Building Your Korean Vocabulary: First 100 Words
Start with the most common 100 words in Korean. We’ve organized them by category so you can learn what matters first.
Why These First 100 Words Matter
Learning a language can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at millions of words. But here’s the thing — you don’t need to learn all of them right away. In fact, linguists have found that the most frequently used 100 words in any language cover roughly 50% of everyday conversation.
That’s huge. It means if you master these first 100 words, you’re already halfway to understanding basic Korean conversations. You’ll recognize what people are saying, respond to simple questions, and build the confidence to keep going.
We’ve organized these 100 essential words by category — greetings, numbers, daily actions, and common objects. This way, you’re not just memorizing random words. You’re learning them in context, which actually helps your brain hold onto them longer.
The 6 Essential Categories
We’ve divided the 100 words into practical categories. Start with whichever feels most relevant to your life right now.
Greetings & Politeness
Hello (안녕하세요), thank you (감사합니다), please (주세요). These 15 words unlock your ability to be respectful and start conversations with anyone.
15 wordsNumbers & Time
One through ten, days of the week, and time expressions. You’ll use these constantly — ordering food, telling time, discussing plans.
18 wordsFood & Dining
Eat (먹다), drink (마시다), rice (밥), water (물). Essential for restaurants, markets, and everyday survival in Korea.
16 wordsHome & Everyday Objects
House (집), room (방), door (문), bed (침대). These words help you navigate spaces and describe your surroundings.
17 wordsCommon Actions
Go (가다), come (오다), sit (앉다), stand (서다). Action words let you describe what you’re doing and understand instructions.
17 wordsEmotions & Descriptions
Good (좋다), bad (나쁘다), happy (행복하다), tired (피곤하다). These words help you express how you feel and understand others.
17 wordsHow to Actually Learn These Words
Memorization without context is torture. You’ll forget words faster than you learned them. Instead, try this approach:
Learn in Sentences
Don’t just memorize “eat = 먹다”. Learn it as “I eat rice” (나는 밥을 먹어요). Sentences stick. Words alone fade.
Speak Out Loud
Your brain remembers sounds better than written words. Say each word 5-10 times. Feel how your mouth moves. This creates muscle memory.
Use Spaced Repetition
Review words after 1 day, 3 days, then weekly. Apps like Anki automate this. Your brain locks in words through repeated exposure over time.
Create Personal Examples
Instead of memorizing example sentences from a textbook, make your own. “I drink coffee” hits different when it’s about YOUR morning routine.
A Taste of What You’ll Learn
Here are 20 of the most useful words from our complete 100-word list. Each one is organized with pronunciation and how to use it.
I / Me
na
“나는 학생입니다” – I am a student
Water
mul
“물을 마시세요” – Please drink water
Rice / Meal
bap
“밥을 먹어요” – I eat rice
Thank You
gomapseumnida
“도와주셔서 고맙습니다” – Thank you for helping
Good / Like
johtda
“이 음식이 좋아요” – I like this food
House / Home
jip
“집에 가요” – I’m going home
Insider Tips from Language Learners
Label Everything in Your Space
Put sticky notes on your door (문), bed (침대), and fridge (냉장고). You’ll see these words 20+ times daily. Your brain can’t help but absorb them.
Join a Language Exchange Group
Find Korean language partners online or locally. Speaking these 100 words to a real person beats any app. You’ll get nervous, make mistakes, and actually learn.
Watch Korean Content (with subtitles)
K-dramas, variety shows, even TikToks. You’ll hear these common words repeatedly in context. Your ear gets trained without feeling like studying.
Keep a Vocabulary Journal
Write down new words you encounter, even if they’re not in the 100. Add them to your sentences. Your journal becomes your personalized textbook.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
After mastering these 100 words, you won’t be fluent. But you’ll surprise yourself with what you can understand and express.
Have Simple Conversations
Introduce yourself, ask basic questions, respond to “How are you?” in Korean. You’ll feel confident in casual settings.
Order Food Like a Local
Navigate menus, ask for recommendations, communicate dietary preferences. No more pointing at pictures or using translation apps.
Get Around Korea
Ask for directions, understand signs, book accommodations. You’ll handle basic travel situations independently.
Build Real Momentum
You’ll have the foundation to learn 200, 500, 1000 more words. The first 100 are the hardest part. After that, it gets easier.
Ready to Start Learning?
The complete 100-word list is organized, tested, and ready to use. Don’t just read about learning — actually practice these words this week. Pick one category today and spend 15 minutes with it.
Your future self will thank you for taking this first step.
About This Guide
This article is an educational resource designed to help you understand Korean vocabulary fundamentals. The 100 words listed here are compiled from frequency analysis of Korean language usage and represent the most common words used in everyday conversation. While this guide provides a solid foundation, actual fluency requires consistent practice, cultural immersion, and ideally interaction with native speakers. Everyone learns at their own pace — don’t feel pressured to memorize everything at once. Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Consider supplementing this guide with formal Korean language courses, conversation partners, or apps for the most comprehensive learning experience.