The Concept of 존댓말 (Polite Speech)

존댓말 is the polite or formal way of speaking in Korean. It's a core feature of the language that goes beyond simple "please" and "thank you."

Using 존댓말 is about showing respect to the person you're talking to, based on factors like age, social status, and how well you know them. This is done primarily by changing the endings of verbs and adjectives.

For example, the basic form of "to go" is 가다 (gada). In a polite context, this might become 가요 (gayo) or 갑니다 (gamnida).

Don't worry about the rules for changing the endings yet. The first step is to understand why and when this change happens.

In Korean culture, using the appropriate speech level is crucial for smooth communication and showing social awareness. It's a sign of respect and good manners.

Using polite speech (존댓말) when required shows that you are respectful and understand social norms.

Using casual speech (banmal) in a situation that calls for 존댓말 can be perceived as rude, arrogant, or childish, even if you don't mean it to be.

As a learner, your safest bet is to always start with 존댓말. It's much better to be a little too polite than to be accidentally rude. People will understand you are learning and will not be offended by politeness. You can always switch to a more casual style later if the situation allows for it.

So, when exactly should you use 존댓말? Here are the most common situations for a beginner to remember:

1. Speaking to Someone Older

This is a very important rule in Korean society. You should use 존댓말 with anyone older than you, even by just one or two years, unless you are very close friends and have mutually agreed to speak casually.

2. Speaking to Strangers

Always use 존댓말 with people you've just met or don't know personally. This includes cashiers, waiters, taxi drivers, and anyone you ask for directions on the street.

3. Speaking to Someone in a Higher Social Position

This applies in professional or academic settings. Use 존댓말 when talking to your boss, a senior colleague, a professor, or a client.

4. In Formal or Public Settings

In situations like a business meeting, a presentation, an interview, or a public announcement, 존댓말 is the standard.

존댓말 isn't just one single style. There are different levels of formality. For beginners, it's helpful to know the two most common styles.

Style · Ending · Common Use

해요체 · -아요/어요/해요 · Standard polite style. Used in most everyday conversations with strangers, colleagues, and older acquaintances. It's friendly but respectful.

하십시오체 · -ㅂ니다/습니다 · Formal, deferential style. Used in very public or official settings like news broadcasts, military, business presentations, or formal announcements.

For example, to say "I drink coffee":

Standard Polite: 커피 마셔요.

Formal Polite: 커피 마십니다.

Our lessons will primarily focus on the 해요체 style, as it's the most versatile and common one you'll need for daily conversations.

Quick review

Standard polite (-아요/어요) for daily use

Formal polite (-ㅂ니다/습니다) for official settings