Learn Korean - For Beginners [ Monthly Update ]

Understanding Korean Honorifics (존댓말)

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What Are Honorifics?

In Korean, the way you speak changes depending on who you’re talking to. This depends on age, social status, and relationship.

There are two main speech levels to know:

존댓말 (Formal / Polite speech)
Used for strangers, teachers, elders, or in formal situations.

반말 (Casual speech)
Used with close friends, younger people, or family members.

Korean culture highly values respect and hierarchy. Using the wrong speech level can sound rude or disrespectful, even if your intentions are good.

Example:

Talking to a teacher in 반말 (casual speech) might come across as impolite.

Using 존댓말 (formal speech) with your best friend can sound awkward or distant.

These are examples of honorific speeches:

1. Hello 안녕 (annyeong) 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)

2. Thank you 고마워 (gomawo) 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)

3. Eat 먹어 (meogeo) 드세요 (deuseyo)

4. Sleep 자 (ja) 주무세요 (jumuseyo)

Notice that sometimes completely different words are used in honorifics.

Some common ENDINGS in honorific that are often used:

1. -요 / 가요 (I go)

2. -세요 / 앉으세요 (Please sit)

3. -십니다 / 감사합니다 (Thank you)

Even in casual settings, many Koreans start with 존댓말 and switch to 반말 once they become comfortable often after someone says:

“우리 말 편하게 해요.”
"Let’s use casual sleech comfortably."

Quick Practice:

Try converting these casual sentences into polite speech:

1. 밥 먹었어? → (Did you eat?)

2. 잘 자! → (Good night!)

3. 뭐 해? → (What are you doing?)

Let me know what other things you'd like to learn! Enjoy!