Signification
A humble response to 'thank you,' meaning it was no trouble at all.
Contexte culturel
Accepting a compliment directly (e.g., saying 'Yes, I am smart') is often seen as 'Jal-nan-cheok' (showing off). '별 말씀을요' is a social shield that maintains humility. In Korean companies, using this phrase with superiors shows that you don't take your duties for granted and that you respect their recognition of your work. When receiving a gift, Koreans often say 'You shouldn't have' or 'It's too much.' '별 말씀을요' is the giver's way of saying the gift is small compared to their feelings. Younger generations are increasingly using '아니에요' (Anieyo) more than '별 말씀을요,' but the latter remains the gold standard for formal politeness.
The Smile Factor
When saying '별 말씀을요,' a slight bow or a humble smile is essential to convey the right 'humility' nuance.
Don't use with 'Banmal'
Never say '별 말씀이야' to a friend. It sounds weird. Just use '아니야' or '뭘' for friends.
Signification
A humble response to 'thank you,' meaning it was no trouble at all.
The Smile Factor
When saying '별 말씀을요,' a slight bow or a humble smile is essential to convey the right 'humility' nuance.
Don't use with 'Banmal'
Never say '별 말씀이야' to a friend. It sounds weird. Just use '아니야' or '뭘' for friends.
Accepting Praise
In Korea, even if you are proud of your work, always start with '별 말씀을요' before acknowledging your effort.
Email Usage
In professional emails, '별말씀을요' is a great way to start a reply to a thank-you note.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate polite response.
A: 한국말을 정말 유창하게 하시네요! B: ________. 아직 배울 게 많아요.
'별 말씀을요' is the most natural and humble way to respond to a compliment in Korean.
In which situation is '별 말씀을요' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best scenario:
It is a formal/polite response to gratitude, perfect for a professional setting.
Fill in the missing particle to complete the phrase.
별 말씀___요.
The full phrase is '별 말씀을 (다 하십니다)', so the object marker '을' is used.
Which of the following is the most formal version of the phrase?
Select the most formal form:
The addition of '다 하십니다' makes it the highest level of formal honorific speech.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: 한국말을 정말 유창하게 하시네요! B: ________. 아직 배울 게 많아요.
'별 말씀을요' is the most natural and humble way to respond to a compliment in Korean.
Choose the best scenario:
It is a formal/polite response to gratitude, perfect for a professional setting.
별 말씀___요.
The full phrase is '별 말씀을 (다 하십니다)', so the object marker '을' is used.
Select the most formal form:
The addition of '다 하십니다' makes it the highest level of formal honorific speech.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but it's more humble. It literally means 'You're saying special words,' implying the thanks are too much.
Absolutely. It is very polite and shows you have good manners.
It's because the full sentence is '별 말씀을 다 하십니다' (You say special words). The verb is just hidden.
Yes, it's a very safe and polite response to a stranger's thanks.
'아니에요' is 'It's nothing' (neutral), while '별 말씀을요' is 'Don't mention it' (more formal/humble).
No, it's only for responding to thanks or praise.
Not dead, but it sounds like a movie script from the 60s. Use '별 말씀을요' instead.
Don't. Say '아니야' (Aniya) or '뭘 그런 걸 가지고' (Don't worry about such a thing).
Only if your tone is very sharp. With a soft tone, it's always seen as polite.
If someone thanks you by mistake, it's better to say '저 아니에요' (It wasn't me).
North Koreans use different polite formulas, often more direct like '일없습니다' (It's no matter).
Yes, if the interviewer thanks you for coming or praises your resume.
Use the full version: '별말씀을 다 하십니다.'
The sound is the same, but the Hanja is different. {별|別} (special) vs {별|星} (star).
Expressions liées
아니에요
similarIt's nothing / No
천만에요
synonymYou're welcome
괜찮아요
similarIt's okay
과찬이십니다
specialized formYou flatter me
도움이 되었다니 다행이네요
builds onI'm glad I could help
