My mother likes flowers (Honorifics — ~으시/시)

In Korean, showing respect to elders or superiors is built into the grammar. You do this by adding the honorific suffix ~(으)시 to verbs and adjectives, and using the honorific subject particle ~께서 instead of 이/가.

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: ~(으)시 and ~께서 don't change the core meaning of a sentence, but they elevate the subject, showing respect. They are used when the subject of the sentence is someone you must show deference to, like a parent, grandparent, teacher, or boss.

When to use: Use them when talking about a respected person, regardless of who you are talking to. For example, you use honorifics for your parents even when talking to your younger sibling.

Conjugation & Particle Rules

~(으)시 Suffix Rule: If the verb/adjective stem ends in a vowel, add ~시. If it ends in a consonant, add ~으시.

가다 (to go) → 가 + 시 → 가시다

읽다 (to read) → 읽 + 으시 → 읽으시다

~께서 Particle Rule: This particle replaces the standard subject particles 이/가. It always follows the noun (the respected person) directly.

할머니가 → 할머니께서

선생님이 → 선생님께서

Vowel Stem: ~시다 / Consonant Stem: ~으시다 / Subject: ~께서

Using honorifics correctly goes beyond just grammar rules; it involves knowing when and for whom to use them. Avoiding common mistakes will make your Korean sound much more natural.

Don't Use Honorifics for Yourself

Context: A very common mistake for learners is applying honorifics to their own actions. You never use ~(으)시 or ~께서 to refer to yourself. Doing so sounds arrogant or like you're making a joke. Always use plain forms for your own actions.

Example: A boss asks, "Who will prepare the report?" You should answer, "제가 준비하겠습니다." (I will prepare it.) not "제께서 준비하시겠습니다." (X)

Use Special Honorific Verbs

Context: For some very common verbs, Korean has special honorific equivalents that you should use instead of just adding ~(으)시. Using these special words shows a higher level of fluency and respect.