You're learning Korean, and verb endings are overwhelming. 요, 습니다, 해, 하세요, 합쇼체... When do you use what? Why do Koreans keep switching between them?
Understanding Korean speech levels isn't just about being polite—it's about navigating relationships. The ending you choose tells people how you see your relationship with them.
The Speech Level System
Korean has multiple speech levels, from very formal to very casual. Here are the ones you actually need to know:
The Main Four
| Level | Name | Ending Example | Usage | |-------|------|----------------|-------| | Formal Polite | 합쇼체 | -습니다/ㅂ니다 | Business, presentations, news | | Informal Polite | 해요체 | -아요/어요 | Most daily conversations | | Informal Casual | 해체/반말 | -아/어 | Friends, younger people, intimate | | Formal Casual | 해라체 | -다 | Writing, speaking down |
For most learners, 해요체 (informal polite) is your default. It's polite but not stiff, appropriate for almost any situation.
해요체 (Informal Polite): Your Default
This is the level you should master first.
Formation
Add 요 to the verb stem's vowel form:
- 가다 → 가요 (to go)
- 먹다 → 먹어요 (to eat)
- 하다 → 해요 (to do)
- 마시다 → 마셔요 (to drink)
When to Use
- With strangers
- With acquaintances
- With people roughly your age
- With service workers (shops, restaurants)
- When unsure → default to this
Example Sentences
- 어디 가세요? (Where are you going?)
- 저는 학생이에요. (I'm a student.)
- 뭐 먹을까요? (What should we eat?)
- 감사해요. (Thank you.)
합쇼체 (Formal Polite): When to Go Formal
Formation
Statement: -습니다 (after consonant), -ㅂ니다 (after vowel)
- 갑니다 (I go)
- 먹습니다 (I eat)
- 합니다 (I do)
Question: -습니까? / -ㅂ니까?
- 어디 갑니까? (Where are you going?)
When to Use
- Job interviews
- Business presentations
- Talking to much older people (initially)
- Military/official contexts
- News broadcasts and formal speeches
- When showing maximum respect
Example Sentences
- 만나서 반갑습니다. (Nice to meet you.)
- 감사합니다. (Thank you.)
- 질문 있습니다. (I have a question.)
- 알겠습니다. (I understand.)
Note
Koreans often mix 합쇼체 and 해요체 in the same conversation. Starting with 합쇼체 and transitioning to 해요체 as you become more comfortable is natural.
반말 (Casual Speech): With Close People
Formation
Drop the 요 from 해요체:
- 가요 → 가
- 먹어요 → 먹어
- 해요 → 해
When to Use
- Close friends (same age or younger)
- Family (depending on relationship)
- Children
- Romantic partners
- When someone says "반말 해도 돼요" (You can use casual speech)
When NOT to Use
- With strangers (unless much younger)
- With people older than you (unless very close)
- In professional settings
- When in doubt
Getting Permission
If someone your age or slightly older seems friendly:
- 말 편하게 해도 될까요? (Can we speak casually?)
- 반말 해도 돼요? (Can we use casual speech?)
If they say yes, switch. If they seem uncomfortable, stay with 해요체.
Choosing the Right Level
Factors That Matter
Age:
- Older than you → Polite (해요체 or 합쇼체)
- Same age → Can negotiate to 반말 if close
- Younger → Varies by context
Relationship:
- Strangers → 해요체
- Acquaintances → 해요체
- Close friends → 반말
- Work relationships → Usually 해요체, sometimes 합쇼체
Context:
- Formal settings → 합쇼체
- Casual settings → 해요체 or 반말
- Online/texting → Often more casual
The Safe Path
When uncertain: Use 해요체.
It's polite but not overly stiff. You won't offend anyone. As relationships develop, you can adjust.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using 반말 Too Soon
Using casual speech with someone you just met is rude—even if they're your age. Wait for the relationship to develop or get explicit permission.
Mistake 2: Using 합쇼체 with Friends
If a Korean friend says you can speak casually, don't keep using 합쇼체. It creates distance. They're inviting closeness—accept it.
Mistake 3: Mixing Levels Inconsistently
It's natural to shift between 합쇼체 and 해요체, but randomly throwing in 반말 with someone you use polite speech with is jarring.
Mistake 4: Addressing Older People with 반말
Even if they're a close friend's parent who's very friendly, maintain polite speech unless explicitly told otherwise.
Honorific Vocabulary
Beyond verb endings, Korean has honorific vocabulary:
Common Swaps
| Regular | Honorific | Meaning | |---------|-----------|---------| | 먹다 | 드시다/잡수시다 | to eat | | 있다 | 계시다 | to be (location) | | 자다 | 주무시다 | to sleep | | 말하다 | 말씀하시다 | to speak | | 나이 | 연세 | age | | 집 | 댁 | house | | 이름 | 성함 | name |
Use these when talking to or about people older than you or deserving respect.
Example
"Does your grandmother eat rice?" (Talking to friend)
- 할머니 밥 드세요? (Using 드시다 for grandmother + 요)
Quick Reference: Everyday Situations
| Situation | Speech Level | |-----------|--------------| | Ordering at restaurant | 해요체 | | Job interview | 합쇼체 (start), maybe 해요체 (later) | | Meeting a friend's parent | 해요체 or 합쇼체 | | Talking to close friend | 반말 | | Texting a coworker | 해요체 | | Formal presentation | 합쇼체 | | Café with same-age barista | 해요체 | | After drinking with coworkers | May become more casual |
Practice Tips
Start with 해요체
Master this thoroughly. Most of your Korean conversations will use it.
Learn 합쇼체 Phrases
Memorize common formal phrases:
- 감사합니다 (Thank you)
- 죄송합니다 (I'm sorry)
- 만나서 반갑습니다 (Nice to meet you)
Don't Rush into 반말
Until you're confident about relationships, stick with polite speech. Koreans appreciate foreigners who show respect.
Listen for Levels
When watching Korean content, notice which level characters use with each other. Relationships are signaled through speech levels.
The Key Insight
Korean speech levels aren't about vocabulary—they're about relationships. The ending you choose tells the listener where you place yourself relative to them.
When in doubt: Stay polite. Koreans appreciate respect, especially from non-native speakers.
As relationships develop, the speech level will adjust naturally—or someone will explicitly invite you to speak more casually.
화이팅! (Good luck!)
See also: Cultural Conversation Rules: Direct vs Indirect, Agreeing and Disagreeing Politely