Meaning and Usage
"안녕" is a casual Korean greeting used both for "hello" and "goodbye." It is commonly used among friends, family, or people of the same age or younger. It is informal and should be avoided in formal or polite contexts.
Common Collocations
- 안녕 친구 (hello friend): informal greeting among peers
- 안녕히 가세요 (formal goodbye): polite form used when someone is leaving
- 안녕히 계세요 (formal goodbye): polite form used when you are leaving
Notes on Usage
When you say "안녕," you imply a friendly and relaxed relationship. Using it with strangers or elders without proper honorifics can be considered rude. For formal situations, use "안녕하세요" instead.
Common Mistake
Learners often confuse "안녕" with the formal "안녕하세요." Remember, "안녕" is casual and should only be used with close acquaintances or younger people.