KOREAN, IN EVERYDAY LIFE
How to Introduce Yourself in Korean: A Simple First Conversation
Start with 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), then 저는 [name]이에요/예요: “I’m [name].” Use 이에요 after a name ending in a consonant and 예요 after a vowel. For a more formal introduction, use 저는 [name]입니다. You can use your existing name; choosing a Korean name is optional.
| Your purpose | Korean example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Say hello | 안녕하세요. | Hello. |
| Give a name ending in a vowel | 저는 미나예요. | I’m Mina. |
| Give a name ending in a consonant | 저는 리안이에요. | I’m Rian. |
| Use a formal introduction | 저는 미나입니다. | I’m Mina. |
| Finish warmly | 만나서 반가워요. | Nice to meet you. |
A first conversation you can actually rehearse
Imagine joining a language exchange. You do not need a speech about your age, job and entire life. A greeting, your name and one friendly response are enough to start. Mina and Rian below are fictional practice characters.
Mina: 안녕하세요. 저는 미나예요. — Hello. I’m Mina.
Rian: 안녕하세요. 저는 리안이에요. 만나서 반가워요. — Hello. I’m Rian. Nice to meet you.
Mina: 저도 반가워요. — Nice to meet you too.
Read the exchange twice, then replace one name with your own. Keep the greeting and closing unchanged so you can concentrate on the part you will need most often.
Choose 이에요 or 예요 from the end of the Korean spelling
For this beginner pattern, look at the final syllable of the name as written in Hangul. 미나 ends in a vowel, so the example is 미나예요. 리안 ends in ㄴ, a final consonant, so the example is 리안이에요.
This is about the Korean form you say, not the last letter of an English passport name. If you do not yet know your name’s Hangul spelling, practise saying your name naturally in the sentence before working out its written form.
National Institute of Korean Language guidance explains the consonant/vowel distinction and also discusses names with an added -이. That extra name form is a separate case; the examples here use the names without an added suffix.
Reference: National Institute of Korean Language: 이에요 and 예요, including names
Polite conversation or a formal introduction?
At an informal first meeting, 저는 미나예요 is a useful polite practice sentence. For a prepared classroom or work introduction, 저는 미나입니다 gives you a more formal pattern. With 입니다, you do not have to choose between 이에요 and 예요.
저는 means “I” as the topic of this sentence. 제 이름은 미나예요, meaning “My name is Mina,” is another way to introduce your name. You do not need both sentences in a short introduction.
A friend may introduce themselves with an informal ending. That alone does not establish how everyone in the group wants to speak. Start politely and follow the relationship and setting rather than copying a dramatic line from television.
Add one detail, then leave room for a reply
Try adding 한국어를 배우고 있어요. — I’m learning Korean. It gives your conversation partner something easy to respond to.
A short practice version is: 안녕하세요. 저는 미나예요. 한국어를 배우고 있어요. 만나서 반가워요.
Romanization can help you get started: annyeonghaseyo / jeoneun Mina-yeyo / mannaseo bangawoyo. It is a reading aid, not an exact pronunciation guide. Work back toward the Hangul rather than treating English spelling as Korean sound.
Before your next practice session, change one detail: your name, the formality of the ending, or the final sentence. Rehearsing a small exchange is more manageable than memorizing a paragraph you never use.
Your name belongs in the conversation
You can introduce yourself in Korean without adopting a new Korean name. Writing an existing name in Hangul and choosing a different name are two different decisions.
If you enjoy choosing a Korean name for a class, a profile or personal exploration, say which name you want people to use. The useful next question becomes how that name sounds in a sentence and how another person should address you.
Keep your legal name where official identification is required. A personal Korean name or a K-Name Card is a cultural experience, not a legal identity document.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say “my name is” in Korean?
Use 제 이름은 [name]이에요/예요, or the shorter introduction 저는 [name]이에요/예요. For a formal version, 저는 [name]입니다 is a useful pattern.
Do I need a Korean name to introduce myself?
No. Use your existing name. Hangul spelling can help others read it, while choosing a new Korean name is an optional personal choice.
Should I use 이에요 or 예요 after my name?
In the basic name pattern, use 이에요 after a final consonant in the Korean spelling and 예요 after a vowel. For example, 리안이에요 and 미나예요.
Should I add 씨 or 님 to my own introduction?
For this simple self-introduction, say the name without 씨 or 님. Those address forms belong in a separate discussion about referring to other people.
Sources and editorial scope
The spelling explanation is checked against National Institute of Korean Language guidance. Dialogues, practice characters and learning activities are original editorial examples. Romanization is a reading aid. These examples are not a transcript of a real conversation or a promise that every setting uses the same level of formality.