How to Sound Polite in Korean: Speech Levels Explained
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If you’ve watched a K-drama, you’ve seen this: one moment it’s Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요 – polite hello) to a boss, and the next it’s just Annyeong (안녕 – hi) to a friend. At first it feels like overcomplicating things, but really, it’s not just words. It’s about respect, closeness, and reading the situation.
Why It Matters
In English, “hi” works for everyone. In Korean, the way you speak shows:
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respect for age or authority
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how close you are
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if the situation is formal or casual
The Four Speech Levels:
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Formal Polite (하십시오체)
Super respectful, used in speeches or official moments.
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida – thank you). -
Standard Polite (해요체)
Everyday polite. Great for teachers, coworkers, strangers.
고마워요 (gomawoyo – thank you). -
Casual (해체)
For friends, younger people, and family.
고마워 (gomawo – thanks). -
Banmal (반말)
Half-speech, very relaxed. Only with close friends or younger people, or if an elder lets you.
밥 먹었어? (bap meogeosseo? – did you eat?)
Choosing Which One
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Professor → polite
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Stranger → start polite
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Best friend → casual or banmal
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Elders → usually polite, unless they say otherwise
When doubtful, be polite—it's safer.
Koreans frequently change levels mid-conversation. Two people may begin respectfully and then switch to informal when they feel close. That shift is equivalent to stating, "We're friends now."
Why Should You Learn This?
In Korean, people will occasionally alter their tone of voice in the middle of a conversation. They may begin politely and then gradually become more informal as they feel more at ease. It's sort of like their way of saying, "Hey, we're friends now."
Learning this is more than just grammar. It is about respecting others and better understanding them. When you get it right, you don't simply sound like a translator; you sound connected.
That’s what we try to do at The Language SKOOL. Not just give you words, but help you understand the culture too, so when you speak, it feels real and confident.
