B1 · Intermédiaire Chapitre 20

Polite Vocabulary: Honorific Nouns

7 Règles totales
71 exemples
5 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Elevate your Korean fluency by mastering the art of respectful honorific nouns.

  • Identify specific nouns that replace common terms when speaking to elders.
  • Apply honorific vocabulary to create respectful and professional sentences.
  • Distinguish between honorific usage for others and humble usage for oneself.
Speak with respect, connect with heart.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Hey there, language explorer! Ready to take a huge leap and start sounding truly natural in Korean? In this chapter, we're diving deep into one of the most crucial aspects of politeness and respect in Korean: Honorific Nouns. You know how much Koreans value respect in communication, right? Well, here you'll master how to show profound deference just by choosing the right word – for instance, saying 'residence' (댁 - daek) instead of 'house', 'esteemed name' (성함 - seongham) instead of 'name', or 'respected age' (연세 - yeonse) instead of 'age'. These aren't just words; they're like secret codes that subtly acknowledge the other person's status and your respect for them. Why is this so important for a B1 learner? Because by mastering these, you'll never accidentally offend someone in formal situations or when speaking with an elder. Imagine politely asking a professor's age using '연세' (yeonse) instead of the common '나이' (nai) – they'll be so impressed by your cultural sensitivity! Or referring to an elder's meal as '진지' (jinji) instead of '밥' (bap). You'll even learn to use '말씀' (malsseum) both to respectfully refer to a superior's words and to humbly speak about your own. This chapter empowers you to shine confidently in Korean conversations and charm everyone you meet. By the end, you'll be able to navigate social interactions with finesse, using the exact right words, whether you're chatting with a friend, a teacher, or a boss. Let's make your Korean truly professional!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use '댁' (daek), '성함' (seongham), '연세' (yeonse), '진지' (jinji), and '말씀' (malsseum) accurately in a social conversation.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Hey there, language explorer! Welcome to a pivotal chapter in your journey to mastering Korean grammar B1. This guide is designed to help you sound truly natural and respectful in various social situations, a hallmark of advanced Korean language learning.
We're diving deep into Honorific Nouns, a fundamental aspect of politeness and deference in Korean communication. You already know how much Koreans value respect, and by mastering these special words, you'll be able to subtly acknowledge someone's status and show your esteem. Imagine the impression you'll make by using the right honorific language!
This isn't just about memorizing words; it's about understanding the cultural nuances that make your Korean shine.
For B1 learners, integrating honorific nouns is crucial. It elevates your communication beyond basic phrases, allowing you to navigate conversations with elders, teachers, or superiors with confidence and grace. Accidental impoliteness can be easily avoided, and instead, you'll be recognized for your cultural sensitivity.
From referring to someone's 'residence' as 댁 (daek) instead of 'house' to asking about their 'esteemed name' using 성함 (seongham), these words are your secret codes to unlocking deeper, more respectful interactions. Let's make your Korean truly professional and impress everyone you meet!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces you to a set of specific honorific nouns that replace their common counterparts when speaking about or to someone deserving of respect, such as elders, superiors, or people you don't know well. Understanding these distinctions is key to mastering politeness in Korean.
First up, for 'home' or 'residence', we use 댁 (daek) instead of 집 (jip). For example,
할머니 댁은 어디세요?
(Where is Grandmother's residence?) is much more respectful than «할머니 집은 어디세요?» (Where is Grandmother's house?).
When referring to someone's 'name', you should use 성함 (seongham) instead of 이름 (ireum). This is particularly important when asking someone's name for the first time or addressing someone older or of higher status. «성함이 어떻게 되세요?» (What is your esteemed name?) is the standard polite way to ask.
For 'age', the honorific form is 연세 (yeonse), replacing 나이 (nai). Asking about an elder's age should always use 연세:
할아버지, 연세가 어떻게 되세요?
(Grandfather, what is your respected age?). Using 나이 would be considered rude in this context.
When talking about a meal, especially one consumed by an elder or superior, the honorific noun is 진지 (jinji) instead of 밥 (bap). You might hear,
할머니, 진지 드셨어요?
(Grandmother, have you had your esteemed meal?).
Finally, 말씀 (malsseum) is a versatile honorific noun that means 'words' or 'speech'. It's used in two key ways:
  1. 1Honorific for others:
    선생님 말씀 잘 들었습니다.
    (I listened well to the teacher's esteemed words.)
  2. 2Humble for oneself:
    제 말씀은 그게 아니었어요.
    (My humble words were not that.)
This demonstrates a sophisticated level of Korean grammar B1 usage, showing respect both upwards and downwards.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 선생님, 나이가 어떻게 되세요?
✓ Correct: 선생님, 연세가 어떻게 되세요?
*Explanation:* Using 나이 (nai) for a teacher or elder is considered impolite. Always use the honorific 연세 (yeonse) when referring to the age of someone deserving of respect.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 제 성함은 김민수입니다.
✓ Correct: 제 이름은 김민수입니다.
*Explanation:* Honorifics are used to elevate the person you are speaking about or to, not yourself. Using 성함 (seongham) for your own name is incorrect and sounds awkward. Use 이름 (ireum) for your own name.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 부장님, 밥 드셨어요?
✓ Correct: 부장님, 진지 드셨어요?
*Explanation:* When referring to a superior's or elder's meal, 밥 (bap) is too casual. The honorific 진지 (jinji) should be used to show proper respect.

Real Conversations

A

A

할머니, 댁이 어디세요? (Grandmother, where is your esteemed residence?)
B

B

우리 집은 서울에 있단다. (My house is in Seoul.)
A

A

부장님, 성함이 어떻게 되시는지 여쭤봐도 될까요? (Manager, may I ask what your esteemed name is?)
B

B

제 이름은 박지훈입니다. (My name is Park Jihun.)
A

A

교수님, 말씀하신 과제는 언제까지 제출하면 되나요? (Professor, by when should I submit the assignment you spoke about?)
B

B

다음 주 금요일까지 제출하세요. (Please submit it by next Friday.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I start using honorific nouns in Korean?

You should start integrating them as soon as you reach the B1 level, especially when speaking to elders, teachers, superiors, or people you are meeting for the first time. It's a crucial part of B1 Korean grammar.

Q

Can I use honorific nouns for myself?

No, generally honorific nouns are used to elevate others, not yourself. Using them for yourself (e.g., 제 성함은...) would be grammatically incorrect and culturally awkward. There are specific humble forms for referring to oneself, like using 말씀 (malsseum) for your own words.

Q

Are there other honorific nouns not covered here?

Yes, this chapter covers some of the most common and essential ones. As you progress in your Korean language learning, you'll encounter more, often related to body parts, actions, or possessions of respected individuals.

Q

What's the difference between 말씀 when referring to others vs. myself?

When referring to someone else's words, 말씀 acts as an honorific, showing respect (e.g., 교수님 말씀 - professor's esteemed words). When referring to your own words, it acts as a humble form, lowering yourself to show respect to the listener (e.g., 제 말씀은 - my humble words). The word itself is the same, but the context dictates its function.

Cultural Context

The use of honorific nouns is deeply embedded in Korean culture, reflecting a hierarchical society where respect for age, status, and social position is paramount. These linguistic choices aren't merely polite; they are fundamental to showing proper deference and maintaining harmonious social relations. Failing to use them, especially with elders or superiors, can be perceived as rude or disrespectful, even if unintentional.
Mastering these honorifics ensures your communication is not only grammatically correct but also culturally appropriate, earning you genuine appreciation from native speakers.

Exemples clés (6)

1

손님, 성함이 어떻게 되세요?

Cher client, quel est votre nom ?

Nom poli : Utiliser Seongham (성함)
2

선생님 성함을 여쭤봐도 될까요?

Puis-je vous demander votre nom, professeur ?

Nom poli : Utiliser Seongham (성함)
3

할아버지, 올해 연세가 어떻게 되세요?

Grand-père, quel âge avez-vous cette année ?

Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이
4

제 나이는 스물다섯 살이에요.

J'ai 25 ans.

Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이
5

Sajang-nim mal-sseum jal deur-eot-seumnida.

J'ai bien écouté les paroles du PDG.

Discours formel : 말씀 (Mots honorifiques/humbles)
6

Halmeoni, deuril mal-sseum-i isseoyo.

Grand-mère, j'ai quelque chose à vous dire.

Discours formel : 말씀 (Mots honorifiques/humbles)

Conseils et astuces (4)

⚠️

Le piège de l'ego

Ne dis jamais Mon 성함 est.... Ça sonne super arrogant, comme si tu te prenais pour un roi ! Reste humble : «제 이름은 박지민입니다.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vocabulaire Respectueux : Noms Honorifiques (Jip vs. Daek)
🎯

En cas de doute, reste sur 집 pour tes pairs

Si tu parles à quelqu'un de ton âge, utiliser «댁» peut créer une distance un peu bizarre ou trop formelle. Utilise plutôt : «친구 집에서 파티를 했어요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nom Honorifique : Domicile/Résidence (`댁`)
⚠️

Le piège de l'auto-honorifique

N'utilise jamais «성함» pour parler de toi. C'est le meilleur moyen de paraître accidentellement arrogant ! Dis plutôt : «제 이름은 김철수입니다.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nom poli : Utiliser Seongham (성함)
💬

L'obsession de l'âge

En Corée, on demande l'âge vite pour choisir le bon niveau de politesse. C'est un outil social : «나이가 어떻게 되세요?»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이

Vocabulaire clé (5)

댁 (daek) residence (house) 성함 (seongham) name 연세 (yeonse) age 진지 (jinji) meal 말씀 (malsseum) speech/words

Real-World Preview

graduation-cap

Meeting a Professor

Review Summary

  • Standard Noun -> Honorific Noun
  • 말씀

Erreurs courantes

You should never use honorific nouns for yourself. Use '이름' for your own name.

Wrong: 제 성함은 김철수입니다.
Correct: 제 이름은 김철수입니다.

When inviting a superior, use the honorific '댁'.

Wrong: 우리 집에 오세요.
Correct: 저희 댁에 오세요.

Honorific nouns require honorific verbs (드시다 instead of 먹다).

Wrong: 진지 먹었어요?
Correct: 진지 드셨어요?

Règles dans ce chapitre (7)

1

Vocabulaire Respectueux : Noms Honorifiques (Jip vs. Daek)

B1
Utilise des mots comme daek (maison) ou seongham (nom) uniquement pour tes supérieurs ou les aînés, jamais pour toi.
Harabeoji, **saengsin** chukha-deuryeoyo!
10 exemples
2

Nom Honorifique : Domicile/Résidence (`댁`)

B1
Le mot «댁» transforme une simple 'maison' en une 'résidence' pleine de respect pour tes aînés ou tes supérieurs.
교수님 댁은 학교에서 머신가요?
10 exemples
3

Nom poli : Utiliser Seongham (성함)

B1
Utilise «성함» pour demander poliment le nom de quelqu'un d'autre, mais garde «이름» pour parler de toi ou de tes potes.
손님, 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
10 exemples
4

Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이

B1
Remplace le mot «나이» par «연세» quand tu parles de l'âge d'un aîné pour montrer ton respect.
할아버지, 올해 연세가 어떻게 되세요?
10 exemples
5

Le 'repas' honorifique : Respecter les aînés (진지)

B1
Utilise «진지» pour élever le repas d'un aîné, mais garde «밥» pour le tien.
할머니, `진지` 잡수셨어요?
10 exemples
6

Noms Honorifiques : 말씀 (Paroles/Discours)

B1
Utilise «말씀» pour honorer les paroles d'un supérieur ou pour abaisser humblement tes propres paroles face à lui. C'est le combo gagnant avec «말씀하시다» ou «말씀드리다».
선생님, 드릴 말씀이 있어요.
11 exemples
7

Discours formel : 말씀 (Mots honorifiques/humbles)

B1
Utilise «말씀» pour honorer les paroles d'un supérieur ou pour abaisser tes propres mots quand tu t'adresses à lui avec respect.
Sajang-nim mal-sseum jal deur-eot-seumnida.
10 exemples

Next Steps

You are doing an amazing job. Mastering these cultural nuances is what makes you a true speaker of Korean!

Rewrite a casual diary entry using honorific nouns for your subjects.

Continue to: Showing Humility: Humble Verbs and Actions

Pratique rapide (10)

Quelle phrase utilise correctement la forme humble ?

Tu veux dire quelque chose à ton patron.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님, 드릴 말씀이 있어요.
'드릴 말씀' est la structure humble correcte. '말' est trop familier, et '하실 말씀' désignerait les paroles du patron.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Noms Honorifiques : 말씀 (Paroles/Discours)

Trouve le mot gênant dans cette phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

제 연세는 스무 살입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 나이는 스무 살입니다.
N'utilise jamais d'honorifiques comme '연세' pour toi-même. Utilise la forme neutre '나이'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이

Choisis le bon mot pour 'paroles' dans ce contexte formel.

Les ___ de mon père sont la loi dans cette maison. 아버지의 ___은 이 집에서 법이다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 말씀
Quand on parle des paroles du père, on utilise la forme honorifique '말씀' par respect.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Noms Honorifiques : 말씀 (Paroles/Discours)

Complète avec le bon nom pour désigner les paroles de grand-père.

Grand-père parle. 할아버지께서 ___ 하세요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 말씀
Comme grand-père est un aîné respectable, ses paroles deviennent '말씀'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Discours formel : 말씀 (Mots honorifiques/humbles)

Corrige l'erreur de politesse.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ami : 와, 너 오늘 말씀 되게 많다! (Wow, tu parles beaucoup aujourd'hui !)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 와, 너 오늘 말 되게 많다!
N'utilise jamais '말씀' pour un ami proche. Ça sonne sarcastique ou bizarre. Utilise le mot neutre '말'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Noms Honorifiques : 말씀 (Paroles/Discours)

Choisis le bon mot pour 'âge' selon le sujet.

Père : 우리 아버지(Grand-père)는 올해 ___가 여든이시다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 연세
Comme le sujet est le 'Grand-père' (un aîné), on doit utiliser le nom honorifique '연세'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Âge Honorifique : 연세 vs 나이

Complète la phrase avec le mot le plus poli pour 'nom'.

교수님, ___이 어떻게 되세요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 성함
Quand tu t'adresses à un professeur (교수님), tu dois utiliser le nom honorifique '성함' au lieu de '이름'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Nom poli : Utiliser Seongham (성함)

Trouve l'erreur dans cette phrase adressée à un ami proche.

Find and fix the mistake:

À un ami : 야, 내가 드릴 말씀이 있어. (Hé, j'ai des paroles humbles pour toi.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change '말씀' en '말'
On n'utilise pas le langage humble/honorifique avec ses amis proches, ça ferait bizarre !

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Discours formel : 말씀 (Mots honorifiques/humbles)

Choisis le mot correct pour 'maison' selon le contexte.

Tu demandes à ton prof : 'Est-ce votre ___ ?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 댁 (daek)
Quand on parle de la maison d'un supérieur (comme un prof), on doit utiliser le nom honorifique '댁' (daek).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vocabulaire Respectueux : Noms Honorifiques (Jip vs. Daek)

Quelle phrase est socialement correcte ?

Tu demandes l'âge de ta grand-mère.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니, 연세가 어떻게 되세요? (Halmeoni, yeonse-ga eotteoke doeseyo?)
Tu dois utiliser '연세' (yeonse) pour l'âge quand tu t'adresses à une aînée. '나이' (nai) serait trop familier.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Vocabulaire Respectueux : Noms Honorifiques (Jip vs. Daek)

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

Absolument ! En Corée, le grade au travail l'emporte souvent sur l'âge. S'il est ton supérieur, utilise «사장님, 댁이 어디세요?».
Oui ! Tu honores tes parents peu importe à qui tu parles. Par exemple : «우리 어머니 연세가 많으세요.»
«집» est le mot neutre de tous les jours. «댁» est la version honorifique pour montrer du respect envers la maison de quelqu'un d'important. «선생님 댁» est bien plus poli que «선생님 집».
Surtout pas ! Ça te ferait paraître très arrogant, comme si tu te prenais pour un roi. Utilise toujours «집» ou «우리 집» pour chez toi.
Non, «성함» désigne le nom complet, nom de famille inclus. Si on te demande ton «성함», on attend tout : «성함은 성과 이름을 다 말해야 해요.»
Techniquement oui, mais c'est très formel. En général, on l'appelle juste 'Oppa' ou 'Hyung' sans utiliser son nom : «형한테는 보통 성함이라고 안 해요.»
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Respecting the Subject: Honorific Verb Forms
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Showing Humility: Humble Verbs and Actions
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