’re paying attention to who’s on the move. If you want to be more casual and playful with someone you know well, you might simply say “안녕 (Annyeong).” It’s a lovely way to end on a friendly note.
In honestly learning to share a bit of the Korean language, you’ll discover more than new words—you’ll find a key to a culturally rich, deeply meaningful communication style. Give these expressions a try, and you may find you’re already on the right track to building strong connections that transcend borders. Keep an open mind, be ready to chat, and place your genuine self out there. It might feel a bit scary, but time will show you just how fulfilling these conversations can be!
