Dictionary — Entry No. 0053
안녕
annyeong · interjection
안녕
annyeong
[AHN-nyeong]
Interjection
Beginner
Meaning
안녕 (annyeong) is the casual, informal Korean word for both “hello” and “goodbye” — context tells you which one is meant. It literally derives from the word for “peace” or “well-being,” so at its heart it is a wish that the other person is doing well. Because it is informal, it is only appropriate to use with close friends, younger people, or peers of the same age.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
안녕 is one of the very first words K-Pop fans pick up, since idols use it constantly in vlogs, fan calls, and V Live streams when greeting or signing off with fans. In K-Dramas, hearing a character use 안녕 instead of the formal 안녕하세요 immediately signals a close, comfortable relationship — or even playful boldness. Groups like BTS and TWICE have used it in song lyrics and interview openers, making it one of the most recognizable Korean words in global fan culture.
Example Sentences
안녕! 오늘 어때?
Annyeong! Oneul eottae?
Hey! How are you today?
안녕, 나 먼저 갈게.
Annyeong, na meonjeo galge.
Bye, I’ll head out first.
어, 안녕! 여기서 만나네!
Eo, annyeong! Yeogiseo mannane!
Oh, hey! Running into you here!
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.