Your first Korean introduction does not need your age, occupation, hobbies and life plan. Say who you are, what you are doing and perhaps one thing the other person can ask about. A short introduction leaves room for a conversation rather than becoming a speech you must finish at any cost.
Prepare a three-sentence version
안녕하세요. 저는 토리예요. — Hello. I’m Tori.
한국어를 공부해요. — I’m studying Korean.
만나서 반가워요. — It’s nice to meet you.
This original practice version uses polite everyday Korean for meeting someone. Real situations may call for a different level of formality. Learn a more formal introduction separately when you need it; you do not have to mix every ending into your first attempt.
Change the name or role carefully
The noun before 이에요 or 예요 matters. 학생 has a final consonant, so 저는 학생이에요 means “I’m a student.” 토리 ends in a vowel, so 저는 토리예요 means “I’m Tori.” Practise your own name in Hangul and check its final syllable rather than deciding from its English spelling.
You can also use 제 이름은 토리예요, “My name is Tori.” This explicitly introduces your name. Both patterns are useful, but repeating them together may simply repeat the same information.
Add something you really want to discuss
음악을 좋아해요. — I like music.
한국 드라마를 좋아해요. — I like Korean dramas.
한국어로 이야기하고 싶어요. — I want to talk in Korean.
Choose one statement that is true for you. After mentioning an interest, listen for a response or follow-up question. Your prepared introduction is not a script that must be delivered without a break. You can say one sentence, listen and continue.
Catch a simple question
If someone asks 취미가 뭐예요?, “What is your hobby?”, you could answer 책 읽는 것을 좋아해요, “I like reading books.” If that structure is still unfamiliar, 책을 좋아해요, “I like books,” communicates a simpler idea while you learn the more precise version.
If you did not hear the question, try 다시 한번 말씀해 주세요, “Please say that one more time.” Repeating the next memorised sentence without understanding the question may sound smooth but does not move the exchange forward. Asking for clarification is part of communicating.
Practise in three passes
Read the script once, checking the name and endings. Next, keep only three prompts: “name, Korean, interest.” Finally, change the interest and respond to a question. Listen to your recording for pauses that split a sentence, rather than deciding only whether you like the sound of your voice.
Common difficulties include translating English word order literally, repeating your name in every sentence, and switching unconsciously between polite and casual endings. Keep the short version consistent before adding another detail. You do not need an elaborate identity statement you cannot yet explain.
Use AI text or voice conversation to practise meeting someone, then try a café conversation for another task with a clear goal.