Korean word

인사

Pronunciation

Romanizationinsa

Meaning

  • noungreeting

Example

처음 만났을 때는 인사를 해요.cheo eum man na sseul ttae neun in sa reul hae yo

When you meet someone for the first time, you greet them.

Illustration for 인사 (greeting)

More examples

이웃에게 아침마다 인사를 해요.i u se ge a chim ma da in sa reul hae yo

I greet my neighbor every morning.

Core concept

A small exchange that opens or closes a social encounter politely.

Common phrases

  • 인사를 하다in sa reul ha da

    give a greeting

  • 인사말in sa mal

    greeting words

  • 인사를 나누다in sa reul na nu da

    exchange greetings

Similar words

인사말insamal: A few polite words used to begin a conversation or make it friendlier.
안부anbu: A question or message about someone's health, safety, or daily life.

Definition in Korean

만날 때나 헤어질 때 상대에게 친절이나 예의를 보이기 위해 주고받는 짧은 말이나 행동.man nal ttae na he eo jil ttae sang dae e ge chin jeo ri na ye ui reul po i gi wi hae chu go ban neun jjal beun ma ri na haeng dong

Word origin

The word comes from Sino-Korean elements meaning person and affair, so its greeting sense can be remembered as a polite exchange between people.

Usage tips

  • A greeting in Korean can be a word, a bow, or another small gesture, so it is broader than a spoken hello in English.

Other meanings

  • bownoun
  • personnelnoun

Opposites

  • 무시musidisregardnoun
  • 냉대naengdaecold treatmentnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word