Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)
(으)시 to honor the person performing the action, never use it to refer to your own actions.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Add -(으)시 to a verb stem to show respect for the person performing the action.
- If the stem ends in a vowel, add -시: 가다 → 가시다.
- If the stem ends in a consonant, add -으시: 먹다 → 먹으시다.
- If the stem ends in 'ㄹ', drop the 'ㄹ' and add -시: 만들다 → 만드시다.
Overview
The Korean honorific infix -(으)시 (\[-(eu)si]) serves a fundamental role in expressing subject honorification. Unlike simple politeness markers that indicate respect towards the listener, -(으)시 is attached directly to a verb or adjective stem to show deference and respect for the grammatical subject of the sentence. This deeply ingrained linguistic feature reflects the hierarchical nature of Korean society, where age, social status, and professional rank dictate speech patterns.
Mastering -(으)시 is not merely a grammatical exercise; it is crucial for navigating social interactions respectfully and demonstrating cultural awareness. Its correct application signifies a speaker's understanding of social relationships and the appropriate level of respect to convey. This infix elevates the subject, indicating they hold a position of importance or seniority relative to the speaker.
Conjugation Table
| Stem Ending | Infix | Example Stem | Honorific Stem | Example -(으)십니다 Form |
Example -(으)세요 Form |
Translation (Honored Subject) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :------------ | :------ | :------------- | :--------------- | :----------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------------------- | ||
| Vowel | -시 |
가다 (to go) |
가시- |
가십니다 |
가세요 |
goes | ||
| Consonant | -으시 |
읽다 (to read) |
읽으시- |
읽으십니다 |
읽으세요 |
reads | ||
ㄹ (after removing ㄹ) |
-시 |
만들다 (to make) |
만드시- |
만드십니다 |
만드세요 |
makes | ||
ㅂ irregular (verb) |
우시 |
돕다 (to help) |
도우시- |
도우십니다 |
도우세요 |
helps | ||
ㄷ irregular (verb) |
들으시 |
듣다 (to listen) |
들으시- |
들으십니다 |
들으세요 |
listens | ||
ㅅ irregular (verb) |
나으시 |
낫다 (to recover) |
나으시- |
나으십니다 |
나으세요 |
recovers | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 먹다 (to eat) |
드시다 |
드십니다 |
드세요 |
eats (honorific) | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 자다 (to sleep) |
주무시다 |
주무십니다 |
주무세요 |
sleeps (honorific) | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 있다 (to be/have) |
계시다 |
계십니다 |
계세요 |
is/has (honorific) | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 말하다 (to speak) |
말씀하시다 |
말씀하십니다 |
말씀하세요 |
speaks (honorific) | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 아프다 (to be sick) |
편찮으시다 |
편찮으십니다 |
편찮으세요 |
is sick (honorific) | ||
| Special Verb | (N/A) | 죽다 (to die) |
돌아가시다 |
돌아가십니다 |
돌아가세요 |
passes away (honorific) |
How This Grammar Works
-(으)시 is an infix, meaning it is inserted within the verb or adjective structure, specifically between the root stem and any subsequent conjugational endings. Its position is crucial: verb/adjective stem + -(으)시- + ending. This placement allows it to modify the core meaning of the predicate by imbuing it with respect towards the action's agent – the subject.-(으)시 only pertains to the grammatical subject of the sentence. The listener's status is addressed by different politeness levels applied through the final sentence ending, such as -(으)ㅂ니다/-(스)ㅂ니다 (formal polite) or -(아/어/여)요 (standard polite), not by -(으)시 itself.오다 (to come). If the subject is a respected individual, you remove 다 to get the stem 오-, then add -시-, forming 오시-. This honorific stem 오시- can then be conjugated with various endings.오십니다 (\[osipnida]), as in 교수님께서 학교에 오십니다. (The professor comes to school.). With the standard polite ending, 오시- combines with -어요, contracting to 오셔요 (rarely used in modern speech) or more commonly 오세요 (\[oseyo]), as in 할머니께서 지금 오세요. (Grandmother is coming now.). This contraction of 시 + 어 to 셔 is a common phonological process in Korean, leading to forms like 계셔요/계세요 from 계시다.-(으)시 when appropriate can be perceived as rude or disrespectful, regardless of the politeness level of the sentence ending.Formation Pattern
-(으)시 follows specific rules based on the final consonant of the stem, with several important irregulars and special honorific vocabulary items to memorize.
다 (\[da]).
가다 (to go) → 가-
읽다 (to read) → 읽-
-(으)시- Rule: This is the primary decision point.
-시-.
가- + -시- → 가시- (\[gasi-])
크다 (to be big) → 크- + -시- → 크시- (\[keusi-])
-으시-.
읽- + -으시- → 읽으시- (\[ilgeusi-])
앉다 (to sit) → 앉- + -으시- → 앉으시- (\[anjjeusi-])
-(으)시 formation:
ㄹ Irregular Verbs: If a verb stem ends in ㄹ (e.g., 살다 (to live), 만들다 (to make)), the ㄹ is dropped before adding -시-.
살- (from 살다) → 사- + -시- → 사시- (\[sasi-])
만들- (from 만들다) → 만드- + -시- → 만드시- (\[mandeusi-])
ㅂ Irregular Verbs: The ㅂ changes to 우 (\[u]) before -(으)시-.
돕다 (to help) → 도우- + -시- → 도우시- (\[dou-si-])
춥다 (to be cold) → 추우- + -시- → 추우시- (\[chu-usi-])
ㄷ Irregular Verbs: The ㄷ changes to ㄹ (\[l]) before -(으)시-.
듣다 (to listen) → 들으- + -시- → 들으시- (\[deureusi-])
ㅅ Irregular Verbs: The ㅅ is dropped before -(으)시-.
낫다 (to recover) → 나으- + -시- → 나으시- (\[naeusi-])
-(으)시 to the regular verb. These must be memorized.
먹다 (to eat) → 드시다 (\[deusida])
자다 (to sleep) → 주무시다 (\[jumusida])
있다 (to be/have) → 계시다 (\[gyesida])
말하다 (to speak) → 말씀하시다 (\[malsseumhasida])
아프다 (to be sick) → 편찮으시다 (\[pyeonchaneusida])
죽다 (to die) → 돌아가시다 (\[doragasida])
가시-, 읽으시-, 계시-), you attach the appropriate sentence ending. The most common are:
-(으)십니다/-(스)ㅂ니다.
가시- + ㅂ니다 → 가십니다 (\[gasipnida])
읽으시- + ㅂ니다 → 읽으십니다 (\[ilgeusipnida])
계시- + ㅂ니다 → 계십니다 (\[gyesipnida])
-(으)세요 (resulting from -(으)시 + -어요 contraction).
가시- + 어요 → 가셔요 → 가세요 (\[gaseyo])
읽으시- + 어요 → 읽으셔요 → 읽으세요 (\[ilgeuseyo])
계시- + 어요 → 계셔요 → 계세요 (\[gyeseyo])
-(으)시 can combine with other endings too, such as declarative -(으)시ㄴ다, interrogative -(으)시ㅂ니까?, or propositive -(으)시ㅂ시다. However, -(으)세요 and -(으)십니다 are the most frequently encountered forms for A2 learners.
-(으)시ㅂ니다 and -(으)세요 depends on the level of politeness towards the listener, while -(으)시 itself remains fixed in showing respect for the subject.
When To Use It
-(으)시 is mandatory when the grammatical subject of your sentence is an individual who is socially senior to you or deserves your explicit respect. This extends beyond direct age to encompass various social hierarchies and roles. Understanding these contexts is key to appropriate usage.- Age Superiority: This is the most straightforward application. When speaking about someone significantly older than you, such as your parents, grandparents, older relatives, or elderly strangers,
-(으)시must be used. For example,어머니께서 시장에 가십니다.(My mother goes to the market.) or할아버지께서 신문을 읽으세요.(My grandfather reads the newspaper.). Even for an older sibling, using-(으)시demonstrates acknowledgment of their seniority, even if you are close.
- Social/Professional Rank: Use
-(으)시when referring to individuals in positions of authority or high social standing. This includes teachers (선생님), professors (교수님), bosses (사장님), customers (손님), clients (고객님), doctors (의사 선생님), religious figures, or government officials. For instance,사장님께서 회의에 참석하십니다.(The CEO attends the meeting.) or손님, 주문하시겠습니까?(Customer, would you like to order?).
- Public Figures & Unfamiliar Individuals: When discussing respected public figures (historical or contemporary) or when speaking to or about a stranger whose age or rank you do not know, it is safest and most polite to use
-(으)시. This prevents unintentional rudeness.세종대왕께서는 한글을 만드셨습니다.(King Sejong created Hangeul.) is a historical example. When asking a stranger,어디에 가세요?(Where are you going?) is the standard polite form.
- Indirect Honorification: Korean honorifics can also extend indirectly. When referring to actions, possessions, body parts, or even places associated with a respected individual, the verb or adjective describing these items may take
-(으)시. This signifies that the respect for the person
Honorific Conjugation Table
| Verb Stem | Honorific Stem | Polite Form (-어요) | Formal Form (-ㅂ니다) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
가시-
|
가세요
|
가십니다
|
|
먹다
|
먹으시-
|
먹으세요
|
먹으십니다
|
|
읽다
|
읽으시-
|
읽으세요
|
읽으십니다
|
|
보다
|
보시-
|
보세요
|
보십니다
|
|
만들다
|
만드시-
|
만드세요
|
만드십니다
|
|
살다
|
사시-
|
사세요
|
사십니다
|
Meanings
The honorific infix -(으)시 is used to elevate the subject of a sentence, showing deference to the person performing the action.
Subject Respect
Elevating the subject of the sentence.
“할머니께서 주무십니다.”
“사장님께서 말씀하십니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + (으)시 + Ending
|
가십니다
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + (으)시 + 지 않다
|
안 가십니다
|
|
Interrogative
|
Stem + (으)시 + 나요/습니까
|
가십니까?
|
|
Past
|
Stem + (으)셨 + Ending
|
가셨습니다
|
|
Future
|
Stem + (으)시 + 겠 + Ending
|
가시겠습니다
|
|
Progressive
|
Stem + (으)시 + 고 있다
|
가시고 있습니다
|
Formality Spectrum
선생님께서 식사하십니다. (Talking about a teacher)
선생님께서 식사하세요. (Talking about a teacher)
선생님께서 식사해. (Talking about a teacher)
쌤 밥 먹어. (Talking about a teacher)
Honorific Hierarchy
Family
- 할머니 Grandmother
- 아버지 Father
Professional
- 사장님 Boss
- 교수님 Professor
Examples by Level
선생님이 가세요.
The teacher goes.
어머니가 보세요.
Mother watches.
할아버지가 오세요.
Grandfather comes.
아버지가 읽으세요.
Father reads.
사장님께서 회의를 하십니다.
The boss is having a meeting.
교수님께서 책을 읽으십니다.
The professor is reading a book.
할머니께서 주무십니다.
Grandmother is sleeping.
부장님께서 말씀하셨습니다.
The manager spoke.
어머니께서 어제 시장에 가셨어요.
Mother went to the market yesterday.
선생님께서 학생들에게 숙제를 주셨습니다.
The teacher gave homework to the students.
할아버지께서 건강이 좋으십니다.
Grandfather's health is good.
사장님께서 내일 출장을 가실 거예요.
The boss will go on a business trip tomorrow.
고객님께서 주문하신 상품이 도착했습니다.
The product you ordered has arrived.
교수님께서는 이 분야의 권위자이십니다.
The professor is an authority in this field.
어머님께서는 항상 저를 생각해주십니다.
Mother always thinks of me.
부장님께서 직접 검토하시겠다고 하셨습니다.
The manager said he would review it himself.
선생님께서는 평소에 독서를 즐기십니다.
The teacher usually enjoys reading.
할머님께서는 연세가 많으심에도 정정하십니다.
Despite her old age, Grandmother is healthy.
사장님께서 이번 프로젝트를 총괄하시게 되었습니다.
The boss has come to oversee this project.
부모님께서 저희의 결혼을 허락해주셨습니다.
Our parents gave us permission to marry.
교수님께서는 학문적 성취뿐만 아니라 인품도 훌륭하십니다.
The professor is excellent not only in academic achievement but also in character.
회장님께서 직접 참석하시어 자리를 빛내주셨습니다.
The chairman attended in person and graced the occasion.
어머님께서는 평생을 자식들을 위해 헌신해오셨습니다.
Mother has dedicated her whole life to her children.
선생님께서 말씀하신 바와 같이 이 문제는 신중히 접근해야 합니다.
As the teacher mentioned, this issue must be approached carefully.
Easily Confused
Learners often add -시 to verbs that already have special honorific forms.
Learners think -어요 is enough to show respect.
Learners forget to add '으' after consonants.
Common Mistakes
제가 가세요.
제가 갑니다.
선생님이 가다.
선생님께서 가십니다.
먹으세요.
잡수세요.
가으세요.
가세요.
할머니가 주무시다.
할머니께서 주무십니다.
만드으세요.
만드세요.
선생님은 가십니다.
선생님께서는 가십니다.
사장님께서 가셨다.
사장님께서 가셨습니다.
선생님께서 먹으셨어요.
선생님께서 잡수셨어요.
가시지 않으셨어요.
안 가셨어요.
사장님께서 오시게 되었습니다.
사장님께서 오셨습니다.
선생님께서 하신 말씀이...
선생님께서 말씀하신...
부모님께서 오시나요?
부모님께서 오십니까?
사장님께서 가시겠습니까?
사장님께서 가시겠습니까?
Sentence Patterns
___께서 ___하십니다.
___께서 ___하셨습니까?
___께서 ___지 않으십니다.
___께서 ___실 것입니다.
Real World Usage
선생님께서 가르치십니다.
사장님께서 회의하십니다.
할아버지께서 식사하세요.
고객님께서 주문하셨습니다.
우리 교수님께서 책을 내셨어요!
기사님께서 운전하십니다.
Always check the subject
Don't use for yourself
Learn the irregulars
Respect is key
Smart Tips
Always add -시 to the verb.
Use -께서 and honorific verbs.
Use honorifics to show filial piety.
Use formal honorific endings.
Pronunciation
Consonant assimilation
When -시 follows a consonant, it may sound like 'shi'.
Rising
가세요? ↑
Questioning politely.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Si' as a 'Seat' of honor. When you add it, you are giving the subject a seat of honor in your sentence.
Visual Association
Imagine a king sitting on a throne. Every time he does something, you add a golden 'Si' crown to the verb.
Rhyme
Vowel needs a 'Si', Consonant needs 'Eusi'.
Story
You are at a dinner party. Your grandfather (the subject) is hungry. You don't just say 'eat', you add 'Si' to make it 'eat-Si' (honorific) because he is the guest of honor.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your teacher using honorifics.
Cultural Notes
Honorifics are mandatory in professional and family settings. It shows respect for the person's status.
In business, you must use honorifics for clients and superiors, even if they are younger than you.
You must use honorifics for parents and grandparents. It is a sign of filial piety.
The honorific infix comes from the verb '시다', which meant 'to be' or 'to exist' in a respectful way.
Conversation Starters
선생님께서 무엇을 하십니까?
부모님께서 건강하십니까?
사장님께서 언제 오십니까?
할머니께서 무엇을 좋아하십니까?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
선생님께서 학교에 ___.
교수님께서 책을 ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
나는 선생님께서 가십니다.
어머니가 요리한다.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
사장님, 오다, 오늘
만들다 -> ?
할아버지께서 ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises선생님께서 학교에 ___.
교수님께서 책을 ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
나는 선생님께서 가십니다.
어머니가 요리한다.
가다 - ?, 먹다 - ?
사장님, 오다, 오늘
만들다 -> ?
할아버지께서 ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises어머니가 영화를 ___.
선생님, 점심 ___.
My father lives in Korea.
Where are you going?
사장님이 직원들을 ___.
여기에 ___.
가십니다 / 선생님이 / 학교에
할아버지가 지금 ___.
Please speak.
Ask grandmother if she ate.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it is reserved for people you respect. Using it for friends might sound sarcastic.
You still use -(으)시 if the group consists of people you respect.
Yes, it is used in formal writing, news, and professional emails.
Some verbs are so common that they developed special honorific forms over time to show extra respect.
Yes, it becomes -(으)셨습니다.
It is better to use -께서, but -이/가 is sometimes heard in less formal speech.
Most irregulars are common verbs like 'eat', 'sleep', and 'speak'.
Yes, adjectives can also take -(으)시 to describe a respected person's state (e.g., 좋으시다).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Sonkeigo
Korean honorifics are more mandatory in daily life.
Usted
Spanish honorifics are listener-focused; Korean are subject-focused.
Sie
German does not change the verb for honorifics.
Vouvoyer
French lacks subject-based honorific verb conjugation.
Nin
Chinese is an isolating language with no verb conjugation.
Formal address
Arabic honorifics are lexical, not morphological.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)
Overview The `ㅎ` irregular (히읗 불규칙 동사) rule governs a specific set of Korean descriptive verbs, primarily those...
The ㅂ Melting Rule: Hot & Cold Verbs (chupda/chuwoyo)
Overview The Korean `ㅂ` irregular rule, often dubbed the "Hot & Cold Verbs," is a crucial phonological phenomenon that...
Irregular Verbs (ㄷ → ㄹ): Walking, Hearing, Asking
Overview In Korean, verb conjugation often follows predictable patterns. However, certain verbs undergo systematic chang...
The 'Eu' Drop Pattern: Why 으 Disappears
Overview The Korean '으' (eu) drop pattern is a fundamental phonological rule governing the conjugation of many verbs an...
Future Intent & Guessing (겠)
Overview Korean grammar employs the suffix `겠` (ges) to convey nuanced future-oriented meanings that extend beyond a si...
