How do you say 'How are you' in Korean?

• A. Ahn-yong-hashim-nee-ka
• B. An-yong-hashim-nee-ka
• C. Ahn-yeong-hashim-nee-ka
• D. Hello

Answer: (A)

In Korean, asking “How are you?” in a formal polite way uses the phrase 안녕하십니까, spoken as annyeong-hasimnikka. This form combines 안녕 for “well-being” with 하십니까, the formal polite question ending attached to 하다, turning the greeting into a respectful inquiry about the other person’s state.

The first option captures that exact phrase in common romanization,: Ahn-yong-hashim-nee-ka. It reflects the correct sequence of sounds: the 안녕 part with the nyoeng sound and the 하십니까 ending pronounced ni-kka. That makes it the best choice for the formal greeting.

The other options alter the vowels or the ending, producing sounds that don’t match the standard pronunciation of 안녕하십니까, or resemble different phrases entirely. The simplest contrast is that this formal form is the proper way to ask “How are you?” in formal contexts, while more casual greetings exist for everyday use.