B1 · Intermediate Chapter 19

Respecting the Subject: Honorific Verb Forms

3 Total Rules
30 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Elevate your Korean fluency by mastering the art of showing respect through specialized verb forms.

  • Apply the honorific suffix -(으)시 to show respect to the subject.
  • Identify and use VIP replacement verbs for everyday actions.
  • Construct polite sentences when discussing what superiors say.
Master the art of Korean respect.

What You'll Learn

Hey there, clever Korean learner! We've reached a fascinating and super important stage: how to speak politely and respectfully in Korean. It's time to move beyond intermediate and start sounding like a native speaker! In this chapter, you'll learn how to elevate the status of the person performing an action in your speech. First, you'll get to know the magical suffix '-(으)시'; this is like a 'VIP' upgrade for verbs, showing respect to the subject of the sentence – just make sure it's never yourself! For example, if you want to say 'Grandma sleeps,' you wouldn't use the regular verb. Next, we'll dive into some truly 'VIP' verbs whose forms change completely from their regular counterparts, like '계시다' instead of '있다' (to be) and '드시다' instead of '먹다' or '마시다' (to eat/drink). These are exclusively used for highly respected and older individuals, and crucially, never for your own actions. Imagine you're talking to your company CEO or discussing your professor with a colleague; correctly using these verbs demonstrates your deep respect. Finally, you'll master a very special verb: '말씀하시다'. You'll use this when a respected person is speaking, showcasing your strong grasp of Korean etiquette. After this chapter, you'll be able to confidently speak with anyone, from your friends to your university professor or parents, always maintaining the correct level of respect. You'll never worry about your speech sounding impolite, and you'll integrate more smoothly into formal Korean settings. Ready for a big leap in your Korean conversation? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Conjugate regular verbs with -(으)시 and use special honorific verbs correctly in a formal setting.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey there, clever Korean learner! Welcome to a truly significant chapter in your Korean grammar journey. As you progress to B1 Korean, mastering honorific verb forms isn't just about learning new rules; it's about unlocking a deeper understanding of Korean culture and etiquette. This chapter will empower you to communicate with respect and grace, allowing you to integrate more smoothly into various social settings. You'll learn how to elevate the status of the person performing an action, ensuring your speech is always appropriate, whether you're talking to your friends, your university professor, or your parents. This skill is crucial for sounding more like a native speaker and avoiding common pitfalls that can inadvertently cause offense.
In Korean, showing respect through language is paramount, and honorifics are the cornerstone of this practice. This guide focuses on respecting the subject of your sentence – the person doing the action. We'll introduce you to the versatile suffix -(으)시, which is like a 'VIP upgrade' for most verbs. You'll also encounter special honorific verbs like 계시다 (to be) and 드시다 (to eat/drink), which completely replace their regular counterparts when referring to highly respected individuals. Finally, we’ll explore the unique verb 말씀하시다, used specifically when a respected person is speaking.
By the end of this chapter, you won't just be memorizing rules; you'll be gaining a powerful tool for authentic communication. This is a big leap towards becoming a confident and culturally aware Korean speaker. Ready to add a touch of elegance and profound respect to your conversations? Let’s dive in!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces you to the art of using Korean honorifics, specifically for the subject of your sentence. The core idea is to show respect to the person performing the action.
First up is the versatile subject honorific suffix -(으)시. This "VIP" verb ending is attached to the verb stem to show respect to the subject. If the verb stem ends in a consonant (batchim), you add -으시-. If it ends in a vowel, you add -시-. Remember, this is *never* used for your own actions. For example, the verb 가다 (to go) becomes 가시다 when talking about a respected person going. 읽다 (to read) becomes 읽으시다.
* 선생님은 책을 읽으세요. (The teacher reads a book.)
* 할머니는 집에 가셨어요. (Grandma went home.)
Next, we dive into truly "VIP" honorific verbs that entirely replace their regular counterparts when the subject is highly respected. These are fundamental for B1 Korean learners.
* 있다 (to be/exist) becomes 계시다.
* 아버지는 집에 계세요. (Father is at home.)
* 먹다 (to eat) and 마시다 (to drink) both become 드시다.
* 사장님은 커피를 드세요. (The CEO drinks coffee.)
* 어머니는 아침을 드셨어요. (Mother ate breakfast.)
These verbs are exclusively for subjects like parents, grandparents, superiors, or elders.
Finally, we have the special verb 말씀하시다 (to speak). While 말하다 is the general verb for "to speak," 말씀하시다 is used when a respected person is the one speaking. It already contains the honorific suffix -시- within its form.
* 교수님께서 중요한 것을 말씀하셨어요. (The professor spoke about something important.)
* 할아버지가 재미있는 이야기를 말씀하세요. (Grandfather tells an interesting story.)
Mastering these forms is a significant step in your journey to confident and respectful Korean communication.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 집에 계세요.
✓ Correct: 저는 집에 있어요.
*Explanation:* You should never use honorific verbs or suffixes for yourself. 계시다 is an honorific form of 있다, meaning "to be," and should only be used when referring to a respected person.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 할머니가 밥을 먹어요.
✓ Correct: 할머니가 밥을 드세요.
*Explanation:* When referring to an elder or superior eating, you must use the honorific verb 드시다 instead of the regular 먹다.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 사장님이 말해요.
✓ Correct: 사장님이 말씀하세요.
*Explanation:* For a highly respected person like a CEO speaking, the special honorific verb 말씀하시다 is preferred over the general 말하다.

Real Conversations

A

A

어머니는 지금 어디에 계세요? (Where is Mom now?)
B

B

부엌에서 저녁 식사를 준비하고 계세요. (She is preparing dinner in the kitchen.)
A

A

교수님께서 지난주에 뭐라고 말씀하셨어요? (What did the professor say last week?)
B

B

시험에 대한 중요한 정보를 말씀하셨어요. (He spoke about important information regarding the exam.)
A

A

할아버지, 차 좀 드세요. (Grandfather, please drink some tea.)
B

B

고맙다. 너도 좀 마셔라. (Thank you. You drink some too.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use Korean honorifics with my own family members?

You should generally use honorifics like -(으)시, 계시다, and 드시다 when talking about your parents, grandparents, and older relatives. It's a standard way to show respect within the family structure.

Q

Is it always rude not to use honorifics in Korean when appropriate?

Not always "rude" in a harsh sense, but it can sound impolite, disrespectful, or awkward, especially when speaking to or about elders, superiors, or strangers in formal settings. Using them correctly is crucial for proper social etiquette.

Q

How do I know whether to use -(으)시 or a special honorific verb like 계시다?

If a special honorific verb exists (like 계시다 for 있다, 드시다 for 먹다/마시다), you should *always* use that special verb for highly respected subjects. If no special verb exists, then you add -(으)시 to the regular verb stem (e.g., 가시다 from 가다).

Q

Can I use -(으)시 for objects or animals?

No, -(으)시 is strictly for showing respect to a *person* who is the subject of the sentence. It should never be used for inanimate objects, animals, or abstract concepts.

Cultural Context

Korean honorifics are deeply ingrained in the language, reflecting the country's hierarchical social structure and emphasis on respect for elders and superiors. Using these forms correctly is not just about grammar; it's a vital part of showing good manners and cultural understanding. In daily life, you'll hear them constantly, from news anchors referring to VIPs to children talking about their grandparents. While younger generations sometimes use honorifics less strictly among close friends, knowing and applying them appropriately is essential for all formal interactions and when addressing or referring to anyone older or of higher status. This skill is a cornerstone of effective Korean communication.

Key Examples (6)

1

Eommaga jeonhwareul badeuseyo.

Mom is answering the phone.

Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings
2

Seonsaengnim, eodi gaseyo?

Teacher, where are you going?

Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings
3

할머니, 진지 드셨어요?

Grandmother, have you eaten (meal)?

Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)
4

부장님은 지금 회의실에 계세요.

The department manager is in the meeting room right now.

Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)
5

선생님께서 지금 말씀하세요.

The teacher is speaking now.

Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)
6

사장님, 다시 한번 말씀해 주시겠어요?

Boss, could you please say that one more time?

Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Tips & Tricks (3)

💡

Check the Subject

Always identify the subject before conjugating. If it's an elder, use -si.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings
💡

Subject Particle

Always use -께서 with honorific verbs.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)
💡

Subject vs Object

Always check who is doing the speaking. If it's a superior, use honorifics. If it's you, use humble.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Key Vocabulary (5)

계시다 (gyesida) to be (honorific) 드시다 (deusida) to eat/drink (honorific) 말씀하시다 (malsseumhasida) to speak (honorific) 가시다 (gasida) to go (honorific) 주무시다 (jumusida) to sleep (honorific)

Real-World Preview

coffee

Dinner with a Professor

Review Summary

  • Verb stem + (으)시 + ending
  • Irregular replacement
  • 말씀 + 하시다

Common Mistakes

You should never use honorifics for yourself. '드세요' is for someone else.

Wrong: 저는 밥을 드세요.
Correct: 저는 밥을 먹어요.

When the subject is a superior, you must use the honorific verb.

Wrong: 선생님이 먹어요.
Correct: 선생님이 드세요.

Use '말씀하시다' instead of the standard '말하다' for respect.

Wrong: 선생님이 말해요.
Correct: 선생님이 말씀하세요.

Next Steps

You have mastered one of the hardest parts of Korean! Keep practicing and you'll sound like a native in no time.

Listen to a formal Korean news broadcast and identify the honorific verbs.

Continue to: Polite Vocabulary: Honorific Nouns

Quick Practice (10)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

어머니가 먹습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 어머니께서 먹으십니다.
Need honorific subject marker and verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 가십니다.
Correct subject particle and verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Fill in the correct honorific form.

선생님께서 학교에 ___ (가다).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가십니다
Vowel stem + si + formal ending.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings

Fill in the blank.

할아버지께서 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 말씀하시길
Subject is grandfather.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Choose the correct form.

제가 사장님께 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 말씀드립니다
Humble form for self.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

제가 선생님께 말씀하십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제가 선생님께 말씀드립니다
Humble form required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Fill in the blank.

선생님께서 학교에 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가십니다
Honorific verb needed.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님께서 말씀하십니다.
Honorific verb and particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

선생님이 읽습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 읽으십니다
Honorific particle and verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

할아버지가 먹습니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할아버지께서 드십니다
Honorific particle and verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, it is reserved for those older or of higher status. Using it for friends sounds sarcastic or distant.
The ㄹ drops and you add -si. For example, '만들다' becomes '만드시다'.
Usually no, unless you want to be sarcastic or very formal.
Follow the standard rules for irregular conjugation.
No, that would sound sarcastic or overly formal.
말씀하시다 is for superiors; 말씀드리다 is for you speaking to them.
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Polite Vocabulary: Honorific Nouns
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