For learners of Korean, one of the most fascinating yet challenging aspects is mastering the use of honorifics (존댓말) and informal speech (반말). In Korea, how you speak changes depending on your relationship with the other person, their age, and the context of the conversation. Using these forms appropriately is crucial. Today, we’ll dive into the basics of 존댓말 and 반말, including practical examples you can use in real-life situations.

Korean-Honorifics-vs-Informal-Speech

 

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Honorifics (존댓말) and Informal Speech (반말)?
  2. When Should You Use Honorifics?
  3. When and to Whom Can You Use Informal Speech?
  4. Practical Examples of Honorifics and Informal Speech
  5. Tips for Learning Naturally
  6. [Appendix] Practice with Honorifics (존댓말)
  7. [Appendix] Practice with Informal Speech (반말)

 

1. What Are Honorifics (존댓말) and Informal Speech (반말)?

Honorifics (존댓말) convey politeness and respect toward the other person. As a social norm in Korea, it is mainly used when speaking to older individuals, those in higher positions, or strangers.


On the other hand, informal speech (반말) is more casual and friendly and is used among peers, younger individuals, or close family members.

 

📌 Examples: "Where are you going?"

l  존댓말: "어디 가세요?"

l  반말: "어디 가?"

 

2. When Should You Use Honorifics (존댓말)?

a. Meeting Someone for the First Time or Talking to Strangers

Regardless of age, always use honorifics when meeting someone for the first time or speaking to someone you don’t know.

📌  Example: "Nice to meet you. My name is Minsu."

l  Correct: “만나서 반갑습니다. 저는 민수라고 합니다."

l  Not: “만나서 반가워, 나는 민수라고 해.”

 

b. When Addressing Older People or Superiors

Honorifics are mandatory when speaking to someone older or in a higher position than you.

📌  Example: "Did you have a meal?"

l  Correct: "식사하셨어요?"

l  Not: "밥 먹었어?"

 

c. In Formal Settings

Use 존댓말 in formal situations, such as at work or in meetings.

📌  Example: "What time does the meeting start?"

l  Correct: "회의는 몇 시에 시작하나요?"

l  Not: "회의는 몇 시에 시작해?”

 

d. When Using Services

Employees and customers use honorifics in restaurants, cafés, and public offices.

📌  Example (Employee): "Would you like to order?"

l  "주문하시겠어요?"

l  Example (Customer): "Please give me an iced Americano."

l  "아이스 아메리카노 주세요."

 

e. With Acquaintances You Are Not Close With

Even among peers, using honorifics is polite if you’re not close.

📌  Example: "Did you attend the lecture?"

l  Correct: "강의 들었어요?"

l  Not: "강의 들었어?"

 

🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.   



3. When and to Whom Can You Use Informal Speech (반말)?

a. With Close Friends or Family Members

It’s natural to use informal speech with those you are close to.

📌  Example: "What are you doing today?"

l  Correct: "너 오늘 뭐 해?"

 

b. With Younger Individuals, Siblings, or Juniors

You can use 반말 when speaking to someone younger or to subordinates.

📌  Example: "Did you finish your assignment?"

l  Correct: "너 과제 다 했어?"

 

c. With Close Acquaintances

Informal speech is often used with close acquaintances, such as neighbors or people you’ve known for a long time.

📌 Example: "Are you on your way back from school?"

l  Correct: "학교 다녀오는 길이야?"

 

d. In Romantic Relationships

Couples often use informal speech to express intimacy. However, some married couples may use honorifics to show mutual respect.

📌  Example: "What should we do for fun today?"

l  Correct: "오늘 우리 뭐하고 놀까?"

 

e. When the Other Person Gives Permission

You may initially start with honorifics and then agree to switch to informal speech once you’re comfortable with each other.

📌  Example: "Can we start using informal speech now?"

l  Correct: "우리 이제 반말해도 괜찮을까?"

l  Correct: “우리 이제 서로 말 놓을까?”

 

4. Practical Examples of Honorifics (존댓말) and Informal Speech (반말)

(1) Everyday Conversation

📌  Example: "Do you have time right now?"

l  존댓말: "지금 시간 괜찮으세요?"

l  반말: "지금 시간 돼?"

 

(2) Chatting with Friends

📌  Example: "How have you been?"

l  존댓말: "잘 지내요?"

l  반말: "잘 지내?"

 

(3) Making Requests

📌  Example: "Could you help me with this?" "Can you help me with this?"

l  존댓말: "이거 좀 도와주실 수 있나요?"

l  반말: "이거 좀 도와줄래?"

 

(4) Asking for Directions

📌  Example: "Excuse me, where is the restroom?" "Where is the restroom?"

l  존댓말: "저기요, 화장실이 어디에 있어요?"

l  반말: "화장실 어디야?"

 

5. Tips for Learning Naturally

a. Practice Conversations in Different Situations

Switch between honorifics and informal speech during practice to get accustomed to both.

📌  Example: "Hello. I am learning Korean." "Hi! I’m learning Korean."

l  존댓말: "안녕하세요. 저는 한국어를 배우고 있어요."

l  반말: "안녕! 나 한국어 배우고 있어."

 

b. Watch Korean Dramas

Observe how characters use honorifics and informal speech in various situations, then try mimicking them.

l  Recommended Dramas: Reply 1988 (응답하라 1988), When the Camellia Blooms (동백꽃 필 무렵)


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.   

 

c. Keep Track of Common Expressions

Please take note of the phrases you frequently get wrong when using honorifics or informal speech, and practice them repeatedly.

 

d. Get Feedback from Native Speakers

If you have Korean friends or people proficient in Korean around you, ask for feedback on your tone and expressions.

 

e. Understand the Culture

Honorifics and informal speech reflect Korea’s relationship-centered culture. A mindset of respect toward others is key.

 

Conclusion

Honorifics (존댓말) and informal speech (반말) are more than just linguistic rules; they embody cultural values. You can speak Korean more naturally and politely by mastering their appropriate usage. While it may initially feel confusing, consistent practice in the proper context will make it easier over time. Start incorporating these forms into your conversations confidently today!

 

6. [Appendix] Practice with Honorifics (존댓말)

a. "안녕하세요, 주문하신 아메리카노 나왔습니다."

"Hello, here is your Americano that you ordered."

This is what an employee would say when delivering coffee to a customer.

 

b. "교수님, 이번 과제 제출 기한이 언제까지인가요?"

"Professor, when is the deadline for this assignment?"

A student asks a professor about the deadline for an assignment.

 

c. "고객님, 상품 배송은 2~3일 이내로 완료됩니다."

"Dear customer, your order will be delivered within 2-3 days."

An online shop employee informs a customer about the estimated delivery date.

 

d. "어르신, 길을 건너실 때는 횡단보도를 이용해 주세요."

"Sir/Madam, please use the crosswalk when crossing the street."

A younger person advises an elderly individual to use the crosswalk when crossing the street.

 

e. "선배님, 조언해 주셔서 감사합니다."

"Senior, thank you for your advice."

A junior expresses gratitude to a senior for their advice.


7. [Appendix] Practice with Informal Speech (반말)

a. "야, 오늘 점심 뭐 먹을래?"

"Hey, what do you want to eat for lunch today?"

This is a casual way to ask a friend or colleague about lunch plans. It’s typically used among close peers.

 

b. "오빠, 오늘 영화 보러 갈래?"

"Oppa, do you want to go watch a movie today?"

A girlfriend suggests a movie date to her boyfriend.

 

c. "언니, 이 옷 어때?"

"Unnie, what do you think of this outfit?"

A younger sister asks her older sister for her opinion on clothing.

 

d. "야, 너 오늘도 지각이냐?"

"Hey, are you late again today?"

It is a casual way to ask a friend or colleague if they are late again. It’s used in an informal, friendly tone.

 

e. "여보, 오늘 저녁에 뭐 먹고 싶어?"

"Honey, what do you want for dinner tonight?"

A husband asks his wife what she wants for dinner.


🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.