Making Small Talk
These phrases will help you start, maintain, and naturally conclude everyday conversations in Korean without sounding like a textbook.
Key Phrases
주말 잘 보내셨어요?
neutraljumal jal bonaesyeosseoyo?
Did you have a good weekend?
A standard polite way to ask about a colleague's or acquaintance's weekend.
가족들과 좋은 시간 보내셨어요?
politegajokdeulgwa joeun sigan bonaesyeosseoyo?
Did you have a good time with your family?
A warm, natural way to ask if someone enjoyed their time off with family.
진짜?
casualjinjja?
Really?
A very common casual reaction to show you are listening to a friend.
아, 정말요?
neutrala, jeongmalyo?
Oh, really?
A standard polite reaction to show interest during a conversation.
아, 그렇군요.
politea, geureokunyo.
Ah, I see.
A formal and affirming response showing you understand what was said.
요즘 일은 어때? 바빠?
casualyojeum ireun eottae? bappa?
How's work lately? Are you busy?
A casual check-in with a close friend about their work.
요즘 일은 좀 어떠세요? 많이 바쁘시죠?
neutralyojeum ireun jom eotteoseyo? mani bappeusijyo?
How is work going lately? You're quite busy, right?
A polite way to ask about a colleague's workload and show empathy.
응, 뭐 항상 똑같지.
casualeung, mwo hangsang ttokgatji.
Yeah, well, it's always the same.
A typical casual response when nothing new or exciting is happening.
네, 덕분에 잘 지내고 있어요.
neutralne, deokbune jal jinaego isseoyo.
Yes, I've been doing well, thanks to you.
A polite, standard phrase to say you are doing well thanks to their concern.
오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다.
casualoneul nalssi jinjja jota.
The weather is really nice today.
A casual comment on the weather, perfect for breaking the ice.
오늘 날씨가 참 좋네요.
neutraloneul nalssiga cham jonneyo.
The weather is quite nice today.
A polite observation about the weather to use with colleagues or acquaintances.
참, 그 일은 어떻게 됐어요?
neutralcham, geu ireun eotteoke dwaesseoyo?
By the way, how did that project go?
A natural way to pivot to a specific topic you previously discussed.
나중에 또 얘기하자.
casualnajunge tto yaegihaja.
Let's talk again later.
A friendly and casual way to end a conversation with a close friend.
그럼, 나중에 또 뵐게요.
neutralgeureom, najunge tto boelgeyo.
Well then, I'll see you later.
A polite and standard departure phrase in workplace or formal settings.
오늘 하루 잘 보내.
casualoneul haru jal bonae.
Have a good day today.
Used with friends as they leave to wish them a good day.
좋은 하루 보내세요.
neutraljoeun haru bonaeseyo.
Have a good day.
The standard, natural way to wish someone a good day in polite speech.