B1 · 中級 チャプター 20

Polite Vocabulary: Honorific Nouns

7 トータルルール
71 例文
5

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.

学べること

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.

チャプターガイド

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 (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 (daek) instead of 집 (jip). For example,
할머니 은 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:
    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. 1Wrong: 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. 1Wrong: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. 1Wrong: 부장님, 드셨어요?
Correct: 부장님, 진지 드셨어요?
*Explanation:* When referring to a superior's or elder's meal, (bap) is too casual. The honorific 진지 (jinji) should be used to show proper respect.

Real Conversations

A

A

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

B

우리 은 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.

重要な例文 (8)

1

교수님 댁은 학교에서 머신가요?

教授、お宅は学校から遠いですか?

尊敬語の名詞:お宅 (`댁`)
2

사장님, 주말에 댁에서 잘 쉬셨어요?

社長、週末はお宅でゆっくり休まれましたか?

尊敬語の名詞:お宅 (`댁`)
3

손님, 성함이 어떻게 되세요?

お客様、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか?

丁寧な「お名前」:ソンハム (성함) の使い方
4

선생님 성함을 여쭤봐도 될까요?

先生のお名前をお聞きしてもいいですか?

丁寧な「お名前」:ソンハム (성함) の使い方
5

할아버지, 올해 연세가 어떻게 되세요?

おじいさん、今年の御年(おんとし)はおいくつですか?

尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이
6

나이는 스물다섯 살이에요.

私の年齢は25歳です。

尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이
7

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

社長のお話をしっかり伺いました。

敬語と謙譲語:말씀(お言葉/申し上げる)
8

Halmeoni, deuril mal-sseum-i isseoyo.

おばあちゃん、お話ししたいことがあります。

敬語と謙譲語:말씀(お言葉/申し上げる)

ヒントとコツ (4)

⚠️

「自分」への使用はNG

自分の名詞に尊敬語を使うのは絶対に避けましょう。«제 성함은...» と言うと、自分を敬いすぎている印象になります。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の語彙:名詞の使い分け (家 vs お宅)
🎯

同年代なら「집」でOK

相手との距離感が近い場合や同い年なら、無理に「댁」を使うと他人行儀に聞こえます。«친구 집에서 숙제하자.» のように自然に話しましょう。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の名詞:お宅 (`댁`)
⚠️

自分への敬語はNG!

自分の名前に '성함' を使うと、無意識に自分を敬う「超わがままな人」に聞こえちゃうかも。 «제 이름은...» と言いましょう。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 丁寧な「お名前」:ソンハム (성함) の使い方
💬

年齢はコミュニケーションの鍵

韓国では敬語のレベルを決めるために、会ってすぐに年齢を聞くのが一般的です。失礼ではなく、仲良くなるためのステップなんですよ! «나이가 어떻게 되세요?»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이

重要な語彙 (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

よくある間違い

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

Wrong: 제 성함은 김철수입니다.
正解: 제 이름은 김철수입니다.

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

Wrong: 우리 집에 오세요.
正解: 저희 댁에 오세요.

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

Wrong: 진지 먹었어요?
正解: 진지 드셨어요?

このチャプターのルール (7)

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.

クイック練習 (10)

この文章の中の不自然な言葉を見つけて直してください。

제 연세는 스무 살입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 나이는 스무 살입니다.
自分自身に対して尊敬語である「연세」を使うのは間違いです。自分のことは「나이」と言いましょう。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이

この文章の不自然な部分を見つけてください。

Find and fix the mistake:

友達に: 야, 내가 드릴 말씀이 있어. (ねえ、私から申し上げるお言葉があるよ。)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 「말씀」を「말」に変える
親しい友達に対して自分を低くする謙譲語 '말씀' を使うのは不自然です。普通の '말' を使いましょう。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 敬語と謙譲語:말씀(お言葉/申し上げる)

社会的に適切な文章はどれですか?

おばあちゃんに年齢を尋ねます。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니, 연세가 어떻게 되세요? (Halmeoni, yeonse-ga eotteoke doeseyo?)
おばあちゃんのような年配の方には、年齢を意味する「연세」を使うのがマナーです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の語彙:名詞の使い分け (家 vs お宅)

文脈に合わせて「家」という単語を選んでください。

教授に質問します:『ここが先生の___ですか?』

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 댁 (daek)
教授のような目上の人の家を指す時は、尊敬名詞の「댁」を使う必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の語彙:名詞の使い分け (家 vs お宅)

最も自然な文を選んでください。

Choose the most natural sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 집은 서울에 있어요.
自分の家について話す時は、常に「집」を使います。「댁」を使うと不自然に聞こえます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の名詞:お宅 (`댁`)

文の中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

어제 친구 댁에 가서 놀았어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 어제 친구 집에 가서 놀았어요.
友達(친구)は対等な関係なので、尊敬語の「댁」ではなく「집」を使うのが自然です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の名詞:お宅 (`댁`)

教授に話しかける時、最も適切なものを選んでください。

「お話ししたいことがあります」と言いたい時:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 교수님, 드릴 말씀이 있어요.
目上の人に「申し上げる」時は '드릴 말씀' というパターンを使うのが正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 敬語と謙譲語:말씀(お言葉/申し上げる)

社会的に最も適切な文章はどれですか?

教授に年齢を尋ねる場合:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 교수님, 연세가 어떻게 되세요?
教授に対しては、尊敬名詞「연세」と、柔らかい尋ね方の「어떻게 되세요?」を組み合わせるのがベストです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이

「名前」を意味する最も丁寧な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めてください。

교수님, ___이 어떻게 되세요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 성함
教授(교수님)に対して名前を聞くときは、尊敬語の '성함' を使うのが正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 丁寧な「お名前」:ソンハム (성함) の使い方

主語に合わせて、正しい「年齢」を表す単語を選んでください。

우리 아버지(Grandfather)는 올해 ___가 여든이시다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 연세
主語が「おじいさん(目上の人)」なので、尊敬名詞である「연세」を使うのが正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 尊敬語の「お歳」: 연세 と 나이

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

はい。仕事の場では年齢よりも役職が優先されます。上司であれば «사장님, 댁이...» のように尊敬語を使いましょう。
はい!誰と話していても、自分の親を敬うのが韓国の文化です。«우리 어머니 연세가...» のように言います。
「집」は「家」を意味する一般的な言葉です。「댁」は目上の人の家を敬って呼ぶ「お宅」という特別な言葉です。«선생님 댁» のように使います。
いいえ、自分の家に使うと非常に傲慢に聞こえてしまいます。自分の家は必ず «우리 집» のように「집」を使いましょう。
いいえ、'성함' は名字を含めたフルネームを指します。 «성함이 어떻게 되세요?» と聞かれたらフルネームで答えましょう。
理屈では合っていますが、家族には少し堅苦しすぎます。普通は «오빠» や «형» と呼ぶだけで、名前自体をあまり出しません。