Korean Speech Levels: 반말 vs 존댓말 - A Complete Guide

Introduction to Korean Speech Levels

Korean has multiple speech levels that indicate the relationship between speaker and listener. Understanding these is crucial for appropriate communication.

The Main Speech Levels

1. 합쇼체 (Formal Polite) - ㅂ니다/습니다

Most formal level. Used in:

• Business presentations


• News broadcasts


• Military


• Speaking to much older people or high-status individuals

감사합니다. (Thank you.)
안녕하십니까? (Hello?)
먹습니다. (I eat.)

2. 해요체 (Informal Polite) - 아/어요


Standard polite level. Used in:

• Daily conversations with adults


• Customer service


• Meeting new people


• Speaking to elders

감사해요. (Thank you.)
안녕하세요? (Hello?)
먹어요. (I eat.)

3. 해체 (Casual/반말) - 아/어


Casual level. Used with:

• Close friends of same age


• Younger siblings


• Children


• Very close relationships

고마워. (Thanks.)
안녕? (Hi?)
먹어. (I eat.)

When to Use Each Level

Use 합쇼체 (습니다/ㅂ니다) when:



• In formal business settings


• Speaking to customers


• At official events


• In the military


• With very senior people

Use 해요체 (아/어요) when:



• With people you just met


• At work with colleagues


• With your parents' friends


• In shops and restaurants


• DEFAULT choice when unsure

Use 반말 (casual) ONLY when:



• With close friends your age


• With children


• When given permission ("말 놓으세요")


• In very casual situations with peers

The Golden Rule

When in doubt, use 해요체!

Using too polite speech is always better than being too casual. Koreans will tell you if you can speak more casually.

Common Verb Endings Comparison

Base	합쇼체	해요체	반말
하다 (to do)	합니다	해요	해
먹다 (to eat)	먹습니다	먹어요	먹어
가다 (to go)	갑니다	가요	가
있다 (to be)	있습니다	있어요	있어
좋다 (good)	좋습니다	좋아요	좋아

Age and Speech Levels

Same age (동갑)



• Start with 해요체


• After becoming friends, ask: "말 놓을까요?" (Shall we speak casually?)


• Once agreed, use 반말

They're older



• Always use 해요체 or 합쇼체


• Don't switch unless they suggest it

They're younger



• You can use 반말, but many prefer 해요체 with adults


• With children, 반말 is normal

Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

Mistake 1: Using 반말 with strangers


❌ Speaking casually to a store clerk
✅ Use 해요체: "이거 주세요" not "이거 줘"

Mistake 2: Mixing levels in one sentence


❌ "감사합니다, 잘 먹어"
✅ Keep consistent: "감사합니다, 잘 먹겠습니다" or "고마워, 잘 먹을게"

Mistake 3: Using 합쇼체 with friends


❌ "친구야, 뭐 합니까?"
✅ With close friends: "야, 뭐 해?"

TOPIK Tips

• TOPIK reading uses formal 합쇼체 in official texts


• Listening sections mix levels based on context


• Writing: Use 합쇼체 for formal topics, 해요체 for personal topics