Hello! This is Daily Hangul, here to upgrade your Korean skills!
Have you ever watched a Korean drama or a reality show like Single’s Inferno and wondered how you could introduce yourself with the same confidence? The first step to any friendship or connection in Korea is a great introduction. Today, we’ll learn the most essential phrases to say “My name is…” so you can make an amazing first impression, whether you’re meeting a new friend, a teacher, or maybe even a future K-Pop star!
Let’s get started!
Core Expressions: Say Your Name with Style
Here are three key ways to introduce your name, from the most formal to the most casual.
1. The Polite & Standard Introduction: 제 이름은 …입니다 (Je ireumeun …imnida)
- Korean: 제 이름은 [Your Name]입니다.
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Je ireumeun [Your Name]imnida.
- English Meaning: My name is [Your Name].
- Detailed Explanation: This is the most respectful and standard way to introduce yourself. It’s perfect for formal situations like a job interview, meeting your teacher, or speaking to someone older than you. Using this phrase shows you are polite and respectful.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- 이름은 (ireumeun): Notice how the final ‘ㅁ(m)’ sound of ‘이름 (ireum)’ links to the next syllable ‘은 (eun)’? It flows together to sound like [ireumeun], not ‘ireum-eun’. This linking rule (called 연음, yeoneum) makes your Korean sound much more natural!
- 입니다 (imnida): The final letter is ‘ㅂ(b)’, but it’s pronounced like ‘ㅁ(m)’. This is because when ‘ㅂ(b)’ comes before ‘ㄴ(n)’, it changes to a softer ‘ㅁ(m)’ sound. So, you say [imnida], not ‘ibnida’.
2. The Natural & Friendly Introduction: 저는 …라고 합니다 (Jeoneun …rago hamnida)
- Korean: 저는 [Your Name]라고 합니다.
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Jeoneun [Your Name]rago hamnida.
- English Meaning: I am called [Your Name]. / You can call me [Your Name].
- Detailed Explanation: This phrase is also polite but feels a little softer and more conversational than the first one. It’s very common in everyday situations, like meeting new people at a social gathering. It literally means “I am called…”
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- If your name ends in a vowel (like Maria, Anna), you use 라고 합니다 (rago hamnida). (e.g., 저는 마리아라고 합니다.)
- If your name ends in a consonant (like Tom, Chris), you use 이라고 합니다 (irago hamnida). (e.g., 저는 크리스이라고 합니다.) This extra ‘이(i)’ makes the pronunciation smoother!
3. The Casual & Close Friends Introduction: 나는 …이야/야 (Naneun …iya/ya)
- Korean: 나는 [Your Name]이야/야.
- Pronunciation [Romanization]: Naneun [Your Name]iya / ya.
- English Meaning: I’m [Your Name]. (Casual)
- Detailed Explanation: This is the informal version! Only use this with people who are the same age as you or younger, and once you’ve become friends. Never use this with a teacher or your boss!
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
- If your name ends in a consonant (like 민준 – Minjun), you add 이야 (iya). (e.g., 나는 민준이야 – Naneun Minjun-iya.)
- If your name ends in a vowel (like 지수 – Jisoo), you add 야 (ya). (e.g., 나는 지수야 – Naneun Jisoo-ya.)
Example Dialogue
Let’s see these phrases in action! Imagine two people, Alex and Sujin, meeting at a K-Pop fan cafe.
A (Alex): 안녕하세요. 혹시 이 자리에 앉아도 괜찮을까요?
(Annyeonghaseyo. Hoksi i jarie anjado gwaenchanayo?)
(Hello. Is it okay if I sit here?)
B (Sujin): 네, 괜찮아요. 앉으세요.
(Ne, gwaenchanayo. Anjeuseyo.)
(Yes, it’s fine. Please sit.)
A (Alex): 감사합니다. 저는 알렉스라고 합니다.
(Gamsahamnida. Jeoneun Alekseurago hamnida.)
(Thank you. I’m called Alex.)
B (Sujin): 아, 안녕하세요. 제 이름은 수진입니다. 만나서 반가워요.
(A, annyeonghaseyo. Je ireumeun Sujinimnida. Mannaseo bangawoyo.)
(Oh, hello. My name is Sujin. Nice to meet you.)
Culture Tip & Trend Analysis
In Korea, first impressions (첫인상 – cheotinsang) are incredibly important, and a polite introduction sets the right tone.
If you watch popular Korean reality shows like Heart Signal or Single’s Inferno, you’ll notice that when the cast members meet for the very first time, they always use the formal expressions: “제 이름은 OOO입니다” or “저는 OOO라고 합니다.” They would never use the casual “나는…야” at first. This shows respect and creates a comfortable atmosphere. As they get closer, they might switch to more casual language, but the initial politeness is key.
So, a great tip for you is to always start with the polite forms when meeting someone new in Korea. It shows you understand the culture, and people will be very impressed!
Let’s Practice!
Great job today! You’ve learned how to introduce yourself like a pro. Now, let’s check your understanding.
1. Fill in the Blank: You are introducing yourself to your new Korean language teacher for the first time. What would you say?
안녕하세요. _________________________. (My name is [Your Name].)
2. Make a Sentence: You just made a new friend named “Yuna” who is your age. How would you introduce yourself casually? (Remember the vowel/consonant rule!)
안녕, 나는 _________________. (Hi, I’m [Your Name].)
Now it’s your turn! Introduce yourself in the comments below using one of the phrases we learned today. We can’t wait to meet you!
