It is not unusual when learning new languages that one of the first words picked up are those for "hi" or "welcoming someone." If you want to become acquainted with the language, you need to spend time for practicing the language and use it all the time. In addition to studying the salutations, how to say goodbye is also important. It will also be great to know some facts about the Korean thoughts on hugging and shaking of hands, which are relatively new concepts used for salutation in the society.
"Hi" is "annyeonghaseyo" in Korean which is used to greet people in a elegant and polite way. On the other hand, "hi" is translated as "annyeong", a friendlier and more informal manner of saying hi. The informal way of greeting is used by Koreans who know each other and are good friends.
You can use "Annyeong! Jal jinet-uh if you want to say hi to someone and ask "How are you?" at the same time. To query about the person's health and how his work is going, simply ask "Mohm-eun guhnganghye?" and "Il-eun jan dwegani?" respectively. Engaging in a friendly talk, someone may ask "Mu-uht-eul hago jineni?" which means "What have you been up to?" Use "Bumonim-eun jal gyeshini?" when you ask about the condition of his parents.
There are proper ways of saying goodbye to finish your chat with a friend. You can say "jal ga" to mean "goodbye" and "najoong-eh boja" to mean "I'll see you later." When saying the words "Where are you going right now?" say "Jigeum Uhdiro Ganeun Joong-ini?" If you wish your friend to call you afterwards, say "Najoong-eh yuhnlakhye." Say "Joh-eun haru boneh" to your friend if you want to wish him a nice day.
There are numerous other expressions in Korean speakers say when parting each other like "Joshimhesuh ga" which means "Be careful on your way." Prior to leaving, you can also say "Mannasuh bangawuhtsuh" to show him how glad you are to see him and "Ahpuro jaju mannaja" to ask if you could meet together more often.
Some are of the opinion that Koreans do not hug or embrace one another that much. But Koreans certainly do hugging. It is noted that those belonging to the younger generation practice hugging one another more often when meeting and bidding goodbye to close friends.
In the case of shaking of hands, some Koreans find it quite impersonal. In comparison to bowing, some Koreans consider that hand shaking is deficient in its sense of sincerity. Juniors are still expected to bow before a senior as a sign of respect; especially a child to his parent. However, because people are different individually you will find some youngsters just saying "hello" to their folks. In the same manner, there are fathers and mothers who give their children a really tender hug especially after being away for a long while at the same time saying "Orenmaniya" meaning "Long time no see."
Hugging, shaking of hands, bowing, greetings are all a part of Korean society. Though there are expressions of greetings that are more accepted by many than the others.
Additional Resources:
How Culture Impacts the Korean Language
Korean terms analogous to beauty
Expressing "Love" in the Korean Language
Knowing the Korean Language and Its Tradition
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