Inviting friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to gatherings is a common social interaction. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for extending invitations effectively and politely. Learn how to ask someone to join an event, suggest activities, respond to invitations, and navigate the cultural nuances involved.
Table Of Content
Core Invitation Starter
This is a versatile and polite way to initiate an invitation for various activities.
- Expression: 같이 [Activity] 하실래요?
Pronunciation: Gachi [Activity] hasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to do [Activity] together? (Polite)
Basic Invitation Phrases
Use these fundamental phrases to extend invitations in different situations.
- Expression: 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: Sigan gwaenchaneuseyo?
Meaning: Is your time okay? / Are you free? (Polite) - Expression: 이번 주말에 뭐 하세요?
Pronunciation: Ibeon jumare mwo haseyo?
Meaning: What are you doing this weekend? (Polite) - Expression: 저랑 같이 갈래요?
Pronunciation: Jeorang gachi gallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to go with me? (Standard polite) - Expression: 모임에 오실 수 있으세요?
Pronunciation: Moime osil su isseuseyo?
Meaning: Can you come to the gathering? (Polite) - Expression: 초대해도 될까요?
Pronunciation: Chodaehaedo doelkkayo?
Meaning: May I invite you? (Polite, slightly formal) - Expression: 혹시 시간 있으시면…
Pronunciation: Hoksi sigan isseusimyeon…
Meaning: If you happen to have time… (Used to gently lead into an invitation) - Expression: 같이 저녁 식사 하실래요?
Pronunciation: Gachi jeonyeok siksa hasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to have dinner together? (Polite) - Expression: 영화 보러 갈래요?
Pronunciation: Yeonghwa boreo gallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to go see a movie? (Standard polite) - Expression: 커피 한잔 하실래요?
Pronunciation: Keopi hanjan hasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to have a cup of coffee? (Polite) - Expression: 저희 집에 놀러 오세요.
Pronunciation: Jeohui jibe nolleo oseyo.
Meaning: Please come visit our house. (Polite invitation) - Expression: 파티에 초대합니다.
Pronunciation: Patie chodaehamnida.
Meaning: I invite you to the party. (Formal) - Expression: 괜찮으시면 같이 가요.
Pronunciation: Gwaenchaneusimyeon gachi gayo.
Meaning: If it’s okay with you, let’s go together. (Polite suggestion)
Suggesting Specific Activities
Tailor your invitation by suggesting a particular event or activity.
- Expression: 같이 점심 먹을래요?
Pronunciation: Gachi jeomsim meogeullaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to eat lunch together? (Standard polite) - Expression: 주말에 등산 갈래요?
Pronunciation: Jumare deungsan gallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to go hiking on the weekend? (Standard polite) - Expression: 콘서트 같이 보러 가실래요?
Pronunciation: Konseoteu gachi boreo gasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to go see a concert together? (Polite) - Expression: 쇼핑하러 같이 갈래요?
Pronunciation: Syopinghareo gachi gallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to go shopping together? (Standard polite) - Expression: 맥주 한잔 할래요?
Pronunciation: Maekju hanjan hallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to grab a beer? (Casual polite) - Expression: 스터디 모임에 참여하실래요?
Pronunciation: Seuteodi moime chamyeohasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to join the study group? (Polite) - Expression: 볼링 치러 갈래요?
Pronunciation: Bolling chireo gallaeyo?
Meaning: Do you want to go bowling? (Standard polite) - Expression: 전시회 보러 가실래요?
Pronunciation: Jeonsihoe boreo gasillaeyo?
Meaning: Would you like to go see an exhibition? (Polite) - Expression: 저녁 모임이 있는데 같이 가실래요?
Pronunciation: Jeonyeok moimi inneunde gachi gasillaeyo?
Meaning: There’s a dinner gathering, would you like to go together? (Polite) - Expression: 생일 파티에 와 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: Saengil patie wa jusil su innayo?
Meaning: Could you come to the birthday party? (Polite request) - Expression: 차 한잔 하면서 이야기할래요?
Pronunciation: Cha hanjan hamyeonseo iyagihallaeyo?
Meaning: Shall we talk over a cup of tea? (Standard polite) - Expression: 집들이 하는데 놀러 오세요.
Pronunciation: Jipdeuri haneunde nolleo oseyo.
Meaning: We’re having a housewarming party, please come visit. (Polite invitation)
Responding to Invitations
Knowing how to accept or decline politely is crucial.
- Expression: 네, 좋아요!
Pronunciation: Ne, joayo!
Meaning: Yes, sounds good! (Accepting) - Expression: 네, 갈게요.
Pronunciation: Ne, galgeyo.
Meaning: Yes, I’ll go. (Accepting) - Expression: 와, 정말요? 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: Wa, jeongmallyo? Gamsahamnida!
Meaning: Wow, really? Thank you! (Enthusiastic acceptance) - Expression: 네, 시간 괜찮아요.
Pronunciation: Ne, sigan gwaenchanayo.
Meaning: Yes, I’m free then. (Accepting) - Expression: 초대해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: Chodaehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
Meaning: Thank you for inviting me. (Polite acceptance/acknowledgement) - Expression: 죄송해요, 그날은 선약이 있어요.
Pronunciation: Joesonghaeyo, geunareun seonyagi isseoyo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, I have a prior engagement that day. (Declining politely) - Expression: 미안해요, 다른 일이 있어서 못 갈 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Mianhaeyo, dareun iri isseoseo mot gal geot gatayo.
Meaning: I’m sorry, I have something else so I don’t think I can go. (Declining politely) - Expression: 아쉽지만 다음 기회에 갈게요.
Pronunciation: Aswipjiman daeum gihoee galgeyo.
Meaning: It’s a shame, but I’ll go next time. (Polite declining) - Expression: 생각 좀 해보고 다시 연락드릴게요.
Pronunciation: Saenggak jom haebogo dasi yeollakdeurilgeyo.
Meaning: Let me think about it and I’ll contact you again. (Hesitant/Needs time) - Expression: 몇 시에 어디서 만나요?
Pronunciation: Myeot sie eodiseo mannayo?
Meaning: What time and where should we meet? (Accepting, asking for details) - Expression: 네, 꼭 참석하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: Ne, kkok chamseokagetseumnida.
Meaning: Yes, I will definitely attend. (Formal acceptance) - Expression: 그날은 좀 어려울 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: Geunareun jom eoryeoul geot gatayo.
Meaning: That day seems a bit difficult for me. (Polite declining)
Checking Availability
Before inviting, it’s often polite to check if the person is free.
- Expression: 이번 주 금요일 저녁에 시간 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: Ibeon ju geumyoil jeonyeoge sigan eotteoseyo?
Meaning: How is your time this Friday evening? (Polite) - Expression: 주말에 특별한 계획 있으세요?
Pronunciation: Jumare teukbyeolhan gyehoek isseuseyo?
Meaning: Do you have any special plans for the weekend? (Polite) - Expression: 다음 주에 시간 괜찮으신 날 있으세요?
Pronunciation: Daeum jue sigan gwaenchaneusin nal isseuseyo?
Meaning: Is there a day next week when you are free? (Polite) - Expression: 혹시 오늘 저녁 약속 있으세요?
Pronunciation: Hoksi oneul jeonyeok yaksok isseuseyo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have plans this evening? (Polite) - Expression: 요즘 바쁘세요?
Pronunciation: Yojeum bappeuseyo?
Meaning: Are you busy these days? (Polite, indirect check) - Expression: 언제 시간이 편하세요?
Pronunciation: Eonje sigani pyeonhaseyo?
Meaning: When is a convenient time for you? (Polite) - Expression: 토요일 오후는 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: Toyoil ohuneun eotteoseyo?
Meaning: How about Saturday afternoon? (Polite suggestion) - Expression: 잠깐 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: Jamkkan sigan gwaenchaneuseyo?
Meaning: Do you have a moment? (Polite, often before a quick suggestion) - Expression: 혹시 내일 시간 되세요?
Pronunciation: Hoksi naeil sigan doeseyo?
Meaning: Are you perhaps available tomorrow? (Polite) - Expression: 스케줄 한번 확인해 보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: Seukejul hanbeon hwaginhae bosigesseoyo?
Meaning: Would you mind checking your schedule? (Polite request) - Expression: 언제가 좋으세요?
Pronunciation: Eonjega joeuseyo?
Meaning: When is good for you? (Polite) - Expression: 혹시 방해되는 건 아니죠?
Pronunciation: Hoksi banghaedoeneun geon anijyo?
Meaning: I’m not interrupting anything, am I? (Polite preface)
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding cultural context enhances communication when inviting someone.
- Politeness Levels (존댓말/반말): Always consider your relationship with the person you’re inviting. Use formal language (존댓말 – jondaetmal) with seniors, strangers, or in professional settings. Casual language (반말 – banmal) is reserved for close friends or those younger than you, but only when mutual agreement exists. Starting with polite forms like -세요 (-seyo) or -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-mnida/seumnida) is safest.
- Indirectness: Koreans sometimes prefer indirect invitations or checking availability first (e.g., “Are you busy this weekend?”) before extending a direct invitation. This allows the other person to decline gracefully if needed without causing discomfort.
- Saying No Politely: Directly saying “no” (아니요 – aniyo) can sometimes feel blunt. It’s common to decline invitations using softer expressions like “I have a prior engagement” (선약이 있어요 – seonyagi isseoyo) or “It might be difficult” (좀 어려울 것 같아요 – jom eoryeoul geot gatayo). Providing a brief, polite reason is appreciated.
- Treating Culture (한턱내다): Often, the person who invites is expected to pay, especially if they are older or hold a higher position. This is known as ‘한턱내다’ (hanteoknaeda). However, among friends, splitting the bill (더치페이 – deochipei, from “Dutch pay”) is becoming increasingly common. Clarifying beforehand or observing cues can be helpful.
- Group Orientation: Invitations often involve groups rather than just one-on-one meetings, especially in work or school settings. Be prepared for invitations to group dinners, outings, or activities (회식 – hoesik, company dinner; MT – Membership Training, university group trip).
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Minjun wants to invite his colleague, Sarah, who recently joined the team, to a casual team dinner.
Roles:
* A: Minjun (Existing team member)
* B: Sarah (New colleague)
- Expression: A: 사라 씨, 이번 주 금요일 저녁에 시간 괜찮으세요?
Pronunciation: Sara ssi, ibeon ju geumyoil jeonyeoge sigan gwaenchaneuseyo?
Meaning: Sarah, are you free this Friday evening? - Expression: B: 금요일 저녁이요? 네, 아직 특별한 계획은 없어요. 왜 그러세요?
Pronunciation: Geumyoil jeonyeogiyo? Ne, ajik teukbyeolhan gyehoegeun eopseoyo. Wae geureoseyo?
Meaning: Friday evening? Yes, I don’t have any special plans yet. Why do you ask? - Expression: A: 아, 저희 팀 몇 명이 같이 저녁 식사하기로 했는데, 사라 씨도 괜찮으시면 같이 가실래요?
Pronunciation: A, jeohui tim myeot myeongi gachi jeonyeok siksa hagiro haenneunde, Sara ssido gwaenchaneusimyeon gachi gasillaeyo?
Meaning: Ah, a few of us from the team decided to have dinner together, and if it’s okay with you, would you like to come along? - Expression: B: 와, 정말요? 네, 좋아요! 초대해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: Wa, jeongmallyo? Ne, joayo! Chodaehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida.
Meaning: Wow, really? Yes, sounds good! Thank you for inviting me. - Expression: A: 잘됐네요! 7시에 회사 근처 식당에서 만날 거예요. 제가 장소는 다시 알려드릴게요.
Pronunciation: Jal dwaenneyo! Ilgop sie hoesa geuncheo sikdangeseo mannal geoyeyo. Jega jangso neun dasi allyeodeurilgeyo.
Meaning: That’s great! We’re planning to meet at a restaurant near the company at 7 PM. I’ll let you know the exact location again. - Expression: B: 네, 알겠습니다. 기대되네요!
Pronunciation: Ne, algesseumnida. Gidae doeneyo!
Meaning: Okay, I understand. I’m looking forward to it!
Practice Tips
Practice makes perfect~! Try using these phrases with Korean-speaking friends or language partners. Start by inviting someone for coffee or lunch using polite expressions like “커피 한잔 하실래요?” or “같이 점심 먹을래요?”. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s part of learning! Role-playing the conversation example can also be very helpful. Good luck with your invitations! 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
