B1 · मध्यवर्ती चैप्टर 17

Respectful Speech and Basic Quotes

4 कुल नियम
41 उदाहरण
5 मिनट
इस अध्याय के नियम त्वरित अभ्यास

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of respectful Korean speech and indirect communication with ease.

  • Elevate your subject particles to show deep cultural respect.
  • Identify objects and introduce people using natural quoting patterns.
  • Relay messages and gossip accurately using indirect speech.
Speak with respect, share with confidence.

तुम क्या सीखोगे

Ready to level up your Korean and sound truly natural? This chapter is your secret weapon for navigating conversations with respect and confidence. You’ll dive deep into two essential honorific particles: 께서 (the polite version of 이/가) and 께 (the respectful alternative to 한테). Mastering these isn't just about grammar; it's about showing deep respect to elders, teachers, or your boss – a fundamental part of Korean culture that will instantly make your speech more authentic and appreciated. But we're not stopping there! You’ll also unlock the power of indirect speech. First, with (이)라고 하다, you’ll learn how to smoothly introduce yourself, politely state someone’s role, or name objects in a natural, conversational way. Imagine confidently introducing a new colleague to your Korean friends! Then, we tackle ㄴ/는다고 하다, which lets you report what others have said, thought, or even gossiped about – perfect for sharing stories or recounting advice. By the end, you won't just know the rules; you'll be able to speak with an intermediate fluency that honors Korean customs and makes your interactions richer and more meaningful. Let's make your Korean sound effortlessly polite and expressive!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use honorific particles to address elders and superiors.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Accurately report what others have said in formal contexts.

अध्याय गाइड

Overview

Ready to elevate your Korean grammar and speak with genuine respect and confidence? Welcome to a pivotal B1 chapter that unlocks the nuances of polite and indirect communication. In Korean culture, showing deference is paramount, and mastering honorifics isn't just about grammar rules; it's about connecting authentically.
This chapter introduces you to essential particles like 께서, the polite form of 이/가, and 께, the respectful alternative to 한테/에게. These are your secret weapons for addressing elders, teachers, or superiors, instantly making your speech more natural and appreciated. Beyond honorifics, you'll dive into indirect speech, starting with (이)라고 하다 for smooth introductions and naming, then moving to ㄴ/는다고 하다 to report what others have said or thought.
By the end, you won't just understand these concepts; you'll be able to wield them, transforming your Korean into a more sophisticated and culturally aware form of expression. This is a crucial step in achieving true intermediate fluency.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces four powerful tools to refine your Korean grammar at the B1 level. First up are the honorific particles. 께서 is the honorific subject particle, replacing 이/가 when the subject of your sentence is someone deserving of respect, like an elder, a teacher, or a superior.
For example, instead of «선생님이 오셨어요» (The teacher came), you'd say
선생님께서 오셨어요
(The teacher came, *respectfully*). Similarly, 께 is the honorific dative particle, replacing 한테/에게 when the indirect object of your sentence is someone you want to show respect to. So, you'd say
할머니께 편지를 썼어요
(I wrote a letter to grandmother, *respectfully*), rather than «할머니한테 편지를 썼어요.»
Next, we explore ways to quote and report speech. (이)라고 하다 is a versatile expression used for quoting nouns or introducing names. You attach -이라고 하다 if the noun ends in a consonant (like 선생님이라고 하다 – to be called a teacher) and -라고 하다 if it ends in a vowel (like 김민수라고 하다 – to be called Kim Minsu).
This is perfect for introductions:
저는 제임스라고 합니다
(My name is James). Lastly, ㄴ/는다고 하다 is your go-to for reporting what someone else *said* or *thought* (indirect speech) for verbs and adjectives. The form changes based on the type of word and tense.
For present tense action verbs, use -는다고 하다 (e.g.,
친구가 내일 온다고 했어요
– My friend said they would come tomorrow). For present tense descriptive verbs/adjectives, use -다고 하다 (e.g.,
날씨가 춥다고 합니다
– They say the weather is cold). For past tense, it's -았/었다고 하다 (e.g.,
선생님이 숙제를 다 했다고 하셨어요
– The teacher said they had finished the homework).
Mastering these allows you to share information gracefully.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: «할머니가 오셨어요.»
✓ Correct:
할머니께서 오셨어요.
*Explanation:* When referring to an elder or someone deserving of high respect as the subject of a sentence, you must use the honorific subject particle 께서 instead of the standard 이/가.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: «사장님에게 보고서를 제출했어요.»
✓ Correct:
사장님께 보고서를 제출했어요.
*Explanation:* For the indirect object (the recipient of an action) who is a superior or deserves respect, the honorific dative particle 께 should be used instead of 한테 or 에게.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: «이것은 카메라라고 합니다.»
✓ Correct:
이것은 카메라라고 합니다.
*Explanation:* When using (이)라고 하다 to state what something is called, if the noun ends in a vowel, you attach -라고 하다. If it ends in a consonant, you attach -이라고 하다. In this case, «카메라» ends in a vowel.

Real Conversations

A

A

안녕하세요, 이분은 누구라고 하세요? (Hello, what is this person called?)
B

B

안녕하세요! 이분은 김 선생님이라고 하십니다. 제 한국어 선생님이세요. (Hello! This person is called Teacher Kim. She is my Korean teacher.)
A

A

어머니께서 뭐라고 하셨어요? (What did your mother say?)
B

B

어머니께서 날씨가 많이 춥다고 하셨어요. 따뜻하게 입으래요. (My mother said the weather is very cold. She told me to dress warmly.)
A

A

할아버지께 생신 선물을 드렸어요? (Did you give a birthday present to grandfather?)
B

B

네, 어제 할아버지께 직접 드렸어요. 할아버지께서 정말 좋아하셨어요. (Yes, I gave it to grandfather directly yesterday. Grandfather really liked it.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 께서 for my friends or younger siblings?

No, 께서 is strictly for individuals you need to show high respect to, such as elders, teachers, or superiors. Using it for friends or younger people would sound unnatural or even sarcastic.

Q

What's the main difference between 한테 and 께?

Both mean to or from (in some contexts), but 께 is the honorific form used when the recipient of the action is someone you respect. 한테 is used for people of equal or lower status, or informally.

Q

How do I use (이)라고 하다 to introduce myself in a formal setting?

You would say

저는 [Your Name]이라고 합니다.
For example,
저는 이민준이라고 합니다.
The -습니다/ㅂ니다 ending makes it formal.

Q

Does ㄴ/는다고 하다 change based on politeness levels?

Yes, the 하다 part of ㄴ/는다고 하다 will change according to the politeness level you're using. For example, «한다고 해요» (polite), «한다고 합니다» (formal polite), «한다고 해» (informal). The reported part (ㄴ/는다고) remains the same.

Cultural Context

Mastering honorifics like 께서 and 께, alongside indirect speech, is foundational for navigating Korean social dynamics. In a culture deeply rooted in hierarchy and respect for elders and authority, using these forms correctly is not just good Korean grammar; it's a sign of good manners and cultural understanding. Failing to use honorifics when appropriate can be perceived as rude or disrespectful, while using them correctly instantly builds rapport.
Indirect speech (ㄴ/는다고 하다, (이)라고 하다) also plays a role in softening statements or relaying information without being overly direct, which can be a valuable communication strategy in many situations. It demonstrates a level of social awareness that will make your interactions richer and more meaningful.

मुख्य उदाहरण (8)

1

`할머니께서` 공원에 가세요.

दादी जी पार्क जा रही हैं।

सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)
2

`선생님께서` 숙제를 내주셨어요.

टीचर ने होमवर्क दिया है।

सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)
3

I wrote a letter to my grandmother.

मैंने दादी माँ को एक चिट्ठी लिखी।

آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)
4

I sent the report to the CEO.

मैंने CEO को रिपोर्ट भेज दी है।

آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)
5

제 이름은 `지민이라고 해요`.

मेरा नाम जिमिन है।

परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)
6

이 음식은 `비빔밥이라고 합니다`.

इस डिश को बिबिंबाप कहा जाता है।

परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)
7

민수는 오늘 바쁘다고 해요.

मिन्सू कह रहा है कि वो आज बिजी है।

'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)
8

제니가 한국에 간다고 했어요.

जेनी ने कहा कि वो कोरिया जा रही है।

'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

टिप्स और ट्रिक्स (4)

⚠️

खुद की तारीफ वाली गलती

अपने नाम या '나/저' के बाद कभी भी 께서 मत लगाना। ये सुनने में बहुत अजीब लगता है, जैसे तुम खुद को कोई राजा समझ रहे हो। हमेशा «제가» ही कहो।
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)
💡

वर्ब के साथ जोड़ी

अगर तुम '께' यूज़ कर रहे हो, तो क्रिया भी विनम्र होनी चाहिए जैसे '드리다' या '여쭙다'। जैसे: «할아버지께 여쭤 보세요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)
🎯

नेटिव्स की तरह परिचय दें

हालांकि '제 이름은 X예요' ठीक है, लेकिन '제 이름은 X라고 해요' सामाजिक मेल-जोल में ज़्यादा विनम्र और नेचुरल लगता है।
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)
🎯

'대요' वाला शॉर्टकट

असली बातचीत में कोरियन लोग 'ㄴ/는다고 해요' को छोटा करके 'ㄴ/는대요' बोलते हैं। इससे तुम्हारी एनर्जी बचेगी और तुम नेटिव लगोगे: «친구가 내일 온대요.»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

मुख्य शब्दावली (5)

선생님 (seonsaengnim) teacher 말씀하시다 (malsseumhasida) to speak (honorific) 이름 (ireum) name 드리다 (deurida) to give (honorific) 전하다 (jeonhada) to relay/convey

Real-World Preview

graduation-cap

Meeting the Professor

Review Summary

  • Noun + 께서
  • Noun + 께
  • Noun + (이)라고 하다
  • Verb + ㄴ/는다고 하다

सामान्य गलतियाँ

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

Wrong: 선생님이가 오셨어요.
सही: 선생님께서 오셨어요.

Use 께 and the honorific verb 드리다 for superiors.

Wrong: 사장님한테 서류를 줬어요.
सही: 사장님께 서류를 드렸어요.

Remember to use polite endings when reporting speech in formal settings.

Wrong: 그는 간다고 말했다.
सही: 그가 간다고 했습니다.

इस अध्याय के नियम (4)

1

सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)

B1
बड़ों, टीचर्स या बॉस को इज्जत देने के लिए «께서» का इस्तेमाल करो ताकि तुम्हारी कोरियन एकदम तमीज वाली और नेचुरल लगे।
`할머니께서` 공원에 가세요.
10 उदाहरण
2

آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)

B1
जब भी किसी ऐसे इंसान को कुछ कहना या देना हो जिसे इज़्ज़त देनी ज़रूरी है, तो «께» का इस्तेमाल करो।
I wrote a letter to my grandmother.
10 उदाहरण
3

परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)

B1
अपना परिचय देने या किसी चीज़ का नाम बताने के लिए «(이)라고 하다» का इस्तेमाल करो। यह सुनने में बहुत नेचुरल और विनम्र लगता है।
제 이름은 `지민이라고 해요`.
10 उदाहरण
4

'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

B1
किसी की कही बात, अफ़वाह या अपनी सोच बताने के लिए «ㄴ/는다고 하다» एक जादुई टूल है। बस याद रखो, वर्ब के लिए «ㄴ/는다고», एडजेक्टिव के लिए «다고» और नाउन के लिए «(이)라고» का इस्तेमाल करना है।
민수는 오늘 바쁘다고 해요.
11 उदाहरण

Next Steps

You are doing incredible work. Keep practicing these honorifics and you will sound like a native in no time!

Practice introducing family members to a mock-teacher.

Continue to: Relaying Complex Messages and Rumors

त्वरित अभ्यास (10)

खाली जगह भरें।

제 친구 이름은 '유나'___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 라고 해요
'유나' स्वर (vowel) पर खत्म होता है, इसलिए '라고 해요' सही है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)

सबसे विनम्र विकल्प चुनें।

अपने बॉस से बात करते समय कौन सा वाक्य सही है?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님께 इ메일 보냈습니다.
बॉस (사장님) के लिए आपको सम्मानजनक पार्टिकल '께' और विनम्र क्रिया का उपयोग करना चाहिए।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)

इनमें से कौन सा वाक्य 'खाना तीखा है' को सही तरह से रिपोर्ट करता है?

सही वाक्य चुनें:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 음식이 맵다고 해요.
맵다 (तीखा होना) एक एडजेक्टिव है, इसलिए इसके साथ सीधे 다고 लगता है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

इस वाक्य में खुद के बारे में बात की गई है, गलती सुधारें।

Find and fix the mistake:

나께서 학교에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 내가 학교에 가요.
खुद के लिए कभी भी 께서 का इस्तेमाल न करें। यहाँ 내가 या 제가 सही होगा।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)

अजीब लगने वाले वाक्य को सुधारें।

Find and fix the mistake:

부모님한테 선물을 줬어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 부모님께 선물을 드렸어요.
माता-पिता के लिए '께' लगाएँ और '줬어요' को बदलकर विनम्र '드렸어요' करें।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: آدر سُوک پارٹِکل 'کو' (께)

'मैं एक स्टूडेंट हूँ' (학생) को रिपोर्ट करने में गलती ढूँढें और उसे ठीक करें।

Find and fix the mistake:

친구가 학생라고 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친구가 학생이라고 해요.
학생 जैसे नाउन जो कॉन्सोनेंट पर खत्म होते हैं, उनके साथ '이라고' का इस्तेमाल ज़रूरी है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

खाली जगह भरें ताकि वाक्य बने 'वो कह रहा है कि वो पढ़ रहा है।'

그가 지금 공부___ 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한다고
공부하다 एक एक्शन वर्ब है जो वॉवेल पर खत्म होता है, इसलिए इसमें ㄴ다고 लगेगा।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'उसने कहा कि...': अप्रत्यक्ष कथन (ㄴ/는다고 하다)

सही वाक्य चुनें।

सही वाक्य चुनें:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이것은 사과라고 합니다.
'사과' स्वर पर खत्म होता है, इसलिए '라고' सही पार्टिकल है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)

टीचर के आने की खबर देने के लिए सबसे सही वाक्य कौन सा है?

इनमें से सबसे सम्मानजनक वाक्य चुनें:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 오셨어요.
एक सही सम्मानजनक वाक्य के लिए 께서 मार्कर और -(으)시- वर्ब एंडिंग दोनों का होना जरूरी है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: सम्मानजनक विषय: 께서 (이/가 का विनम्र संस्करण)

वाक्य में गलती ढूँढें और उसे सुधारें।

저는 미국 사람라고 해요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 저는 미국 사람이라고 해요.
'사람' व्यंजन (consonant) पर खत्म होता है, इसलिए '이라고' की ज़रूरत है।

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: परिचय और संज्ञा उद्धरण (이/라고 하다)

Score: /10

सामान्य प्रश्न (6)

ज्यादातर हाँ, लेकिन ये ऊंचे पद वाले लोगों के लिए भी होता है। चाहे कोई सीईओ जवान ही क्यों न हो, ऑफिस में उसे सम्मान देने के लिए «사장님께서» कहना सही है।
आजकल के दौर में भाई-बहनों के लिए 이/가 काफी है। 께서 का इस्तेमाल भाई के लिए बहुत ही ज्यादा फॉर्मल या पुराने खयालात वाले परिवारों में ही होता है।
आमतौर पर नहीं। भाई-बहनों के लिए, चाहे वो बड़े हों, «한테» या «형한테» बोलना ही नॉर्मल है। «께» बहुत ज़्यादा इज़्ज़त के लिए होता है।
नहीं, ये बोलने में भी बहुत कॉमन है! «에게» थोड़ा किताबी लगता है, लेकिन «께» बातचीत में बड़ों को इज़्ज़त देने का स्टैंडर्ड तरीका है।
हाँ, परिचय के लिए यह बेस्ट है! «제 이름은 민수라고 해요» कहना बहुत नेचुरल है।
अनौपचारिक बातचीत में '이라고 해' अक्सर '이래' बन जाता है, जैसे: «친구가 선생님이래»।
पिछला अध्याय
Expressing Limits and Emphasis
अगला अध्याय
Relaying Complex Messages and Rumors
रोडमैप पर वापस