Imagine you meet three people in Korea: a close friend, a university professor, and a manager at your new workplace.
You want to say, “Have you eaten?”
But should you say 밥 먹었어?, 밥 먹었어요?, or 식사하셨어요?
All three expressions can communicate a similar basic question, but they are not interchangeable in every social situation.
This is why learning Korean honorifics and speech levels is essential for natural Korean communication.
In Korean, the way you speak often depends on your relationship with the listener, the person you’re talking about, the setting, and the level of formality.
For example, compare these sentences:
밥 먹었어?
“Have you eaten?” — Casual
🔊 Listen: 밥 먹었어?
밥 먹었어요?
“Have you eaten?” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 밥 먹었어요?
식사하셨습니까?
“Have you eaten?” — Formal and honorific
🔊 Listen: 식사하셨습니까?
The meaning is similar, but the endings and vocabulary change the social tone.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how Korean speech levels work, when to use casual or polite expressions, how to show respect with -(으)시-, and how to avoid common honorific mistakes.
You’ll also practice with pronunciation audio, realistic conversations, listening comparisons, and quizzes.
Level: Beginner–Intermediate (A1–B1)
Study time: Approximately 30–40 minutes, plus listening practice
What you’ll learn: Casual Korean, polite Korean, formal Korean, subject honorifics, respectful verbs, humble expressions, workplace language, and situation-based speaking skills.
How to study: Listen to expressions in different speech levels separately. Focus on who is speaking to whom and who the sentence is about, rather than memorizing only the English translation.
Table of Contents
- 1. What Are Korean Honorifics?
- 2. The Three Most Useful Korean Speech Levels
- 3. Casual Korean: How to Use 반말 Naturally
- 4. Polite Korean: 해요체 for Everyday Conversations
- 5. Formal Korean: 합니다체 for Professional Situations
- 6. Korean Subject Honorifics: Understanding -(으)시-
- 7. Special Korean Honorific Verbs
- 8. Humble Korean: 저, 제가, 저희, and 드리다
- 9. Respectful Korean Particles: 께서 and 께
- 10. Polite vs. Casual vs. Formal: Twenty Useful Expressions
- 11. Real-Life Situations: Which Speech Level Should You Use?
- 12. Five Real-Life Korean Honorific Conversations
- 13. Common Mistakes with Korean Honorifics
- 14. Korean Honorifics Listening Practice: Choose the Situation
- 15. Korean Honorifics Grammar Quiz
- 16. How to Practice Korean Honorifics Every Day
- 17. Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Honorifics
- Final Review: Master Korean Honorifics and Speech Levels
1. What Are Korean Honorifics?
Korean honorifics are grammatical and vocabulary-based ways of showing respect to people.
Korean has different ways to express politeness toward the listener and respect toward the person described in a sentence.
These are related, but they are not identical.
Two Essential Types of Respect
1. Speech levels — respect toward the listener
Speech endings help show how you address the person you’re speaking to.
For example:
먹어.
“Eat.” / “I eat.” — Casual style
🔊 Listen: 먹어.
먹어요.
“Eat.” / “I eat.” — Polite style
🔊 Listen: 먹어요.
먹습니다.
“I eat.” — Formal polite statement
🔊 Listen: 먹습니다.
2. Subject honorifics — respect toward the person being discussed
You may use special verbs or the honorific marker -(으)시- to show respect toward the subject of a sentence.
Compare:
선생님이 와요.
“The teacher is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님이 와요.
선생님이 오세요.
“The teacher is coming.” — With subject honorification
🔊 Listen: 선생님이 오세요.
Both sentences are understandable, but the second explicitly marks respect toward the teacher.
Why the Distinction Matters
Imagine you’re talking politely to a friend about your grandfather.
You may use a polite speech level because you’re addressing your friend respectfully, while also using subject honorification because you’re talking about your grandfather.
할아버지가 주무세요.
“My grandfather is sleeping.”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지가 주무세요.
The respectful verb 주무시다 refers to your grandfather, not to the listener.
Key principle: Politeness toward the listener and respect toward the subject are separate choices that can appear together.
2. The Three Most Useful Korean Speech Levels
Korean has several speech levels, but beginners should focus on three commonly encountered styles.
| Style | Korean name | Typical ending | Common setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | 해체 / 반말 | -아/-어 | Close friends, agreed informal relationships |
| Polite | 해요체 | -아요/-어요 | Everyday conversations, strangers |
| Formal polite | 합니다체 | -ㅂ니다/-습니다 | Presentations, announcements, formal situations |
The word 반말 broadly refers to non-honorific or casual language, while 존댓말 broadly refers to respectful language.
해요체 and 합니다체 are both types of polite speech, but they have different levels of formality.
Compare One Verb in Three Styles
| English | Casual | Polite | Formal polite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eat | 먹어 | 먹어요 | 먹습니다 |
| Go | 가 | 가요 | 갑니다 |
| Study | 공부해 | 공부해요 | 공부합니다 |
| Read | 읽어 | 읽어요 | 읽습니다 |
| Like | 좋아해 | 좋아해요 | 좋아합니다 |
| Be busy | 바빠 | 바빠요 | 바쁩니다 |
Listening Practice: 먹다
먹어.
🔊 Listen: 먹어.
먹어요.
🔊 Listen: 먹어요.
먹습니다.
🔊 Listen: 먹습니다.
Listening Practice: 가다
가.
🔊 Listen: 가.
가요.
🔊 Listen: 가요.
갑니다.
🔊 Listen: 갑니다.
Listening Practice: 공부하다
공부해.
🔊 Listen: 공부해.
공부해요.
🔊 Listen: 공부해요.
공부합니다.
🔊 Listen: 공부합니다.
Which Style Should Beginners Use?
해요체 is generally the safest starting point for everyday conversations with strangers, shop employees, adults you don’t know well, and people you want to address politely.
합니다체 is useful in presentations, formal introductions, customer service, and official communication.
반말 is appropriate with close friends or people who have mutually established an informal relationship.
However, the right choice is not determined by age alone. Social context, relationship, role, and personal preferences all matter.
3. Casual Korean: How to Use 반말 Naturally
Casual Korean is commonly used between close friends and people who are comfortable speaking informally to one another.
It often removes the polite ending 요.
Compare:
뭐 해요?
“What are you doing?” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해요?
뭐 해?
“What are you doing?” — Casual
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해?
Common Casual Expressions
| English | Casual Korean |
|---|---|
| What are you doing? | 뭐 해? |
| Where are you going? | 어디 가? |
| Did you eat? | 밥 먹었어? |
| Thank you | 고마워 |
| Sorry | 미안해 |
| Are you okay? | 괜찮아? |
| See you tomorrow | 내일 봐 |
| I’m tired | 피곤해 |
| I don’t know | 몰라 |
| Let’s go | 가자 |
Listen to the Casual Expressions
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해?
🔊 Listen: 어디 가?
🔊 Listen: 밥 먹었어?
🔊 Listen: 고마워
🔊 Listen: 미안해
🔊 Listen: 괜찮아?
🔊 Listen: 내일 봐
🔊 Listen: 피곤해
🔊 Listen: 몰라
🔊 Listen: 가자
Example Conversation Between Close Friends
A: 오늘 뭐 해?
“What are you doing today?”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 뭐 해?
B: 집에서 쉬어.
“I’m resting at home.”
🔊 Listen: 집에서 쉬어.
A: 저녁에 영화 볼래?
“Want to watch a movie this evening?”
🔊 Listen: 저녁에 영화 볼래?
B: 좋아! 같이 보자.
“Sounds good! Let’s watch it together.”
🔊 Listen: 좋아! 같이 보자.
When Should You Avoid 반말?
Do not assume that you can use casual Korean with every person younger than you.
With strangers, new colleagues, professors, customers, and people in professional settings, using polite speech is generally a safer choice.
Even with someone your own age, it’s often best to begin politely and change to casual speech once both people are comfortable.
A Useful Social Expression
우리 말 놓을까요?
“Shall we speak informally to each other?”
🔊 Listen: 우리 말 놓을까요?
This expression is useful when two people want to establish a more casual way of speaking.
It is more considerate than suddenly switching to 반말.
4. Polite Korean: 해요체 for Everyday Conversations
The 해요체 speech level is extremely useful for Korean learners.
It is respectful without necessarily sounding overly formal.
Most everyday beginner dialogues use this style.
Common 해요체 Expressions
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하세요 |
| Thank you | 고마워요 |
| I’m sorry | 미안해요 |
| What are you doing? | 뭐 해요? |
| Where are you going? | 어디 가요? |
| Did you eat? | 밥 먹었어요? |
| I don’t know | 몰라요 |
| I’m busy | 바빠요 |
| It’s okay | 괜찮아요 |
| See you tomorrow | 내일 봐요 |
Listen and Repeat
🔊 Listen: 안녕하세요
🔊 Listen: 고마워요
🔊 Listen: 미안해요
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해요?
🔊 Listen: 어디 가요?
🔊 Listen: 밥 먹었어요?
🔊 Listen: 몰라요
🔊 Listen: 바빠요
🔊 Listen: 괜찮아요
🔊 Listen: 내일 봐요
Polite Doesn’t Always Mean Honorific Toward the Subject
Consider:
친구가 와요.
“My friend is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 친구가 와요.
This sentence uses polite speech toward the listener, but it does not add subject honorification to the friend.
Compare:
선생님이 오세요.
“The teacher is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님이 오세요.
Here, 오세요 includes subject honorification.
This is an important distinction: an ending containing 요 does not automatically mean the subject is being honored.
When 해요체 Is Useful
Use it for ordinary polite interaction in situations such as:
- Talking to someone you’ve just met
- Shopping at a store
- Asking for directions
- Making appointments
- Speaking with an unfamiliar adult
- Having a respectful but friendly conversation
For beginners, becoming comfortable with 해요체 will make many everyday situations easier.
If you need a review of how its verb endings work, read:
Korean Present Tense: A/V-아/어요 Conjugation Guide
5. Formal Korean: 합니다체 for Professional Situations
합니다체 is a formal polite speech level.
It is frequently used in formal presentations, announcements, professional introductions, public communication, and certain workplace contexts.
It can sound more official or structured than ordinary 해요체.
Basic Formal Polite Statements
| Dictionary form | Polite | Formal polite |
|---|---|---|
| 가다 | 가요 | 갑니다 |
| 먹다 | 먹어요 | 먹습니다 |
| 공부하다 | 공부해요 | 공부합니다 |
| 일하다 | 일해요 | 일합니다 |
| 읽다 | 읽어요 | 읽습니다 |
| 알다 | 알아요 | 압니다 |
| 좋다 | 좋아요 | 좋습니다 |
| 바쁘다 | 바빠요 | 바쁩니다 |
Listen to the Formal Forms
🔊 Listen: 갑니다
🔊 Listen: 먹습니다
🔊 Listen: 공부합니다
🔊 Listen: 일합니다
🔊 Listen: 읽습니다
🔊 Listen: 압니다
🔊 Listen: 좋습니다
🔊 Listen: 바쁩니다
Formal Polite Questions
Statements commonly end in:
-ㅂ니다 / -습니다
Questions commonly end in:
-ㅂ니까? / -습니까?
Compare:
어디에 가요?
“Where are you going?” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 어디에 가요?
어디에 갑니까?
“Where are you going?” — Formal polite
🔊 Listen: 어디에 갑니까?
Another example:
한국어를 공부해요?
“Do you study Korean?” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 한국어를 공부해요?
한국어를 공부합니까?
“Do you study Korean?” — Formal polite
🔊 Listen: 한국어를 공부합니까?
A Formal Self-Introduction
안녕하십니까?
“Hello.” — Highly formal greeting
🔊 Listen: 안녕하십니까?
저는 민수입니다.
“I am Minsu.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 민수입니다.
저는 한국어를 공부합니다.
“I study Korean.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 한국어를 공부합니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.
“I look forward to working with you.” / Formal courtesy expression
🔊 Listen: 잘 부탁드립니다.
Is 합니다체 Always More Respectful Than 해요체?
It is generally more formal, but formality and respect are not identical.
A warm, appropriate 해요체 sentence can be more natural than a stiff 합니다체 sentence.
In many workplaces, colleagues use 해요체 for everyday conversation and 합니다체 for presentations, formal announcements, or reporting.
Choose the style based on the situation rather than assuming that the most formal form is always the best one.
6. Korean Subject Honorifics: Understanding -(으)시-
Now let’s learn one of the most important grammar features of Korean honorifics.
The marker -(으)시- is used to show respect toward the subject of a sentence when the context calls for it.
The form changes depending on the stem ending.
Basic Rule
If the stem ends in a vowel, or follows the relevant ㄹ-ending rule, use -시-.
If the stem ends in another consonant, use -으시-.
In the everyday polite 해요체, this commonly becomes:
-세요 / -으세요
Example 1: 가다 → 가세요
가다 — To go
Ordinary polite form:
가요
🔊 Listen: 가요
Honorific polite form:
가세요
🔊 Listen: 가세요
Example:
선생님이 학교에 가세요.
“The teacher goes to school.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님이 학교에 가세요.
Example 2: 읽다 → 읽으세요
읽다 — To read
Ordinary polite form:
읽어요
🔊 Listen: 읽어요
Honorific polite form:
읽으세요
🔊 Listen: 읽으세요
Example:
할아버지께서 신문을 읽으세요.
“My grandfather reads the newspaper.”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지께서 신문을 읽으세요.
Example 3: 일하다 → 일하세요
일하다 — To work
Ordinary polite form:
일해요
🔊 Listen: 일해요
Honorific polite form:
일하세요
🔊 Listen: 일하세요
Example:
아버지께서 회사에서 일하세요.
“My father works at a company.”
🔊 Listen: 아버지께서 회사에서 일하세요.
Example 4: 살다 → 사세요
The stem 살- ends in ㄹ.
Before -(으)시-, the ㄹ is dropped.
살다 → 사세요
“To live → Honorific polite form”
🔊 Listen: 사세요
Example:
할머니께서 서울에 사세요.
“My grandmother lives in Seoul.”
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 서울에 사세요.
The meaning of 사세요 depends on context: it can also be the honorific form of 사다 (to buy).
Honorific Conjugation Table
| Dictionary form | Ordinary polite | Subject-honorific polite |
|---|---|---|
| 가다 | 가요 | 가세요 |
| 오다 | 와요 | 오세요 |
| 읽다 | 읽어요 | 읽으세요 |
| 일하다 | 일해요 | 일하세요 |
| 살다 | 살아요 | 사세요 |
| 앉다 | 앉아요 | 앉으세요 |
| 보다 | 봐요 | 보세요 |
| 공부하다 | 공부해요 | 공부하세요 |
Listen to the Honorific Forms
🔊 Listen: 가세요
🔊 Listen: 오세요
🔊 Listen: 읽으세요
🔊 Listen: 일하세요
🔊 Listen: 사세요
🔊 Listen: 앉으세요
🔊 Listen: 보세요
🔊 Listen: 공부하세요
Important: -세요 Can Also Be a Request or Command
The ending -세요 can serve different functions depending on the sentence and context.
For example:
선생님이 오세요.
“The teacher is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님이 오세요.
But:
이쪽으로 오세요.
“Please come this way.”
🔊 Listen: 이쪽으로 오세요.
The second example is a polite directive.
Don’t assume that every -세요 sentence is simply a present-tense description.
7. Special Korean Honorific Verbs
Not every honorific expression is created by adding -(으)시- to an ordinary verb.
Korean also has special vocabulary used when showing respect toward certain subjects.
These words are extremely important in real conversations.
Essential Honorific Verb Chart
| Ordinary form | Honorific form | English |
|---|---|---|
| 먹다 | 드시다 | To eat |
| 마시다 | 드시다 | To drink |
| 자다 | 주무시다 | To sleep |
| 있다 | 계시다 | To be / stay somewhere |
| 말하다 | 말씀하시다 | To speak |
| 죽다 | 돌아가시다 | To pass away |
These expressions are not always interchangeable across every meaning or sentence structure.
For example, 계시다 is used for the presence or location of an honored person. It is not a universal replacement for every use of 있다.
먹다 vs. 드시다
Ordinary:
저는 밥을 먹어요.
“I eat a meal.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 밥을 먹어요.
Honorific:
할머니께서 식사하세요.
“My grandmother is eating a meal.”
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 식사하세요.
Another natural honorific form:
할머니께서 밥을 드세요.
“My grandmother is eating.”
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 밥을 드세요.
마시다 vs. 드시다
Ordinary:
저는 물을 마셔요.
“I drink water.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 물을 마셔요.
Honorific:
선생님께서 물을 드세요.
“The teacher is drinking water.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 물을 드세요.
자다 vs. 주무시다
Ordinary:
동생이 자요.
“My younger sibling is sleeping.”
🔊 Listen: 동생이 자요.
Honorific:
할아버지께서 주무세요.
“My grandfather is sleeping.”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지께서 주무세요.
있다 vs. 계시다
Ordinary location expression:
친구가 집에 있어요.
“My friend is at home.”
🔊 Listen: 친구가 집에 있어요.
Honorific location expression:
선생님께서 교실에 계세요.
“The teacher is in the classroom.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 교실에 계세요.
Important: 계시다 Is Not Used for Every 있다 Sentence
Consider:
할머니께서 시간이 있으세요.
“My grandmother has some time.”
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 시간이 있으세요.
Here, 있다 expresses possession or availability of time.
You should not mechanically replace every 있다 with 계시다.
계시다 is especially associated with the presence or location of a respected person.
For another explanation of 있다 and 없다, review:
Korean Grammar 있어요/없어요: To Have and Not to Have
8. Humble Korean: 저, 제가, 저희, and 드리다
Showing respect in Korean is not only about raising the status of another person.
Sometimes speakers use humble expressions for themselves or their own actions.
This is another important part of Korean honorifics.
나 vs. 저
나 is an ordinary first-person pronoun.
저 is a humble first-person pronoun commonly used in polite situations.
Compare:
나는 학생이야.
“I’m a student.” — Casual
🔊 Listen: 나는 학생이야.
저는 학생이에요.
“I’m a student.” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 저는 학생이에요.
내가 vs. 제가
내가 is the subject-marked form of 나.
제가 is the subject-marked form of 저.
Compare:
내가 할게.
“I’ll do it.” — Casual
🔊 Listen: 내가 할게.
제가 할게요.
“I’ll do it.” — Polite
🔊 Listen: 제가 할게요.
우리 vs. 저희
우리 generally means “we/our.”
저희 is a humble form commonly used for “we/our” when speaking respectfully.
For example:
저희 회사는 서울에 있어요.
“Our company is in Seoul.”
🔊 Listen: 저희 회사는 서울에 있어요.
The social relationship matters: a speaker does not normally use 저희 to humble a group that includes the respected listener in exactly the same way.
주다 vs. 드리다
The verb 드리다 is a humble way to express giving something to a person who is being respected.
Compare:
친구에게 선물을 줬어요.
“I gave my friend a present.”
🔊 Listen: 친구에게 선물을 줬어요.
선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.
“I gave the teacher a present.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.
The second sentence uses both the respectful particle 께 and the humble verb 드리다.
말하다 vs. 말씀드리다
When politely telling something to a respected person, you can use 말씀드리다.
선생님께 말씀드렸어요.
“I told the teacher.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께 말씀드렸어요.
Compare with 말씀하시다, which can honor the person who is speaking.
선생님께서 말씀하셨어요.
“The teacher spoke.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 말씀하셨어요.
These are different honorific directions: one respects the recipient of the speech, and the other respects the speaker being described.
9. Respectful Korean Particles: 께서 and 께
Korean particles can also express honorific relationships.
Two particularly useful particles are 께서 and 께.
께서: Honorific Subject Particle
The ordinary subject markers are 이/가.
께서 is a respectful subject marker.
Compare:
친구가 왔어요.
“My friend came.”
🔊 Listen: 친구가 왔어요.
선생님께서 오셨어요.
“The teacher came.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 오셨어요.
The second sentence includes 께서 and the honorific verb form 오셨어요.
께: Respectful Recipient or Addressee
The particle 께 is often used instead of 에게/한테 when referring to a respected recipient or addressee.
Compare:
친구에게 선물을 줬어요.
“I gave my friend a gift.”
🔊 Listen: 친구에게 선물을 줬어요.
교수님께 이메일을 보냈어요.
“I sent the professor an email.”
🔊 Listen: 교수님께 이메일을 보냈어요.
Combining Multiple Honorific Elements
Consider:
할아버지께서 식사하셨어요.
“My grandfather ate a meal.”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지께서 식사하셨어요.
The sentence contains:
- 할아버지 — Grandfather
- 께서 — Honorific subject marker
- 식사하시다 — Honorific way to describe eating
- -었어요 — Past-tense polite ending
Notice that a sentence can combine subject honorification and polite speech toward the listener.
When Not to Overuse 께서
Do not replace every subject particle with 께서.
Use it when the social context supports respect toward the subject.
For animals, objects, and ordinary non-honorified subjects, the regular particles 이/가 are generally appropriate.
10. Polite vs. Casual vs. Formal: Twenty Useful Expressions
Now let’s compare everyday expressions across three speech levels.
Some expressions change only their endings, while others use different words.
Everyday Expression Comparison Table
| English | Casual | Polite | Formal polite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕 | 안녕하세요 | 안녕하십니까 |
| Thank you | 고마워 | 고마워요 | 감사합니다 |
| I’m sorry | 미안해 | 미안해요 | 죄송합니다 |
| What are you doing? | 뭐 해? | 뭐 해요? | 무엇을 합니까? |
| Where are you going? | 어디 가? | 어디 가요? | 어디에 갑니까? |
| I understand | 알겠어 | 알겠어요 | 알겠습니다 |
| I don’t know | 몰라 | 몰라요 | 모르겠습니다 |
| It’s okay | 괜찮아 | 괜찮아요 | 괜찮습니다 |
| I’m busy | 바빠 | 바빠요 | 바쁩니다 |
| I’m tired | 피곤해 | 피곤해요 | 피곤합니다 |
| I like it | 좋아 | 좋아요 | 좋습니다 |
| I like coffee | 커피 좋아해 | 커피 좋아해요 | 커피를 좋아합니다 |
| I’ll go | 갈게 | 갈게요 | 가겠습니다 |
| Please wait | 기다려 줘 | 기다려 주세요 | 기다려 주십시오 |
| Please come | 와 | 와요 | 오십시오 |
| Sit down | 앉아 | 앉아요 | 앉으십시오 |
| Let’s eat | 먹자 | 같이 먹어요 | 함께 식사합시다 |
| Good night | 잘 자 | 잘 자요 | 안녕히 주무십시오 |
| See you tomorrow | 내일 봐 | 내일 봐요 | 내일 뵙겠습니다 |
| Nice to meet you | 반가워 | 반가워요 | 만나서 반갑습니다 |
Important: The formal versions here are natural examples used in suitable contexts, not always exact one-to-one grammatical transformations of the casual versions. Some introduce honorific vocabulary or a different communicative tone.
TTS Practice: Thank You
고마워.
🔊 Listen: 고마워.
고마워요.
🔊 Listen: 고마워요.
감사합니다.
🔊 Listen: 감사합니다.
TTS Practice: Sorry
미안해.
🔊 Listen: 미안해.
미안해요.
🔊 Listen: 미안해요.
죄송합니다.
🔊 Listen: 죄송합니다.
TTS Practice: I Understand
알겠어.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어.
알겠어요.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어요.
알겠습니다.
🔊 Listen: 알겠습니다.
TTS Practice: See You Tomorrow
내일 봐.
🔊 Listen: 내일 봐.
내일 봐요.
🔊 Listen: 내일 봐요.
내일 뵙겠습니다.
🔊 Listen: 내일 뵙겠습니다.
How to Study the Table
Listen to the expressions in each row.
Then ask yourself:
- Who could I say this to?
- Is it casual, polite, or formal?
- Does it use special honorific vocabulary?
- Would the same phrase sound appropriate at work?
- Would I use it with a close friend?
This is more valuable than memorizing the translations without context.
11. Real-Life Situations: Which Speech Level Should You Use?
Let’s explore practical situations Korean learners are likely to experience.
Situation 1: Talking to a Close Friend
Your close Korean friend asks:
오늘 뭐 해?
“What are you doing today?”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 뭐 해?
You can answer:
집에서 쉬어.
“I’m resting at home.”
🔊 Listen: 집에서 쉬어.
This is natural when both speakers are comfortable using 반말.
Situation 2: Meeting Someone for the First Time
You meet an adult you don’t know well.
A safe choice is:
안녕하세요. 저는 엠마예요.
“Hello. I’m Emma.”
🔊 Listen: 안녕하세요. 저는 엠마예요.
만나서 반가워요.
“Nice to meet you.”
🔊 Listen: 만나서 반가워요.
Using 해요체 is generally natural and respectful.
Situation 3: Speaking to a Professor
You want to ask whether your professor has time.
교수님, 지금 시간 괜찮으세요?
“Professor, is now a convenient time?”
🔊 Listen: 교수님, 지금 시간 괜찮으세요?
You might continue:
질문 하나 드려도 될까요?
“May I ask you a question?”
🔊 Listen: 질문 하나 드려도 될까요?
Notice that the sentences are polite and use respectful expressions.
Situation 4: Introducing Yourself at Work
In a formal company orientation or presentation:
안녕하십니까? 저는 김민수입니다.
“Hello. I’m Kim Minsu.”
🔊 Listen: 안녕하십니까? 저는 김민수입니다.
오늘부터 이 회사에서 일하게 되었습니다.
“I’ve joined this company starting today.”
🔊 Listen: 오늘부터 이 회사에서 일하게 되었습니다.
잘 부탁드립니다.
“I look forward to working with you.”
🔊 Listen: 잘 부탁드립니다.
Formal polite speech is suitable for this type of introduction.
Situation 5: Speaking to Restaurant Staff
When ordering at a restaurant:
비빔밥 하나 주세요.
“One bibimbap, please.”
🔊 Listen: 비빔밥 하나 주세요.
물도 주세요.
“Water too, please.”
🔊 Listen: 물도 주세요.
There is no need to use extremely formal speech in every everyday service interaction.
Clear and polite 해요체 or conventional polite request expressions are usually appropriate.
Situation 6: Asking About a Grandparent
You want to ask whether someone’s grandfather is home.
할아버지 댁에 계세요?
“Is your grandfather at home?”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지 댁에 계세요?
You could also ask:
할아버지께서는 잘 지내세요?
“Is your grandfather doing well?”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지께서는 잘 지내세요?
These examples use subject honorification because they refer respectfully to the grandfather.
12. Five Real-Life Korean Honorific Conversations
Now let’s practice complete conversations.
Conversation 1: Two Friends
A: 오늘 저녁에 뭐 해?
“What are you doing this evening?”
🔊 Listen: 오늘 저녁에 뭐 해?
B: 집에서 영화 볼 거야.
“I’m going to watch a movie at home.”
🔊 Listen: 집에서 영화 볼 거야.
A: 나도 같이 봐도 돼?
“Can I watch with you?”
🔊 Listen: 나도 같이 봐도 돼?
B: 당연하지!
“Of course!”
🔊 Listen: 당연하지!
Conversation 2: Two New Acquaintances
A: 한국어를 공부하세요?
“Do you study Korean?”
🔊 Listen: 한국어를 공부하세요?
B: 네, 한국어를 공부해요.
“Yes, I study Korean.”
🔊 Listen: 네, 한국어를 공부해요.
A: 한국어 공부는 어때요?
“How is studying Korean?”
🔊 Listen: 한국어 공부는 어때요?
B: 재미있지만 조금 어려워요.
“It’s interesting but a little difficult.”
🔊 Listen: 재미있지만 조금 어려워요.
Conversation 3: At Work
Employee: 팀장님, 잠시 시간 괜찮으세요?
“Team leader, do you have a moment?”
🔊 Listen: 팀장님, 잠시 시간 괜찮으세요?
Manager: 네, 말씀하세요.
“Yes, go ahead.”
🔊 Listen: 네, 말씀하세요.
Employee: 보고서를 확인해 주실 수 있을까요?
“Could you review the report?”
🔊 Listen: 보고서를 확인해 주실 수 있을까요?
Manager: 네, 확인해 볼게요.
“Yes, I’ll take a look.”
🔊 Listen: 네, 확인해 볼게요.
Conversation 4: Asking About a Teacher
A: 선생님 어디 계세요?
“Where is the teacher?”
🔊 Listen: 선생님 어디 계세요?
B: 교무실에 계세요.
“The teacher is in the teachers’ office.”
🔊 Listen: 교무실에 계세요.
A: 지금 찾아뵈어도 될까요?
“May I go see the teacher now?”
🔊 Listen: 지금 찾아뵈어도 될까요?
B: 네, 괜찮을 거예요.
“Yes, that should be fine.”
🔊 Listen: 네, 괜찮을 거예요.
Conversation 5: Family Gathering
A: 할머니, 식사하셨어요?
“Grandma, have you eaten?”
🔊 Listen: 할머니, 식사하셨어요?
B: 응, 먹었어.
“Yes, I ate.”
🔊 Listen: 응, 먹었어.
A: 더 드실 거 있으세요?
“Would you like anything else to eat?”
🔊 Listen: 더 드실 거 있으세요?
B: 아니, 괜찮아. 고마워.
“No, I’m okay. Thank you.”
🔊 Listen: 아니, 괜찮아. 고마워.
Cultural note: Family relationships don’t follow a single universal speaking pattern. Some families use polite speech toward older relatives; others use casual speech with certain relatives while still employing honorific verbs. The important thing is the relationship and established family norm.
13. Common Mistakes with Korean Honorifics
These mistakes are common even among learners who know many Korean words.
Mistake 1: Using 반말 with a Stranger
Too casual in an ordinary first meeting:
이름 뭐야?
“What’s your name?”
🔊 Listen: 이름 뭐야?
Safer polite expression:
이름이 뭐예요?
“What’s your name?”
🔊 Listen: 이름이 뭐예요?
An even more respectful expression may be appropriate in a formal setting.
성함이 어떻게 되세요?
“May I ask your name?”
🔊 Listen: 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
Mistake 2: Thinking 요 Automatically Honors the Subject
할아버지가 자요 uses polite speech toward the listener.
But to honor the grandfather as the subject, you would more naturally say:
할아버지께서 주무세요.
“My grandfather is sleeping.”
🔊 Listen: 할아버지께서 주무세요.
Mistake 3: Using Honorific Verbs for Yourself
When speaking about your own ordinary actions, do not automatically replace 먹다 with 드시다 or 자다 with 주무시다.
For example:
저는 밥을 먹었어요.
“I ate.”
🔊 Listen: 저는 밥을 먹었어요.
Do not use 저는 밥을 드셨어요 to honor yourself.
Mistake 4: Confusing 먹다 and 드시다
Compare:
친구가 밥을 먹어요.
“My friend is eating.”
🔊 Listen: 친구가 밥을 먹어요.
할머니께서 밥을 드세요.
“My grandmother is eating.”
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 밥을 드세요.
Mistake 5: Using 계시다 for Every Meaning of 있다
계시다 typically honors the presence or location of a respected person.
선생님께서 학교에 계세요.
“The teacher is at school.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 학교에 계세요.
But for possession or availability, expressions with 있으시다 may be more appropriate.
선생님, 시간이 있으세요?
“Teacher, do you have some time?”
🔊 Listen: 선생님, 시간이 있으세요?
Mistake 6: Assuming Formal Speech Is Always Better
Using formal speech in a relaxed conversation with a close friend may sound distant.
Likewise, using casual speech during a formal presentation may sound inappropriate.
The goal is not to use the highest possible level of formality.
The goal is to choose the level that fits the relationship and setting.
Mistake 7: Changing Speech Levels Too Randomly
Beginners sometimes mix casual and polite endings without a conversational reason.
For example, switching between 해, 해요, and 합니다 in the same short self-introduction may sound inconsistent.
In a simple conversation, choose a suitable style and maintain it unless the context changes.
14. Korean Honorifics Listening Practice: Choose the Situation
This section helps you recognize the relationship between speech level and context.
Listening Question 1
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해?
Which situation is most appropriate?
A. A formal company presentation
B. A casual conversation with a close friend
C. A first meeting with a professor
Answer: B
뭐 해? is a casual question commonly used between close friends.
Listening Question 2
🔊 Listen: 안녕하십니까?
Where might you hear this expression?
A. In a formal speech or official introduction
B. In a casual text to a close friend
C. When casually greeting a pet
Answer: A
안녕하십니까 is a highly formal greeting.
Listening Question 3
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 오셨어요.
Which elements show respect toward the teacher?
A. 께서 and the honorific verb form
B. Only the past-tense ending
C. Only the word 선생님
Answer: A
The sentence combines an honorific subject marker and an honorific verb form.
Listening Question 4
🔊 Listen: 제가 할게요.
What is the speaker doing?
A. Using a polite and humble first-person form
B. Speaking casually using 내가
C. Honoring themselves with 주무시다
Answer: A
제가 is the humble first-person subject form.
Listening Question 5
🔊 Listen: 할머니께서 주무세요.
Which ordinary verb corresponds to 주무시다?
A. 먹다
B. 자다
C. 마시다
Answer: B
주무시다 is the honorific verb corresponding to 자다.
Listening Question 6
🔊 Listen: 교수님께 이메일을 보냈어요.
What does 께 indicate?
A. A respectful recipient
B. A direct object
C. A location where an action occurs
Answer: A
께 marks the respected recipient of the email.
Listening Question 7
🔊 Listen: 말 놓을까요?
What is the speaker suggesting?
A. Switching to more formal speech
B. Speaking more casually to each other
C. Ending the conversation
Answer: B
말을 놓다 means to use casual speech in an appropriate relationship.
Listening Question 8
🔊 Listen: 내일 뵙겠습니다.
Which situation is particularly suitable?
A. Saying goodbye respectfully to a professor or manager
B. Saying goodbye casually to a sibling
C. Calling a close friend using 반말
Answer: A
뵙겠습니다 is a respectful form used when referring to meeting or seeing someone.
15. Korean Honorifics Grammar Quiz
Choose the best answer for the context described.
Question 1
Which style is generally safest when speaking to an unfamiliar adult in an everyday situation?
A. 반말
B. 해요체
C. Randomly alternating speech levels
Question 2
Which expression is appropriate when respectfully asking a professor if they have time?
A. 시간 있어?
B. 시간 괜찮으세요?
C. 시간 있냐?
Question 3
What is the honorific verb corresponding to 자다?
A. 주무시다
B. 드시다
C. 계시다
Question 4
Which sentence respectfully indicates that the teacher is in the classroom?
A. 선생님이 교실을 있어요.
B. 선생님께서 교실에 계세요.
C. 선생님이 교실을 먹어요.
Question 5
Which particle respectfully marks a recipient?
A. 를
B. 에서
C. 께
Question 6
Which is a natural humble first-person expression?
A. 제가
B. 저가
C. 나께서
Question 7
What is the correct subject-honorific form of 읽다 in everyday polite speech?
A. 읽세요
B. 읽으세요
C. 읽하요
Question 8
Which is an appropriate respectful expression for “My grandmother is eating”?
A. 할머니께서 식사하세요.
B. 할머니께서 밥을 먹자.
C. 할머니께서 제가 먹어요.
Question 9
What is the main difference between 해요체 and 합니다체?
A. 해요체 is always rude.
B. 합니다체 is typically more formal.
C. 합니다체 is only used with children.
Question 10
Which expression most naturally means “I gave the professor a gift” using humble and respectful language?
A. 교수님을 선물을 줬어요.
B. 교수님께 선물을 드렸어요.
C. 교수님께서 선물을 드셨어요.
Grammar Quiz Answer Key
1. B — 해요체
Polite everyday speech is a reliable starting point with unfamiliar adults.
2. B — 시간 괜찮으세요?
The expression combines polite speech with a respectful form.
3. A — 주무시다
주무시다 is the honorific form used for sleeping.
4. B — 선생님께서 교실에 계세요.
It uses a respectful subject marker and the honorific location verb.
5. C — 께
께 is used for a respected recipient or addressee.
6. A — 제가
제가 is the humble subject-marked form of 저.
7. B — 읽으세요
The stem ends in a consonant other than ㄹ, so the subject-honorific polite form uses 으세요.
8. A — 할머니께서 식사하세요.
This is a natural honorific description of the grandmother eating.
9. B — 합니다체 is typically more formal
Both styles can be polite, but 합니다체 commonly fits more formal settings.
10. B — 교수님께 선물을 드렸어요.
The sentence combines respectful recipient marking with the humble verb 드리다.
16. How to Practice Korean Honorifics Every Day
Honorifics are best learned through realistic social situations, not only through grammar tables.
Step 1: Learn One Meaning in Three Speech Levels
Choose a familiar expression such as “I understand.”
Practice:
알겠어.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어.
알겠어요.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어요.
알겠습니다.
🔊 Listen: 알겠습니다.
Step 2: Imagine Three Different Listeners
Imagine saying the same thing to:
- A close friend
- A stranger
- A supervisor during a formal meeting
Choose the appropriate expression for each person.
Step 3: Learn Special Honorific Vocabulary
Memorize useful verb pairs such as:
먹다 / 드시다
자다 / 주무시다
있다 / 계시다
주다 / 드리다
Keep in mind that these pairs do not always have perfectly identical grammatical behavior.
Step 4: Practice Complete Sentences
Try transforming this ordinary sentence:
친구가 와요.
“My friend is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 친구가 와요.
Into a sentence referring respectfully to a teacher:
선생님께서 오세요.
“The teacher is coming.”
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 오세요.
Step 5: Review Real Conversations
Watch or listen to Korean conversations and pay attention to who is speaking.
Do you hear 해요, 합니다, or casual endings?
Is the speaker discussing a respected person?
Are special honorific verbs being used?
Learning to recognize these patterns will improve both comprehension and social confidence.
17. Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Honorifics
What are Korean honorifics?
They are grammatical and vocabulary-based ways to express respect toward the listener, the subject of a sentence, or the recipient of an action.
What is the difference between 반말 and 존댓말?
반말 generally refers to informal or non-honorific speech, while 존댓말 refers broadly to respectful speech.
Is 해요체 polite Korean?
Yes. 해요체 is a common everyday polite speech level.
Is 합니다체 more polite than 해요체?
합니다체 is generally more formal, but the most appropriate style depends on context. Both can express respect.
What does -(으)시- mean?
It is a subject-honorific marker used when showing respect toward the subject of a sentence.
What is the difference between 먹다 and 드시다?
먹다 is the ordinary verb for eating. 드시다 is an honorific verb used to show respect toward the person who is eating or drinking in suitable contexts.
What is the difference between 있다 and 계시다?
있다 expresses existence, location, or possession, depending on context. 계시다 is a subject-honorific verb especially used when an honored person is present or located somewhere.
Can I use 반말 with someone younger than me?
Age can influence speech choices, but it does not automatically determine them. Relationship, familiarity, role, and mutual comfort are important.
How do I politely ask someone if we can use 반말?
You can say:
우리 말 놓을까요?
“Shall we speak informally?”
🔊 Listen: 우리 말 놓을까요?
Do Korean honorifics only apply to older people?
No. Respectful speech can be used with strangers, customers, professors, supervisors, and other people depending on the context.
Final Review: Master Korean Honorifics and Speech Levels
You’ve now learned the foundation of natural Korean honorific speech.
Let’s review the most important points.
1. Speech levels show how you address the listener.
- 반말 / 해체 — Casual
- 해요체 — Everyday polite
- 합니다체 — Formal polite
2. Subject honorifics show respect toward the person being described.
The marker -(으)시- and verbs such as 드시다 and 주무시다 are important examples.
3. Humble expressions can show respect toward another person.
Expressions such as 저, 제가, 저희, 드리다, and 말씀드리다 have useful social functions.
4. Context matters more than memorizing a hierarchy.
A form that is natural with a close friend may sound inappropriate in a formal meeting, and vice versa.
Final Listening Review: Five Essential Comparisons
Pair 1 — What are you doing?
뭐 해?
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해?
뭐 해요?
🔊 Listen: 뭐 해요?
무엇을 합니까?
🔊 Listen: 무엇을 합니까?
Pair 2 — I understand
알겠어.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어.
알겠어요.
🔊 Listen: 알겠어요.
알겠습니다.
🔊 Listen: 알겠습니다.
Pair 3 — Thank you
고마워.
🔊 Listen: 고마워.
고마워요.
🔊 Listen: 고마워요.
감사합니다.
🔊 Listen: 감사합니다.
Pair 4 — Ordinary vs. honorific verb
친구가 와요.
🔊 Listen: 친구가 와요.
선생님께서 오세요.
🔊 Listen: 선생님께서 오세요.
Pair 5 — Ordinary vs. humble first person
내가 할게.
🔊 Listen: 내가 할게.
제가 할게요.
🔊 Listen: 제가 할게요.
Your Final Speaking Challenge
Imagine five everyday situations:
- Asking a close friend what they’re doing
- Introducing yourself to a stranger
- Greeting a manager at a formal meeting
- Asking whether your professor has time
- Describing what your grandmother is doing
Write one appropriate Korean sentence for each situation.
Then practice saying each sentence aloud.
For an extra challenge, take two of the sentences and rewrite them in a different speech level.
Ask yourself whether the new version is still appropriate for the person and situation.
The goal of learning Korean honorifics is not simply to sound more formal. It’s to speak naturally, respectfully, and appropriately in real Korean conversations.