A2 · Grundkenntnisse Kapitel 14

Speaking with Respect: Honorifics for VIPs

6 Gesamtregeln
63 Beispiele
5 Min.
Regeln in diesem Kapitel Schnelle Übung

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the power of respect by mastering Korean honorific particles and VIP verbs.

  • Replace standard particles with 께서 and 께 to address elders.
  • Conjugate special honorific verbs for existence, eating, and sleeping.
  • Navigate social hierarchies with confidence and natural politeness.
Elevate your Korean, one respectful sentence at a time.

Was du lernen wirst

Hey there, language explorer! You've already done an amazing job learning the Korean basics, and now it's time to add a super important layer to your conversations: speaking with respect! This chapter,

Speaking with Respect: Honorifics for VIPs,
is all about upgrading your Korean to sound natural and polite, especially when you're talking to people older than you, your teachers, or even your boss. We’ll dive deep into seven essential rules. You know 이/가 and 에게/한테? Well, we’ll learn their special VIP versions: 께서 and 께. Imagine chatting with your Korean grandmother or a respected senior—using these particles correctly will instantly show your thoughtfulness and understanding of Korean culture. Beyond particles, we're tackling three crucial VIP verbs: 계시다 (for to be), 드시다 or 잡수시다 (for to eat), and 주무시다 (for to sleep). Instead of just saying 먹다 for your professor, you’ll master 드시다, making you sound incredibly respectful and fluent. By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand *why* honorifics are vital; you'll be able to confidently use them in everyday situations, making great impressions and navigating social interactions with ease. Get ready to elevate your Korean to the next level!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Correctly identify when to swap basic particles for VIP honorific particles.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Use honorific verbs like 계시다 and 드시다 in daily conversations.

Kapitel-Leitfaden

Overview

Hey there, language explorer! You've already done an amazing job learning the Korean grammar basics, and now it's time to add a super important layer to your conversations: speaking with respect! This chapter,
Speaking with Respect: Honorifics for VIPs,
is all about upgrading your Korean to sound natural and polite, especially when you're talking to people older than you, your teachers, or even your boss.
This is a crucial step for A2 Korean learners looking to truly connect in Korean society. Mastering Korean honorifics isn't just about sounding smart; it's about showing thoughtfulness and understanding of Korean culture, which values hierarchy and respect deeply.
We'll dive deep into essential rules that elevate your everyday communication. You know 이/가 and 에게/한테? Well, we’ll learn their special VIP versions: 께서 and 께.
Imagine chatting with your Korean grandmother or a respected senior—using these particles correctly will instantly show your politeness. We'll also tackle three crucial VIP verbs: 계시다 (for to be), 드시다 or 잡수시다 (for to eat), and 주무시다 (for to sleep). Instead of just saying 먹다 for your professor, you’ll master 드시다, making you sound incredibly respectful and fluent.
By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand *why* honorifics are vital; you'll be able to confidently use them in everyday situations, making great impressions and navigating social interactions with ease. Get ready to elevate your polite Korean to the next level!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter focuses on
Speaking with Respect: Honorifics for VIPs
by introducing special particles and verbs used when referring to or speaking about people deserving of high respect. This is a key part of Korean grammar A2 proficiency.
First, let's look at the particles:
The VIP Subject Particle: 께서 (kkyeseo)
This particle replaces the standard subject particles 이/가 when the subject of the sentence is someone you need to show respect to. It marks a respected person as the one performing the action.
Example

할머니께서 책을 읽으세요. (Grandma is reading a book.)

(Instead of: 할머니가 책을 읽어요.)
Korean 'To' for VIPs: The Honorific Particle 께 (kke)
This particle replaces 에게 or 한테 when the recipient of an action is someone you need to show respect to. It indicates that the action is directed *to* a respected person.
Example

선생님께 질문을 드렸어요. (I asked a question to the teacher.)

(Instead of: 선생님한테 질문을 했어요.)
Next, we have the VIP verbs, which are essential for showing respect in polite Korean:
Honorific 'To Be' (계시다): This verb replaces 있다 (to be, to exist) when referring to the existence or presence of a respected person.
Example

아버지는 지금 사무실에 계세요. (Father is currently in the office.)

Honorific Eating: 드시다 & 잡수시다: These verbs replace 먹다 (to eat) and 마시다 (to drink) when referring to a respected person's act of eating or drinking. 잡수시다 is generally considered slightly more formal or traditional than 드시다.
Example

사장님께서 아침 식사를 드셨어요. (The boss ate breakfast.)

Example

할아버지께서 약을 잡수세요. (Grandfather is taking medicine.)

Special Honorific Verb: To Sleep (주무시다): This verb replaces 자다 (to sleep) when referring to a respected person's act of sleeping.
Example

어머니께서 방에서 주무세요. (Mother is sleeping in the room.)

These VIP verbs – 계시다, 주무시다, 드시다 (and 잡수시다) – are fundamental to showing proper respect in Korean. Using them correctly instantly elevates your Korean grammar and cultural understanding.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 선생님이 오셨어요.
✓ Correct: 선생님께서 오셨어요.
*Explanation:* When referring to a respected person like a teacher (선생님) as the subject, you must use the honorific subject particle 께서 instead of the basic 이/가.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 할머니한테 편지를 보냈어요.
✓ Correct: 할머니께 편지를 보냈어요.
*Explanation:* When the recipient of an action is a respected person like a grandmother (할머니), the honorific particle 께 should be used instead of 에게 or 한테.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 아버지가 밥을 먹어요.
✓ Correct: 아버지께서 밥을 드세요. (or 아버지께서 식사를 잡수세요.)
*Explanation:* For a respected person like a father (아버지), you should use the honorific subject particle 께서 and the honorific verb 드시다 (or 잡수시다) instead of 이/가 and 먹다.

Real Conversations

A

A

할머니, 저 왔어요! 어머니께서는 집에 계세요? (Grandma, I'm here! Is Mom at home?)
B

B

아니, 어머니께서는 아직 안 계셔. 점심은 드셨니? (No, Mom isn't here yet. Did you eat lunch?)
A

A

사장님, 이 서류를 사장님께 제출해도 될까요? (Boss, may I submit these documents to you?)
B

B

네, 저에게 주시면 됩니다. 김 부장님께서는 회의에 참석하셨나요? (Yes, you can give them to me. Has Manager Kim attended the meeting?)

Quick FAQ

Q

What is the main difference between 께서 and 이/가 in Korean grammar?

께서 is the honorific version of the subject particles 이/가. You use 께서 when the subject of the sentence is someone you want to show respect to (e.g., elders, teachers, superiors).

Q

Can I use 드시다 and 잡수시다 interchangeably for to eat for VIPs?

Yes, generally they are interchangeable. 잡수시다 is often perceived as slightly more formal or traditional than 드시다, but both are correct honorifics for to eat or to drink.

Q

Are there other common honorific verbs in Korean besides 계시다, 드시다, 주무시다?

Yes, there are several others! Some examples include 말씀하시다 (to speak, honorific of 말하다), 편찮으시다 (to be sick, honorific of 아프다), and 돌아가시다 (to pass away, honorific of 죽다). This chapter focuses on the most common ones for A2 level.

Cultural Context

In Korean culture, the use of honorifics like 께서, 께, and honorific verbs such as 계시다, 드시다, and 주무시다 is fundamental to demonstrating respect. It's not merely a linguistic choice but a reflection of social hierarchy, age, and relationship dynamics. Using these forms correctly shows that you acknowledge and respect the person's position or age, which is highly valued.
Failing to use them can be perceived as rude or disrespectful, even if unintentional. Therefore, mastering these Korean honorifics is essential for smooth and polite interactions in almost any social setting.

Wichtige Beispiele (8)

1

선생님께서 오십니다.

Der Lehrer kommt.

Die VIP-Subjektpartikel: 께서 (kkyeseo)
2

할머니께서 용돈을 주셨어!

Oma hat mir Taschengeld gegeben!

Die VIP-Subjektpartikel: 께서 (kkyeseo)
3

저는 할머니께 선물을 드렸어요.

Ich habe meiner Großmutter ein Geschenk gegeben.

Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께
4

교수님께 이메일을 보냈습니다.

Ich habe dem Professor eine E-Mail geschickt.

Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께
5

선생님, 지금 학교에 `계세요`?

Lehrer, sind Sie gerade in der Schule?

Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)
6

할머니께서는 방에서 주무시고 `계십니다`.

Großmutter schläft gerade im Zimmer.

Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)
7

할머니께서 지금 방에서 주무세요.

Oma schläft gerade im Zimmer.

Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)
8

선생님, 안녕히 주무세요.

Gute Nacht, Herr Lehrer.

Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)

Tipps & Tricks (4)

🎯

Verb-Upgrade

Wenn du «께서» nutzt, will dein Verb meistens auch ein Upgrade mit «-(으)시-». Die beiden sind wie Besties! «선생님께서 오십니다.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Die VIP-Subjektpartikel: 께서 (kkyeseo)
🎯

Das 'Verb-Paket-Deal'

Sieh «께» und das passende höfliche Verb (wie «드리다») immer als festes Team an. Wenn du das eine nutzt, brauchst du fast immer auch das andere: «선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께
⚠️

Kein Eigenlob!

Benutze «계시다» niemals für dich selbst, sonst wirkst du extrem arrogant. Sag für dich immer ganz normal «저는 집에 있어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)
⚠️

Ehr dich nicht selbst

Es wäre echt peinlich, «드시다» für deine eigenen Aktionen zu nutzen. Sag immer: «저는 먹었어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Essen mit Respekt: 드시다 & 잡수시다

Wichtige Vokabeln (5)

선생님 (seonsaengnim) teacher 계시다 (gyesida) to be (honorific) 드시다 (deusida) to eat (honorific) 주무시다 (jumusida) to sleep (honorific) 부모님 (bumonim) parents

Real-World Preview

utensils

Dining with a Professor

Review Summary

  • Noun + 께서
  • Noun + 께
  • 계시다
  • 드시다
  • 주무시다

Häufige Fehler

You must use the honorific particle 께서 when the subject is a VIP.

Wrong: 선생님이 계시다.
Richtig: 선생님께서 계시다.

Never use basic verbs like 먹다 for elders; always use the honorific form.

Wrong: 선생님 먹어요.
Richtig: 선생님 드세요.

한테 is for friends; use 께 for family elders and seniors.

Wrong: 할머니한테 드렸어요.
Richtig: 할머니께 드렸어요.

Regeln in diesem Kapitel (6)

1

Die VIP-Subjektpartikel: 께서 (kkyeseo)

A2
Nutze den VIP-Partikel «께서» statt «이/가», wenn das Subjekt eine Respektsperson wie dein Chef oder deine Großeltern ist.
선생님께서 오십니다.
11 Beispiele
2

Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께

A2
Nutze das Partikel «께» statt «에게» oder «한테», um Respekt zu zeigen, wenn der Empfänger ein VIP wie ein Chef oder Großeltern ist.
저는 할머니께 선물을 드렸어요.
10 Beispiele
3

Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)

A2
Nutze «계시다», um respektvoll zu sagen, dass eine ranghöhere Person an einem Ort anwesend ist oder dort bleibt.
선생님, 지금 학교에 `계세요`?
12 Beispiele
4

Essen mit Respekt: 드시다 & 잡수시다

A2
Wenn ein VIP (Chef, Ältere, Kunden) isst oder trinkt, upgrade dein Verb zu «드시다», um Respekt zu zeigen. Merk dir diese Pill-Badges: «드시다» für alle, «잡수시다» für Senioren.
사장님, 커피 드세요.
10 Beispiele
5

Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)

A2
Tausche «자다» gegen «주무시다» aus, wenn du über Ältere sprichst – aber benutze es niemals für dich selbst.
할머니께서 지금 방에서 주무세요.
10 Beispiele
6

VIP-Verben: Respekt zeigen (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다)

A2
Werde zum Profi mit den drei wichtigsten VIP-Verben „계시다“, „주무시다“ und „드시다“ – so zeigst du in Korea echten Respekt gegenüber Älteren.
사장님, 여기 `계세요`?
10 Beispiele

Next Steps

You've done an amazing job today! Keep practicing these honorifics and you'll sound like a local in no time.

Practice writing five sentences about your family using 께서 and 께.

Continue to: Talking About Time and Intent

Schnelle Übung (10)

Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Höflichkeitsform von 'schlafen' aus.

할머니께서 지금 안방에서 ________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 주무세요
Da das Subjekt 'Oma' (할머니) ist, musst du das spezielle Höflichkeitsverb '주무세요' verwenden.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)

Welcher Satz ist am besten geeignet, um zu sagen, dass du deinem Lehrer etwas gegeben hast?

Wähle den natürlichsten und respektvollsten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.
«선생님» ist eine Respektsperson, daher musst du sowohl das Partikel «께» als auch das höfliche Verb «드리다» nutzen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께

Wähle den richtigen Partikel für das Subjekt.

___ (Großvater) schläft.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할아버지께서
Obwohl '가' möglich wäre, ist '께서' die respektvollste Wahl für den Großvater.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Die VIP-Subjektpartikel: 께서 (kkyeseo)

Welcher Satz fragt einen Lehrer respektvoll, ob er gegessen hat?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님, 진지 드셨어요?
«드시다» ist die VIP-Form von «먹다». «진지» ist das VIP-Wort für 'Essen'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: VIP-Verben: Respekt zeigen (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다)

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig, wenn du über dich selbst sprichst?

Wähle den richtigen Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 어제 일찍 잤어요.
Du solltest niemals Honorativ-Verben wie '주무시다' für dich selbst benutzen. Nimm das einfache Verb '자다' (Vergangenheit: 잤어요).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

아버지가 지금 자요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아버지께서 지금 주무세요.
Um maximal höflich zu sein, änderst du die Partikel zu '께서' und das Verb zu '주무세요'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Spezielles Höflichkeitsverb: Schlafen (주무시다)

Fülle die Lücke aus: 'Oma schläft.'

할머니께서 ___. (자다)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 주무세요
«주무시다» ist das spezielle VIP-Verb für «자다» (schlafen).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: VIP-Verben: Respekt zeigen (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다)

Finde und korrigiere den Fehler im Satz.

Find and fix the mistake:

사장님한테 이 서류를 전달했습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님께 이 서류를 전달했습니다.
Der Empfänger ist der Chef («사장님»), also eine Person mit hohem Status. Hier muss «께» statt «한테» stehen.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Koreanisches 'An' für VIPs: Das Honorativpartikel 께

Welcher Satz ist richtig, wenn du über deinen Großvater sprichst?

Wähle den respektvollsten Satz:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할아버지가 집에 계세요.
«계시다» ist die korrekte Honorific-Form für den Großvater. Es für sich selbst (제) zu nutzen, ist falsch.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)

Fülle die Lücke aus, um 'Bleiben Sie wohlauf' (Abschied) zu sagen.

안녕히 ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 계세요
«안녕히 계세요» ist der Standard-Abschiedsgruß, wenn die andere Person am Ort bleibt.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ehrenvolles 'Sein' (계시다)

Score: /10

Häufige Fragen (6)

Es ist kein Verbrechen, klingt aber etwas ungebildet oder unhöflich. Es ist so, als würdest du deinen Chef mit 'Alter' ansprechen. Nutze «께서», um auf der sicheren Seite zu sein.
Normalerweise nicht. Für Geschwister nutzt man eher «언니/누나» mit «가». «께서» ist für Geschwister viel zu steif.
Ganz einfach: «께» ist für VIPs (Chef, Oma), «에게» für förmliches Schreiben und «한테» für lockeres Quatschen mit Freunden.
Nein! Das ist super einfach. Du hängst es direkt an das Wort dran, egal ob Vokal oder Konsonant, wie bei «선생님께» oder «할아버지께».
Ja, wenn du besonders höflich sein willst, etwa vor deinen Eltern. Meistens reicht unter Geschwistern aber das normale «있어요».
«계세요» bedeutet, die Person ist da (Präsenz). «있으세요» nutzt man, wenn die Person etwas hat, zum Beispiel: «선생님, 시간 있으세요?» (Lehrer, haben Sie Zeit?).
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Mastering Negation and Prohibitions
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Talking About Time and Intent
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