Using the correct grammar and vocabulary is one of the most difficult and challenging things for Korean language learners. On TOPIK GUIDE blog we try to help you learn Korean grammar and vocabulary in the quickest and easiest way possible.
This blog will be helpful for those who are studying Korean language and want to improve their grammar and vocabulary skills.
Today we're looking at the words which are used differently in honorific and casual/non-honorific speeches.
As you must have noticed while talking to the older people or one's higher in rank than you. There's a different set of vocabulary used while talking about certain things.
This might seem confusing at first for the beginner level learners but after a few practice you'll be able to understand the usage and will be able to use it without any hesitation.
Fortunately there aren't many words to remember so without any delay let's look at the words which are used differently in honorific and informal non-honorific speeches.
*Important: You should never use honorific words for yourself.
Word | Casual, Non-honorific | Honorific |
To exist | 있다 | 계시다 |
To Sleep | 자다 | 주무시다 |
To Eat | 먹다 | 드시다 |
To Give | 주다 | 드리다 |
To Drink | 마시다 | 드시다 |
To be sick | 아프다 | 편찮으시다 |
To Speak | 말하다 | 말씀하다 |
To Ask | 묻다 | 여쭈다 |
To Die | 죽다 | 돌아가시다 |
To Meet | 만나다 | 뵙다 |
Name | 이름 | 성함 |
Age | 나이 | 연세 |
Meal | 밥 | 진지 |
House, Home | 집 | 댁 |
Birthday | 생일 | 생신 |
Father | 아빠 | 아버님 |
Mother | 엄마 | 어머님 |
Son | 아들 | 아드님 |
Daughter | 딸 | 따님 |
Also check these useful Korean vocabulary resources:
1000 Most Common Korean Words – Must-Know Korean Vocabulary
200 Must-Know Korean Verbs For Rookie Learners
100 Must-Know Korean adjectives – How to conjugate and use them
To understand TOPIK Test structure, application process, Levels and Passing scores etc. check these pages:
- TOPIK – The Complete Guide & 2. TOPIK Levels and Passing Marks. You can also Practice Online with TOPIK GUIDE Mock Tests.
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Learning Korean can be tricky, especially when the goal of your learning is conversation. If you’ve ever attempted to speak Korean but were unable to, then hopefully you’ll find this post helpful.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or suggestions. Comment down below.
I am interested in the honorific part—how many honorifics entries are there. I like the simple, clean style of how present the content.