Korean Honorifics: A Complete Guide to Showing Respect in Korean - Learning Korean

 

Korean Honorifics: A Complete Guide to Showing Respect in Korean

Honorifics are a fundamental aspect of Korean language and culture. Unlike many Western languages, Korean has a complex system of speech levels and honorific markers that reflect the social relationships between speakers. Understanding Korean honorifics is crucial for anyone learning the language, as using the wrong level of speech can be perceived as disrespectful or awkward.

This guide will help you navigate the intricate world of Korean honorifics, from basic speech levels to specific honorific vocabulary and grammar patterns.

Understanding Korean Social Hierarchy

To understand Korean honorifics, you must first understand the Korean social hierarchy, which is heavily influenced by Confucian principles. Relationships in Korean society are defined by:

• Age: Older people are generally respected by younger people
• Social status: Position in society, workplace, or educational institution
• Familiarity: How well you know someone
• Context: Professional vs. casual settings

These factors determine which speech level is appropriate in any given situation.

Korean Speech Levels

The Korean language has several speech levels, which differ in their level of formality and respect. Here are the main ones used in modern Korean:

1. 해요체 (Haeyo-che) - Polite Formal

This is the standard polite form used in everyday conversations with strangers, acquaintances, people older than you, or in professional settings. It's the most versatile level and is safe to use in most situations when you're unsure.

Examples:

• "안녕하세요?" (Annyeonghaseyo?) - Hello?
• "감사합니다." (Gamsahamnida.) - Thank you.
• "어디에 가요?" (Eodie gayo?) - Where are you going?

2. 해체 (Hae-che) - Casual

Used among friends of similar age, with people younger than you, or in intimate relationships. Using this form with someone older or of higher status without permission can be considered disrespectful.

Examples:

• "안녕?" (Annyeong?) - Hi!
• "고마워." (Gomawo.) - Thanks.
• "어디에 가?" (Eodie ga?) - Where are you going?

3. 합쇼체 (Hapsyo-che) - Formal

The most formal and respectful speech level, used in public speeches, news broadcasts, business presentations, or when addressing people of significantly higher status.

Examples:

• "안녕하십니까?" (Annyeonghasimnikka?) - Hello?
• "감사합니다." (Gamsahamnida.) - Thank you.
• "어디에 가십니까?" (Eodie gasimnikka?) - Where are you going?

4. 해라체 (Haera-che) - Plain

Used in writing, newspaper articles, books, or when speaking to oneself. It's also sometimes used by adults when speaking to children or in commanding situations.

Examples:

• "그는 학교에 간다." (Geuneun hakgyoe ganda.) - He goes to school.
• "비가 온다." (Biga onda.) - It's raining.

Honorific Markers

Beyond speech levels, Korean has specific honorific markers that elevate the status of the subject being discussed or the listener.

1. The -시 (-si) Suffix

This verbal suffix is added to verbs when the subject is someone you want to show respect to.

Examples:

• "먹다" (meokda) → "먹으시다" (meok-eusida) - to eat
• "선생님이 오셨어요." (Seonsaengnimi osyeosseoyo.) - The teacher came.

2. Subject Honorific Particle -께서 (-kkeseo)

This replaces the standard subject particle -이/가 (i/ga) when the subject is someone you respect.

Examples:

• "선생님이 가르쳐요." (Seonsaengnimi gareuchyeoyo.) → "선생님께서 가르치세요." (Seonsaengnim-kkeseo gareuchiseyo.) - The teacher teaches.

3. Honorific Object Particle -께 (-kke)

This replaces the standard indirect object particle -에게 (ege) when the recipient is someone you respect.

Examples:

• "선생님에게 드려요." (Seonsaengnim-ege deuryeoyo.) → "선생님께 드려요." (Seonsaengnim-kke deuryeoyo.) - I give it to the teacher.

Honorific Vocabulary

Korean has separate honorific vocabulary for many common words and actions. Here are some important examples:

Regular
Honorific
Meaning
밥 (bap)
진지 (jinji)
Meal/rice
밥 먹다 (bap meokda)
진지 드시다 (jinji deusida)
To eat
말하다 (malhada)
말씀하시다 (malsseumhasida)
To speak
있다 (itda)
계시다 (gyesida)
To be/exist
자다 (jada)
주무시다 (jumusida)
To sleep
죽다 (jukda)
돌아가시다 (doragasida)
To die
묻다 (mutda)
여쭈다 (yeojjuda)
To ask
주다 (juda)
드리다 (deurida)
To give
병 (byeong)
병환 (byeonghwan)
Illness
집 (jip)
댁 (daek)
House/home
나이 (nai)
연세 (yeonse)
Age
생일 (saengil)
생신 (saengsin)
Birthday
이름 (ireum)
성함 (seongham)
Name

Titles and Terms of Address

Using appropriate titles when addressing or referring to people is essential in Korean culture:

Family Terms

• 어머니 (eomeoni) - Mother (formal)
• 아버지 (abeoji) - Father (formal)
• 할머니 (halmeoni) - Grandmother
• 할아버지 (harabeoji) - Grandfather
• 언니 (eonni) - Older sister (used by females)
• 오빠 (oppa) - Older brother (used by females)
• 누나 (nuna) - Older sister (used by males)
• 형 (hyeong) - Older brother (used by males)

Professional Titles

• 선생님 (seonsaengnim) - Teacher/Mr./Ms.
• 교수님 (gyosunim) - Professor
• 의사 선생님 (uisa seonsaengnim) - Doctor
• 사장님 (sajangnim) - Company president/boss
• 부장님 (bujangnim) - Department head

Age-Based Terms

• 씨 (ssi) - Mr./Ms. (attached to first names for peers)
• 님 (nim) - Honorific suffix for names/titles
• 선배 (seonbae) - Senior (at school/work)
• 후배 (hubae) - Junior (at school/work)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing speech levels: Try to maintain a consistent speech level throughout a conversation.
2. Using casual speech too early: Wait until someone older or of higher status suggests you speak casually.
3. Forgetting honorific vocabulary: Using standard words instead of honorific alternatives when referring to respected people.
4. Omitting honorific particles: Forgetting to use -께서 or -께 when appropriate.
5. Forgetting the -시 suffix: This is a common mistake that can make your speech sound disrespectful.

Practical Applications

1. At the Workplace

When addressing your boss or senior colleagues, use formal speech with honorific vocabulary:

• "사장님, 보고서를 제출해도 됩니까?" (Sajangnim, bogoseureul jechulhaedo doemnikka?) - Boss, may I submit the report?

2. With Friends' Parents

When meeting a friend's parents, use 해요체 or 합쇼체 with appropriate honorific terms:

• "처음 뵙겠습니다. 저는 민수의 친구 지훈입니다." (Cheoeum boepgessumnida. Jeoneun Minsu-ui chingu Jihun-imnida.) - Nice to meet you. I am Minsu's friend, Jihun.

3. Service Situations

In restaurants, stores, or public services, 해요체 is generally appropriate:

• "이것 주세요." (Igeot juseyo.) - Please give me this.
• "얼마예요?" (Eolmayeyo?) - How much is it?

4. Academic Settings

When addressing professors or teachers:

• "교수님, 질문이 있습니다." (Gyosunim, jilmuni itseumnida.) - Professor, I have a question.

Tips for Learning Honorifics

1. Observe native speakers: Pay attention to how Koreans adjust their speech based on the situation.
2. Practice with drills: Convert sentences from casual to formal and vice versa.
3. Learn honorific vocabulary alongside regular vocabulary: When you learn a new word, also learn its honorific counterpart if applicable.
4. Watch Korean dramas: They often depict various social situations with different speech levels.
5. Don't be afraid to ask: Most Koreans understand that honorifics are difficult for learners and will appreciate your effort.

Conclusion

Mastering Korean honorifics takes time and practice, but it's an essential aspect of learning the language. By understanding the social dynamics behind honorifics and practicing consistently, you'll be able to navigate Korean social situations with confidence and respect.

Remember that using proper honorifics is not just about following rules—it's about showing respect and understanding Korean cultural values. Even if you make mistakes, Koreans will appreciate your efforts to honor their cultural norms.