Korean society traditionally emphasizes respect for elders and superiors. These values can be seen directly in the language. When Koreans speak, they have to be mindful of who they are talking to, how old that person is, and what kind of relationship they share.
Using the correct honorifics is not just polite, it also shapes the identity of a person. Incorrect usage can sound rude, overly distant or awkward, even if the speaker’s intentions are good.
Speech Levels
Speech levels are the linguistic terms representing the system of honorifics. There are seven speech levels in Korean. These levels are expressed mainly through verb endings.
- Hasoseo-che (하소서체): Very formally polite, used when addressing a king, queen and or high official. (e.g., in historical dramas or religious texts).
- Hasipsio-che (하십시오체): Formally polite, used between strangers, customers, colleagues and by TV announcers (ends in -ㅂ니다/-습니다).
- Haeyo-che (해요체): Casually polite, used for the everyday interactions with people you need to be polite (ends in -요).
- Hao-che (하오체): Neither polite nor impolite, used by older generations in certain dialects or can be found in written language such as signs and public notices.
- Hage-che (하게체): Neither formal nor casual, used among friends or by bosses towards their employees.
- Haera-che (해라체): Formally impolite, often seen in books or by elders to younger people (ends in -다).
- Hae-che (해체): Casually impolite (반말), used only with close friends, family or younger people.
Some of these speech levels are disappearing from Korean speech. Hasoseo-che is now used mainly in movies or dramas set in the Joseon era and in religious speech. Hao-che is now found only in the dialect.
Titles and Address Terms
Titles and address terms in Korean speech refer to honorifics. These suffixes and words show respect based on age, status and relationship in Korean culture.
- 씨 (ssi) – Polite, added to names to show respect.
- 님 (nim) – Used for showing high respect to anyone in a position (e.g., 선생님, 사장님).
- 형 / 누나 / 오빠 / 언니 – Used based on age and gender to indicate closeness and respect.
Honorific Verbs and Vocabulary
The Korean language has specific vocabulary or verbs to show respect for age and status.
- Honorific Verbs
먹다 (eat) → 드시다
있다 (be/exist) → 계시다
주다 (give) → 드리다
말하다 (speak) → 말씀하시다
자다 (sleep) → 주무시다
- Honorific Vocabulary
집 (home) → 댁
이름 (name) → 성함
생일 (birthday) → 생신
나이 (age) → 연세
How to Use Them
Korean people use honorifics on different levels, followed by situations. They determine on the basis of age, status and hierarchy.
Age: Identifying the age helps in determining the level of speech. Even a small age gap demands honorifics.
Status: Use honorifics according to status and position despite the age gap.
Relationship: Relationships also determine the honorifics. Even if you are closer to someone, addressing them by the following titles, use informal speech if they agree upon it.
Written by – Soni Maurya
About the author –
Hello everyone, I am Soni Maurya. I am a postgraduate student of English Literature and am also learning Korean. My interest in Korean culture began with music and gradually grew into a genuine passion as I explored its language, culture, and traditions. I truly enjoy researching and learning new things, as well as creating my own work.