In my previous post, we explored the use of formal and informal speech in Korean. Now, let’s delve deeper into the concept of "honorifics" or 높임법, which serves as the cornerstone of the Korean formal language. Properly using honorifics is vital, as the Korean language incorporates complex and diverse ways to express respect based on the context.
Learning
honorifics is an intriguing and challenging aspect of studying Korean. Whether
visiting, studying the language, or watching K-dramas, understanding this
cultural nuance can enrich communication and foster meaningful connections.
Let’s explore the unique charm of Korean honorifics and how you can master this
essential aspect.
Table
of Contents
- What are Honorifics?
- The Importance of Honorifics in Korean
Culture
- Key Components of Korean Honorifics
- Practical Tips for Using Honorifics
Effectively
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Conclusion
1. What are Honorifics?
Honorifics
are linguistic tools in Korean that show respect to others. Rooted in Confucian
values, they reflect Korea's hierarchical social structure, emphasizing age,
status, and familiarity in defining relationships.
In
simpler terms, honorifics are about respecting the person you're
talking to or referring to. This respect is conveyed through various means,
including vocabulary changes, verb conjugations, and titles.
2. The Importance of Honorifics in Korean Culture
In
Korea, relationships are heavily influenced by roles, age, and status.
Honorifics are pivotal in maintaining harmony and showing respect within these
relationships. For instance, how you address a friend differs significantly
from how you address a professor.
Failing
to use appropriate honorifics can come across as rude or
even arrogant. Mastering this aspect of the language not only
enhances your Korean proficiency but also demonstrates your cultural
understanding.
3. Key Components of Korean Honorifics
A. Subject Honorifics
l This method involves elevating the subject of a sentence by
attaching “시” to verbs or adjectives.
l Change titles or add “님” to nouns
to show respect.
l Replace subject particles “이” or “가” with “께서.”
📌 Examples:
l 선생님께서는 수업시간에 학생들에게 질문을 많이 하십니다.
The teacher asks the students many
questions during class.
Ø 선생이 → 선생님이 (added “님”
for respect, title change) → 선생님께서는 (subject particle
change)
Ø 하다 → 하십니다 (verb modification)
l 어머니께서는 항상 따뜻한 밥을 지어
주십니다.
Mother always cooks warm meals for us.
Ø 엄마는 → 어머니는 (title change) → 어머니께서는 (subject particle change)
Ø 하다 → 하십니다 (verb modification)
l 사장님께서는 출장 중이십니다.
The CEO is currently on a business
trip.
Ø 사장은 → 사장님은 (added “님”
for respect, title change) → 사장님께서는 (subject particle
change)
Ø 중이다 → 중이십니다 (verb modification)
l 할아버지는 귀가 밝으십니다.
Grandfather has sharp hearing.
Ø 밝다 → 밝으십니다 (verb modification)
l 할머니께서는 허리가 아프셔서 병원에 가셨습니다.
Grandmother went to the hospital
because her back was hurting.
Ø 할머니는 → 할머니께서는 (subject particle change)
Ø 아파서 → 아프셔서 (verb modification)
Ø 갔다 → 가셨다 (verb modification)
l 교장 선생님의 훈화 말씀이 있으시겠습니다.
The principal will deliver a few words
of guidance.
Ø 선생의 → 선생님의 (added “님”
for respect, title change)
Ø 말이 → 말씀이 (elevated noun for respect)
Ø 있겠다 → 있으시겠습니다 (verb modification)
l 의사 선생님께서는 환자를 친절하게 대하십니다.
The doctor treats patients kindly.
Ø 의사는 → 의사 선생님은 (title change) → 의사 선생님께서는 (subject particle change)
Ø 대하다 → 대하십니다 (verb modification)
🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.
B. Addressee Honorifics
This method respects the listener by modifying
sentence-ending particles or verb endings.
B-1. Formal Speech
The degree of respect decreases as you move through these forms.l 하십시오체 → 하오체 → 하게체 → 해라체
Hasipsio style → Hao style → Hage style → Hera style
Please do it → Please do it → Do
it → Do it
📌 Examples
1:
l 지금부터 회의를 시작하십시오. (Most respectful)
Please begin the meeting now.
l 지금부터 회의를 시작하오. (Respectful)
We shall start the meeting now.
l 지금부터 회의를 시작하게. (Neutral)
Let’s begin the meeting now.
l 지금부터 회의를 시작해라. (Informal)
Start the meeting now.
📌 Examples
2:
l 회의에 참석해 주십시오. (Most respectful)
Please attend the meeting.
l 회의에 참석해 주오. (Respectful)
Kindly participate in the meeting.
l 회의에 참석해 주게. (Neutral)
Attend the meeting.
B-2. Casual Speech
Used in informal or familiar settings.l 해요체 → 해체
Haeyo style
→ Hae style
Do it. (politely) → Do it.
(casually)
📌 Examples
1:
l 지금부터 회의를 시작해요. (Polite casual)
Let’s start the meeting now.
l 지금부터 회의를 시작해. (Plain casual)
Start the meeting now.
📌 Examples
2:
l 회의에 참석해줘요. (Polite casual)
Please attend the meeting.
l 회의에 참석해줘. (Plain casual)
Attend the meeting.
🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.
C. Object Honorifics
l This method elevates the sentence's object (direct or
indirect).
l Specific honorific verbs such as “드리다”, “모시다”, and “뵙다” are commonly used.
📌 Examples:
l 어머니께 선물을 드렸습니다.
I gave a gift to my mother.
Ø 줬다 → 드렸습니다 (Used “드리다”
for object honorific)
l 선생님을 모시고 학교에 갔습니다.
I accompanied the teacher to school.
Ø 데리고 → 모시고 (Used “모시다”
for object honorific)
l 선생님의 말씀을 들었습니다.
I listened to the teacher’s words.
Ø 말 → 말씀 (Replaced “말”
with honorific form “말씀”)
l 할아버지를 뵙고 왔습니다.
I went to see my grandfather.
Ø 보고 → 뵙고 (Used “뵙다” for
object honorific)
l 고모님을 댁에 모셔다 드렸습니다.
I took my aunt to her home.
Ø 집 → 댁 (Replaced “집”
with honorific form “댁”)
Ø 데려다 → 모셔다 (Used “모시다”
for object honorific)
Ø 줬다 → 드렸습니다 (Used “드리다”
for object honorific)
🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.
4. Practical Tips for Mastering Honorifics
l Understand Relationships:
Ø Friends or younger siblings: Use
casual speech to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Ø Teachers, parents, or bosses: Use
honorifics to express respect.
Ø Strangers or first-time meetings: Use
formal honorifics to show politeness.
l Distinguish Honorific and Non-Honorific Terms:
Ø Everyday Words: 밥 (rice/meal), 말 (words), 집 (house), 나이 (age), 생일 (birthday)
Ø Honorific Words: 진지 (meal), 말씀 (words), 댁 (house), 연세 (age), 생신 (birthday)
l Use Formal and Informal Speech Appropriately:
Ø With close friends or family: Use
casual speech for comfort.
Ø With strangers or in professional settings: Use formal speech to show respect.
l Observe and Learn:
Ø Please consider how native speakers adjust their language based on
the situation.
l Start Simple:
Ø Practice basic honorific forms like “-입니다” or “-요.”
l Ask Questions:
Ø Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure. Koreans appreciate the
effort to learn.
l Practice in Real-Life Scenarios:
Ø Practice ordering food in a restaurant or speaking with a teacher.
5. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
l Using Honorifics for Objects:
Ø Not: "주문하신 아메리카노 나오셨습니다.”
Ø Correct: "주문하신 아메리카노 나왔습니다.”
The ordered Americano is ready.
🎯 Tip: Avoid using honorific language for inanimate objects
like “Americano.”
l
Using Casual Speech in the
Workplace:
Ø Not: "알았어요." (Got it.), "괜찮아요." (It’s okay.)
Ø Correct: "알겠습니다." (Understood.), "괜찮습니다." (It’s okay.)
🎯 Tip: Using casual forms with your superior at work is inappropriate.
l Overusing Honorific Expressions:
Ø Not: "우리 집을 방문해 주신 여러분께 진심으로 감사드립니다.”
We sincerely thank everyone who visited our home.
Ø Correct: "우리 집을 방문해 주신 여러분, 감사합니다.”
Thank you, everyone, for visiting our home.
🎯 Tip: Avoid being overly formal, as it can feel excessive and
unnatural.
🗣️ Below is the audio file of the example sentences above.
l Using Informal Speech Too Soon:
Ø Jumping into casual speech before a well-established relationship
can be rude. Once a friendly relationship is formed, asking before
switching to informal language is best.
6. Conclusion
Mastering
Korean honorifics may feel like navigating a labyrinth, but with practice and
persistence, it becomes second nature. It’s not just about learning a
language—it’s about embracing a culture of respect and communication.
Try using honorifics the next time you visit Korea or converse with a Korean friend. Your heartfelt effort is sure to leave a lasting impression!
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