Korean Speech Styles
Korean changes depending on who you speak to and the situation. This is called speech style (말하기 방식). Unlike English, Korean speakers choose different speech styles according to age, relationship, and formality.
💡 Choosing the wrong speech style can seem rude or awkward — even if your Korean is perfect. That’s why speech style is one of the first things to learn.
Formal Style · 합니다체
The formal style (합니다체) is used in formal and official situations. It is commonly used when speaking to an audience, customers, or many people at the same time. It sounds polite, professional, and respectful.
Who with? 누구에게?
- People you do not know in formal settings
- An audience
- Customers
- Many people at the same time
Situations 상황
✓ News reports
✓ Announcements
✓ Presentations and speeches
✓ Interviews
✓ Business settings
✓ Customer service
✓ Public information
Grammar Form
Verb / Adjective + -ㅂ니다 / -습니다
Noun + 입니다
Examples 예문
저는 학생입니다. I am a student.
저는 의사입니다. I am a doctor.
날씨가 맑습니다. The weather is clear.
요즘 바쁩니다. I am busy these days.
빵을 먹습니다. I eat bread.
도서관에 갑니다. I go to the library.
Polite Style · 해요체
The polite style (해요체) is used in everyday life with respect. It is the most common style in daily Korean conversation — and the style this course mainly uses.
Who with? 누구에게?
- Teachers
- Classmates (when you are not close)
- Older people
- People you have just met
- Neighbours and colleagues
- Anyone you want to speak politely to
Situations 상황
✓ Korean classes ✓ Cafés and restaurants ✓ Daily conversation
✓ Meeting someone for the first time ✓ Speaking politely in everyday life
Grammar Form
Verb / Adjective + -아요 / -어요 / -해요
Noun + 이에요 / 예요
Examples 예문
저는 학생이에요. I am a student.
저는 의사예요. I am a doctor.
날씨가 맑아요. The weather is clear.
요즘 바빠요. I am busy these days.
빵을 먹어요. I eat bread.
도서관에 가요. I go to the library.
Intimate Style · 해체
The intimate style (해체) is used with people you are very close to. It is only appropriate when both people are comfortable with it.
Who with? 누구에게?
- Close friends
- Family members
- Children
- Younger siblings
- People you are very close to
Situations 상황
✓ Talking to friends ✓ Talking at home
✓ Text messages between close people ✓ Casual conversation
Grammar Form
Verb / Adjective + -아 / -어 / -해
Noun + 이야 / 야
Examples 예문
나는 학생이야. I am a student.
나는 의사야. I am a doctor.
날씨가 맑아. The weather is clear.
요즘 바빠. I am busy these days.
빵 먹어. I eat bread.
도서관에 가. I go to the library.
Speech Style Summary
The same meaning, three different styles — notice how the ending changes each time.
| Style | When to use | Grammar | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 합니다체 Formal |
Formal situations · public settings | -ㅂ니다 / -습니다 입니다 |
고맙습니다. |
| 해요체 Polite ← this course |
Everyday polite conversation | -아요 / -어요 이에요 / 예요 |
고마워요. |
| 해체 Intimate |
Close relationships only | -아 / -어 이야 / 야 |
고마워. |