Learning Korean is exciting, especially for K-drama fans and K-pop lovers in India. But one thing that often confuses learners is Korean honorifics. These polite forms of speech are deeply tied to Korean culture, and using them incorrectly can lead to some awkward (or even offensive) moments.
So, let’s break it all down in a super simple, fun, and Indian-friendly way. Whether you're planning to study in Korea, chat with Korean friends, or just understand your favorite K-drama scenes better, this guide will help you sound more respectful and confident.
What are Korean Honorifics?
Honorifics in Korean are special words, suffixes, and grammar patterns used to show respect based on someone’s age, social status, or relationship to you. Just like in India, where we say “aap” for elders and “tum” for friends, Koreans also change the way they speak based on who they are talking to.
But Korean honorifics go one step further. They’re used not just in pronouns but in verbs, names, job titles, and everyday speech.
Why Are Honorifics Important in Korea?
Korean society is hierarchical—meaning age and status matter a lot. Respecting elders, seniors, and authority figures is part of their culture.
Imagine calling your school principal “bhaiya” by mistake—it sounds funny in India but also disrespectful, right? That’s what happens if you ignore honorifics in Korean.
In fact, Korean people often ask your age in the first meeting to decide how to talk to you. Sounds familiar? Just like our “Aap kitne saal ke ho?” moment at family functions.
Types of Korean Honorifics You Must Know
Let’s break them into easy parts:
1. Honorific Titles (used after names)
These are similar to “ji” in Hindi or “sir/madam” in English.
씨 (ssi) – A polite but neutral way to address someone (used in formal settings)
Example: Rahul 씨 = Mr. Rahul님 (nim) – Shows higher respect. Often used in workplaces or with job titles
Example: 교수님 (gyosu-nim) = Professor
Example: 선생님 (seonsaeng-nim) = Teacher아/야 (a/ya) – Used only with close friends or younger people. Very casual
Example: 지민아 (Jimin-a) = Jimin, casually
Important Note: Don’t use 아/야 with elders or strangers. It can sound rude.
2. Formal vs Informal Speech
There are 3 main levels of politeness in Korean:
Informal (반말 / Banmal) – Used with younger people or very close friends
Example: 밥 먹었어? (Did you eat?)Polite (존댓말 / Jondaetmal) – Safe for most situations
Example: 밥 먹었어요? (Did you eat?)Honorific Polite – Used for elders or formal speech
Example: 식사하셨어요? (Did you eat? - Very respectful)
Tip for Indian learners: Stick to 존댓말 when in doubt. It’s like using “aap” instead of “tum”.
3. Honorific Verbs
Some verbs have special respectful forms. You should use them when talking to or about someone older/respected.
| Regular Verb | Honorific Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 먹다 (to eat) | 드시다 | Eat (respectfully) |
| 있다 (to be) | 계시다 | To be (respectfully) |
| 자다 (to sleep) | 주무시다 | Sleep (respectfully) |
| 말하다 (to speak) | 말씀하시다 | Speak (respectfully) |
Indian example: Just like we say “bhojan” instead of “khana” in formal Hindi.
4. Honorific Particle - (으)시
This is a grammar marker added to verbs when showing respect.
Example:
가다 (to go) + 시 → 가시다 = to go (honorific form)
선생님이 가세요. = The teacher is going (respectfully)
It’s like saying "Teacher ji ja rahe hain" instead of just "ja rahe hain".
5. Referring to Family Members
Even family terms change with respect.
할아버지 (harabeoji) – Grandfather
할머니 (halmeoni) – Grandmother
어머니 (eomeoni) – Mother (formal)
엄마 (eomma) – Mom (casual)
Just like in India: “mataji” vs “maa”.
When to Use Which Level? (Quick Chart)
| Situation | Use Level |
|---|---|
| Talking to friends (younger) | 반말 (Informal) |
| Talking to elders or strangers | 존댓말 (Polite) |
| Talking to boss, teacher, elder | Honorific + 존댓말 |
| Watching K-dramas | Mix – learn both |
Real-Life K-Drama Moments
If you watch dramas like Crash Landing on You, you’ll notice:
Yoon Se-ri uses 존댓말 with elders
Captain Ri switches from 존댓말 to 반말 with Se-ri as their relationship grows
Learning honorifics helps you understand relationship dynamics in dramas better.
Common Mistakes Indian Learners Make
Using informal speech too soon. Just because you feel friendly doesn’t mean you can drop 존댓말.
Not knowing verb honorific forms. Saying “먹었어요?” to your professor may sound okay, but “식사하셨어요?” is much better.
Calling elders by name only. Always use 씨 or 님 after names unless you’re very close.
Conclusion: Be Polite, Sound Smart, and Make Korean Friends
Korean honorifics may feel tough at first, but with practice, they’ll become natural—like adding “ji” after names or touching elders’ feet in India.
Next time you hear a K-pop idol say “선생님 감사합니다” (Thank you, teacher), you’ll understand the layers of respect in their words.
So keep learning, respect the language, and don’t worry—no one becomes a Korean honorific master in a day. But even using “안녕하세요” correctly can earn you a big smile in Korea.
