Honorific Nouns: 말씀 (Words/Speech)
말씀 to honor a superior's speech or to humble your own speech when talking to them.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '말씀' instead of '말' when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting to show respect.
- Use '말씀' when referring to the speech of a superior: '선생님의 말씀' (The teacher's words).
- Use '말씀하시다' for the honorific verb form: '할아버지께서 말씀하셨어요' (Grandfather spoke).
- Never use '말씀' for your own speech unless you are being humble: '제 말씀은...' (My point is...).
Overview
Korean society places significant emphasis on hierarchy and social relationships, which are inherently reflected in its language through the system of honorifics. Among these, honorific nouns play a crucial role in demonstrating respect. The noun 말씀 (mal-sseum), meaning "words" or "speech," is a primary example, serving as the honorific counterpart to the plain noun 말 (mal).
Unlike many honorifics that solely elevate the subject, 말씀 exhibits a unique dual function: it can both honor the words of a superior and humble one's own words when speaking to a superior. This linguistic mechanism is not merely about politeness; it is a fundamental aspect of grammatical structure and social interaction in Korean, influencing verb choices and sentence construction. Understanding 말씀 is pivotal for B1 learners, as its correct application is essential for navigating daily conversations and professional settings without inadvertently causing offense or appearing awkward.
Its pervasive use across various communication forms underscores its importance in achieving fluency and cultural competence.
How This Grammar Works
말씀 operates within Korean's sophisticated system of speech levels, which dictates vocabulary and verb endings based on the speaker's and listener's relative social status, age, and familiarity. You can conceptualize 말씀 as the designated term for "words" or "speech" when respect is either being extended to the source of the words or expressed by the speaker regarding their own words in the presence of a respected individual. This duality is central to its usage.말씀 functions as an honorific, it elevates the words of someone socially superior to you or someone you wish to show respect. This usage acknowledges the inherent value or authority associated with their utterances. For instance, referring to your professor's advice as 교수님 말씀 (gyosu-nim mal-sseum) immediately conveys deference, distinguishing it from merely calling it 교수님 말 (gyosu-nim mal).말씀 shifts the focus of respect to the speaker's words.말씀 also serves a humble function when you are the speaker, and your words are directed towards a superior. In this context, using 말씀 for your own speech implicitly lowers your status relative to the listener, thereby elevating them. This is not about demeaning your speech but rather about demonstrating humility and respect in the interaction.제가 말씀드리겠습니다" (je-ga mal-sseum-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da, "I will tell you"), you are humbly offering your words to the listener. The choice between its honorific and humble interpretations depends entirely on the associated verb and the context of the speaker-listener dynamic.gyeom-yang-eo) and other-elevating (높임말, nop-im-mal). 말씀 is exceptional in that it occupies both categories depending on its grammatical predicate, making it a cornerstone of polite communication. Ignoring this distinction can lead to significant social missteps, highlighting the necessity for precise application.Formation Pattern
말씀 is critical, as its meaning shifts based on the accompanying verb and particles. 말씀 is primarily a noun, but its honorific or humble nuance is cemented by the verb it precedes or follows.
말씀 as a Standalone Noun (Their Words):
말씀 refers to the words of a respected person, it functions as a simple honorific noun. It often appears with possessive markers or as a direct object/subject.
[Respected Person] + 말씀 | Possessive | 선생님 말씀 | seonsaengnim mal-sseum | Teacher's words |
[Respected Person] + 의 말씀 | Possessive | 부장님의 말씀 | bujangnim-ui mal-sseum | Department head's words |
말씀 + 이/가 | Subject | 말씀이 옳습니다. | mal-sseum-i ol-sseup-ni-da. | Your words are right. (Formal polite) |
말씀 + 을/를 | Object | 선생님의 말씀을 따르세요. | seonsaengnim-ui mal-sseum-eul tta-reu-se-yo. | Please follow the teacher's words. (Formal polite) |
할머니의 말씀은 언제나 저에게 큰 힘이 됩니다. (hal-meo-ni-ui mal-sseum-eun eon-je-na jeo-e-ge keun him-i doem-ni-da.) - Grandmother's words are always a great source of strength for me.
그분의 말씀이 모두에게 감동을 주었습니다. (geu-bun-ui mal-sseum-i mo-du-e-ge gam-dong-eul ju-eot-seum-ni-da.) - His/her words deeply moved everyone.
말씀 combines with the honorific verb 하시다 (ha-si-da, to do/speak). This explicitly attributes the act of speaking to someone of higher status.
말씀 + 하시 + ㅂ니다/습니다 | 말씀하십니다 | - | (They) speak (formally) |
말씀 + 하시 + 세요 | - | 말씀하세요 | Please speak / (They) speak |
말씀 + 하시 + 었습니다/았습니다 | 말씀하셨습니다 | 말씀하셨어요 | (They) spoke |
말씀 + 하시 + ㄹ까요/을까요 | 말씀하실까요? | 말씀하실까요? | Shall (they) speak? |
말씀 + 하시 + 겠습니까/겠습니다 | 말씀하시겠습니까? | 말씀하시겠어요? | Will (they) speak? |
말씀하시다 can also be used as an imperative 말씀하십시오 (mal-sseum-ha-sip-si-o, "Please speak," very formal).
사장님께서 회의에서 중요한 말씀을 하셨습니다. (sa-jang-nim-kke-seo hoe-ui-e-seo jung-yo-han mal-sseum-eul ha-syeot-seum-ni-da.) - The CEO gave an important speech at the meeting.
교수님, 질문이 있는데 잠시 말씀해 주실 수 있으세요? (gyo-su-nim, jil-mun-i it-neun-de jam-si mal-sseum-hae ju-sil su it-seu-se-yo?) - Professor, I have a question, could you speak for a moment?
어머니께서는 항상 좋은 말씀을 해주십니다. (eo-meo-ni-kke-seo-neun hang-sang jo-eun mal-sseum-eul hae-ju-sip-ni-da.) - Mother always gives good words (advice).
말씀 combines with the humble verb 드리다 (deu-ri-da, to give). This structure signifies that you are "offering" your words respectfully to the listener, thereby humbling yourself.
말씀 + 드리 + ㅂ니다/습니다 | 말씀드립니다 | - | I speak (humbly, formally) |
말씀 + 드리 + 어요/아요 | - | 말씀드려요 | I speak (humbly, politely) |
말씀 + 드리 + ㄹ게요/을게요 | - | 말씀드릴게요 | I will tell you (humbly) |
말씀 + 드리 + 었습니다/았습니다 | 말씀드렸습니다 | 말씀드렸어요 | I told you (humbly) |
말씀 + 드리 + 겠습니까/겠습니다 | 말씀드리겠습니다 | 말씀드리겠어요? | I will tell you (humbly) |
부장님께 자세한 내용을 말씀드리겠습니다. (bu-jang-nim-kke ja-se-han nae-yong-eul mal-sseum-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.) - I will tell the department head the detailed information.
궁금한 점을 선생님께 말씀드려도 될까요? (gung-geum-han jeom-eul seon-saeng-nim-kke mal-sseum-deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?) - May I humbly ask the teacher about what I'm curious about?
고객님께 중요한 말씀을 드려야 할 것 같습니다. (go-gaek-nim-kke jung-yo-han mal-sseum-eul deu-ryeo-ya hal geot gat-seum-ni-da.) - I think I need to respectfully tell the customer something important.
말씀 or the verbs can vary.
[Superior]께서 말씀하시다 (-kkeseo is the honorific subject marker).
[Superior]께 말씀드리다 (-kke is the honorific dative marker).
말씀 can be the subject itself: 말씀이 있으시겠습니다 (mal-sseum-i i-sseu-si-get-seum-ni-da, "There will be words [from a respected person]").
When To Use It
말씀 is fundamentally dictated by the social hierarchy and the nature of your relationship with the person you are communicating with. It is not merely a formality but a linguistic embodiment of respect and humility within a specific context. You should employ 말씀 whenever the interaction calls for elevated language, either to acknowledge the superior status of the person speaking or to humbly position your own speech when addressing a superior.말씀 is used to show deference. This is a non-negotiable aspect of polite family communication in Korea.어머니께서 무슨 말씀이 있으신가요?(eo-meo-ni-kke-seo mu-seun mal-sseum-i i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?) - Mother, do you have something to say? (Honoring her words)할머니께 제 생각을 말씀드렸어요.(hal-meo-ni-kke je saeng-gak-eul mal-sseum-deu-ryeot-eo-yo.) - I humbly told my grandmother my thoughts. (Humbly presenting your words)
말씀. When interacting with superiors (bosses, team leaders), clients, or anyone in a formal business context, 말씀 is indispensable for maintaining professional etiquette.부장님, 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.(bu-jang-nim, deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.) - Department head, I have something to humbly tell you.고객님의 말씀에 깊이 공감합니다.(go-gaek-nim-ui mal-sseum-e gip-i gong-gam-ham-ni-da.) - I deeply empathize with the customer's words.팀장님께서 다음 프로젝트에 대해 말씀해 주셨어요.(tim-jang-nim-kke-seo da-eum pro-jek-teu-e dae-hae mal-sseum-hae ju-syeot-seo-yo.) - The team leader spoke about the next project.
말씀 can signal respect. It is also used when you are in a service role and speaking to a customer.손님, 잠깐 말씀 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?(son-nim, jam-kkan mal-sseum jom yeo-jjeo-bwa-do doel-kka-yo?) - Customer, may I humbly ask a quick question? (Your words to them)직원분의 말씀대로 진행하겠습니다.(jik-won-bun-ui mal-sseum-dae-ro jin-haeng-ha-get-seum-ni-da.) - I will proceed as the staff member instructed. (Honoring their words)
말씀 to maintain a respectful tone.- Email subject:
부장님께 드릴 말씀이 있습니다.(bu-jang-nim-kke deu-ril mal-sseum-i it-seum-ni-da.) - I have something to humbly tell the department head. - Email body:
오늘 회의에서 하신 말씀 명심하겠습니다.(o-neul hoe-ui-e-seo ha-sin mal-sseum myeong-sim-ha-get-seum-ni-da.) - I will bear in mind what you said in today's meeting.
말씀 is likely the appropriate choice. Its absence in such contexts can be perceived as disrespectful or unrefined.Common Mistakes
말씀 are frequent among Korean learners, primarily because of its dual honorific and humble functions. Misapplication can lead to awkwardness, confusion, or even unintended disrespect. Avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial for effective communication.말씀하시다 for Yourself:말씀하시다 (mal-sseum-ha-si-da) to refer to your own words or actions. 하시다 is an honorific verb, exclusively used to elevate the subject. If you say 제가 말씀하셨습니다 (je-ga mal-sseum-ha-syeot-seum-ni-da), it literally translates to "I, a revered person, spoke," which is grammatically incorrect and highly arrogant.- Incorrect:
제가 부장님께 말씀하셨어요.(I, the revered person, spoke to the department head.) - Correct:
제가 부장님께 말씀드렸어요.(I humbly spoke to the department head.) - Correct:
부장님께서 말씀하셨어요.(The department head spoke.)
말씀드리다 to Subordinates/Friends:말씀드리다 (mal-sseum-deu-ri-da) humbles your own speech, it does so to elevate the listener. Therefore, using it when speaking to someone of equal or lower status implies that they are a superior, which can be awkward or even condescending.- Incorrect: (To a friend)
친구에게 말씀드릴게요.(I will humbly tell my friend.) - Correct: (To a friend)
친구에게 말할게요.(I will tell my friend.) - Correct: (To a superior)
부모님께 말씀드릴게요.(I will humbly tell my parents.)
말씀 in Intimate or Casual Settings:말씀 carries a formal or respectful tone. Using it with close friends, younger siblings, or in very casual situations is unnatural and can sound sarcastic or overly stiff. For intimate contexts, always use 말 (mal) or 이야기 (i-ya-gi, story/talk).- Incorrect:
친구야, 네 말씀이 정말 웃기다.(Friend, your words are really funny.) - Correct:
친구야, 네 말이 정말 웃기다.(Friend, your words are really funny.)
말씀 with General "Speech" or "Talk":말씀 translates to "words" or "speech," it's specifically for interpersonal communication involving honorifics. It is not used for a public address or a general discussion without a clear honorific context. For a public speech, terms like 연설 (yeon-seol) are more appropriate. For general talk, 이야기 is preferred.- Incorrect:
대통령이 국민들에게 말씀을 했습니다.(The president spoke words to the citizens.) - While not strictly wrong in conveying politeness,연설을 했습니다is more natural for a formal address. - Correct:
대통령이 국민들에게 연설을 했습니다.(The president gave a speech to the citizens.)
말씀:말씀 with plain verbs for superiors is highly disrespectful. Always ensure 말씀 is followed by the appropriate honorific (하시다) or humble (드리다) verb forms and politeness levels (합니다체, 해요체).- Incorrect:
선생님, 말하세요.(Teacher, speak. - Very rude) - Correct:
선생님, 말씀하세요.(Teacher, please speak. - Polite)
말 or 이야기. Reserve 말씀 for situations demanding explicit respect.Real Conversations
Observing 말씀 in authentic dialogue reveals its contextual flexibility and importance in Korean social dynamics. These examples demonstrate its use in both formal and polite casual settings, highlighting the distinction between 말씀하시다 and 말씀드리다.
Scenario 1
- Employee: 부장님, 잠시 말씀드릴 시간이 있으실까요? (bu-jang-nim, jam-si mal-sseum-deu-ril si-gan-i i-sseu-sil-kka-yo?)
- (Boss, would you have a moment for me to humbly speak?)
- Boss: 네, 그럼요. 무슨 말씀이세요? (ne, geu-reom-yo. mu-seun mal-sseum-i-se-yo?)
- (Yes, of course. What is it you wish to say? - lit. What are your words?)
- Employee: 다음 주 회의 안건에 대해 말씀드리려고 합니다. (da-eum ju hoe-ui an-geon-e dae-hae mal-sseum-deu-ri-ryeo-go ham-ni-da.)
- (I am going to humbly speak about next week's meeting agenda.)
Scenario 2
- Student: 교수님, 과제에 대해 궁금한 점이 있어서 말씀 여쭤보고 싶습니다. (gyo-su-nim, gwa-je-e dae-hae gung-geum-han jeom-i it-seo-seo mal-sseum yeo-jjeo-bo-go sip-seup-ni-da.)
- (Professor, I have something I'm curious about regarding the assignment, so I would like to humbly ask you a question.)
- Note: 말씀 여쭤보다 is a humble way to say "to ask a question" to a superior.
- Professor: 네, 편하게 말씀하세요. (ne, pyeon-ha-ge mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.)
- (Yes, please speak comfortably.)
Scenario 3
- Employee: 손님, 고객님의 말씀을 다시 한번 확인해 드리겠습니다. (son-nim, go-gaek-nim-ui mal-sseum-eul da-si han-beon hwag-in-hae deu-ri-get-seup-ni-da.)
- (Customer, I will reconfirm your words.)
- Customer: 이용 약관에 대해 자세히 말씀해 주시겠어요? (i-yong yak-gwan-e dae-hae ja-se-hi mal-sseum-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo?)
- (Could you please speak in detail about the terms and conditions?)
Scenario 4
- Friend A: 야, 너 어제 그 영화 봤어? 어땠어? (ya, neo eo-je geu yeong-hwa bwat-seo? eo-ttaet-seo?)
- (Hey, did you see that movie yesterday? How was it?)
- Friend B: 응, 내 말은 진짜 재밌었어. (eung, nae mal-eun jin-jja jae-mi-sseot-seo.)
- (Yeah, my words are it was really fun. - Uses 말 instead of 말씀)
Scenario 5
- Email to Senior Colleague: 선배님, 지난번에 주신 말씀 덕분에 잘 해결되었습니다. 감사합니다. (seon-bae-nim, ji-nan-beon-e ju-sin mal-sseum deok-bun-e jal hae-gyeol-doe-eot-seup-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da.)
- (Senior colleague, thanks to the words you gave last time, it was resolved well. Thank you.)
These examples underscore the critical role of context and relationship. 말씀 is not merely a vocabulary item but a dynamic tool for navigating social hierarchies in real-time communication. Its appropriate application reflects a deep understanding of Korean interpersonal etiquette.
Quick FAQ
말씀 that B1 learners often encounter.말씀 refer to things other than human speech?Typically, no. 말씀 almost exclusively refers to the words or speech of a human being, specifically in an honorific or humble context. It would be unnatural to use it for an animal's sounds or the "words" of a book in a literal sense.
In these cases, you would use 말 (mal) or 나오다 (na-o-da, to come out/appear) or 적혀있다 (jeok-hyeo-it-da, to be written). For example, 책에 그렇게 쓰여 있어요 (chaeg-e geu-reoh-ge sseu-yeo it-seo-yo, "It's written that way in the book") or 뉴스에서 말했어요 (nyu-seu-e-seo mal-haet-seo-yo, "The news said"). 말씀 is inappropriate here as there's no social hierarchy involved.
말씀 always honorific?This is a critical point of confusion. 말씀 itself is the honorific noun for 말. However, its overall function in a sentence (honorific or humble) is determined by the verb it pairs with. Paired with 하시다 (mal-sseum-ha-si-da), it honors the speaker. Paired with 드리다 (mal-sseum-deu-ri-da), it humbles the speaker's own words to the listener. So, it's not always honorific in effect but always carries an inherent elevated quality as a noun.
말씀 and 이야기 (i-ya-gi)?이야기 means "story," "talk," or "conversation" and is a neutral, non-honorific term. It can be used broadly for any talk or story, regardless of social status. 말씀 specifically denotes "words" or "speech" with an honorific or humble nuance, strictly tied to social hierarchy. You might 이야기하다 (to talk) with anyone, but you would 말씀드리다 (humbly speak) only to a superior, or a superior would 말씀하시다 (honorifically speak).
말씀 in questions? For example, "What is your opinion?"Absolutely. When asking a respected person for their opinion or thoughts, 말씀 is very common. You might say 의견 있으신 말씀 있으실까요? (ui-gyeon i-sseu-sin mal-sseum i-sseu-sil-kka-yo?) - "Do you have any words (opinions)?" or simply 무슨 말씀이세요? (mu-seun mal-sseum-i-se-yo?) - "What words are these?" (i.e., "What are you saying/what do you mean?").
말씀?Yes, Korean has several such pairs where a plain noun has a distinct honorific counterpart. These are crucial for B1 learners to master:
밥 (bap) | 진지 (jin-ji) | Meal |이름 (i-reum) | 성함 (seong-ham) | Name |나이 (na-i) | 연세 (yeon-se) | Age |집 (jip) | 댁 (daek) | Home/Residence |말씀 and these other honorific nouns will significantly enhance your ability to communicate respectfully and naturally in various Korean social contexts. Consistent practice with their paired verbs and appropriate politeness levels is key to fluid application.Honorific Verb Combinations
| Base | Honorific Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
말씀
|
하시다
|
To speak (Honorific)
|
|
말씀
|
드리다
|
To tell (Humble)
|
|
말씀
|
나누다
|
To converse (Honorific)
|
|
말씀
|
듣다
|
To listen (Humble)
|
|
말씀
|
올리다
|
To present words (Very Humble)
|
|
말씀
|
계시다
|
To have words (Honorific)
|
Meanings
A noun used as the honorific equivalent of '말' (speech/words). It is essential for maintaining social hierarchy in Korean.
Honorific Speech
Referring to what someone else has said or is saying.
“선생님의 말씀이 맞습니다.”
“어머니께서 말씀하셨어요.”
Humble Speech
Referring to one's own speech when speaking to a superior.
“제 말씀은 그게 아닙니다.”
“다시 말씀드리겠습니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subject + 께서 + 말씀 + 하시다
|
선생님께서 말씀하셨습니다.
|
|
Negative
|
말씀 + 이 + 없으시다
|
사장님은 말씀이 없으십니다.
|
|
Question
|
말씀 + 좀 + 주시겠습니까?
|
말씀 좀 주시겠습니까?
|
|
Humble
|
제 + 말씀 + 을 + 드리다
|
제 말씀을 드리겠습니다.
|
|
Past
|
말씀 + 하셨다
|
어머니께서 말씀하셨습니다.
|
|
Future
|
말씀 + 하시겠다
|
내일 말씀하시겠습니다.
|
Formality Spectrum
무슨 말씀을 하셨습니까? (Asking for clarification)
무슨 말을 했어요? (Asking for clarification)
뭐라고 했어? (Asking for clarification)
뭐래? (Asking for clarification)
The Honorific Hierarchy
Target
- 선생님 Teacher
- 부장님 Boss
Verb
- 하시다 Do (Hon)
- 드리다 Give (Hum)
Examples by Level
선생님 말씀.
Teacher's words.
말씀하세요.
Please speak.
좋은 말씀.
Good words.
말씀이 있어요.
There is a word/message.
어머니께서 말씀하셨어요.
Mother spoke.
무슨 말씀이세요?
What do you mean?
말씀 좀 해주세요.
Please tell me.
말씀이 없으시네요.
He isn't saying anything.
제 말씀을 들어주세요.
Please listen to my words.
다시 말씀드리겠습니다.
I will tell you again.
사장님의 말씀이 옳습니다.
The boss's words are correct.
말씀하신 대로 하겠습니다.
I will do as you said.
어제 말씀 나누신 내용은 비밀입니다.
What you discussed yesterday is a secret.
말씀을 올리기가 조심스럽습니다.
I am cautious about speaking (to you).
그렇게 말씀해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for saying so.
말씀이 길어지셨네요.
Your speech has become long.
귀하의 고견을 말씀해 주십시오.
Please share your esteemed opinion.
말씀하신 바와 같이 진행하겠습니다.
I will proceed as you have stated.
그 점에 대해서는 말씀드리기 어렵습니다.
It is difficult for me to speak about that point.
말씀을 삼가 주시기 바랍니다.
Please refrain from speaking.
본인의 말씀을 경청하는 자세가 필요합니다.
One needs an attitude of listening to the words of others.
말씀을 거두어 주시길 간곡히 부탁드립니다.
I earnestly request that you withdraw your words.
그분의 말씀은 깊은 울림이 있었습니다.
His words had a deep resonance.
말씀이 계시겠습니다.
There will be a speech (from him).
Easily Confused
Learners often use them interchangeably.
Mixing up honorific and humble.
Both mean speech/story.
Common Mistakes
친구 말씀
친구 말
말씀 했다
말씀하셨다
제 말씀입니다
제 말입니다
말씀이 있다
말씀이 있으시다
말씀을 주다
말씀을 주시다
선생님 말씀이 먹었다
선생님 말씀이 맞다
말씀을 듣다 (to boss)
말씀을 들으시다
말씀을 해라
말씀해 주세요
말씀이 길다
말씀이 길어지시다
말씀을 나누었다
말씀을 나누셨다
말씀을 삼가라
말씀을 삼가 주십시오
Sentence Patterns
___께서 말씀하셨습니다.
제 말씀을 ___.
___ 말씀이 맞습니다.
말씀 좀 ___.
Real World Usage
다시 말씀해 주시겠습니까?
교수님, 말씀하신 과제 확인했습니다.
말씀해 주시면 도와드리겠습니다.
아버지께서 말씀이 없으시네요.
좋은 말씀 감사합니다!
말씀 좀 여쭐게요.
Context is Key
Don't Overuse
Humble vs Honorific
Social Hierarchy
Smart Tips
Always check if you can use '말씀' instead of '말'.
Use '말씀드리다' to be humble.
Use '무슨 말씀이세요?'
Use '말씀하신 대로'.
Pronunciation
Double Consonant
The 'ㅆ' in 말씀 is a tense sound. Hold the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Rising
말씀이세요? ↑
Polite question
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '말씀' as 'Master's Speech'. Only use it for the Master (or someone you respect).
Visual Association
Imagine a golden crown floating above the word '말씀'. If the person you are talking to deserves a crown, use '말씀'.
Rhyme
For friends use '말', for the boss use '말씀', to keep the peace and avoid the fuss.
Story
Min-su was talking to his boss. He accidentally said '말' instead of '말씀'. The room went silent. He quickly corrected himself to '말씀', and the boss smiled.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences today using '말씀' to describe what someone you respect said.
Cultural Notes
Using '말씀' is mandatory when speaking to superiors to maintain professional harmony.
Children use '말씀' when referring to their parents' speech.
Speakers use '말씀' to refer to their own speech humbly.
Derived from the Sino-Korean root for speech, elevated by the honorific suffix system.
Conversation Starters
선생님께서 하신 말씀 중에 기억나는 게 있나요?
부모님께 어떤 말씀을 자주 드리나요?
상사에게 말씀드리기 어려운 적이 있나요?
좋은 말씀 감사합니다. 더 궁금한 게 있어요.
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
선생님께서 ___ 하셨습니다.
제 ___을 들어주세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 말씀하세요.
말씀 / 선생님 / 하셨습니다 / 께서
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Can I use '말씀' with my best friend?
A: 무슨 말씀이세요? B: ___.
말씀 + 하시다 (Past formal)
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises선생님께서 ___ 하셨습니다.
제 ___을 들어주세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 말씀하세요.
말씀 / 선생님 / 하셨습니다 / 께서
Match honorific/humble.
Can I use '말씀' with my best friend?
A: 무슨 말씀이세요? B: ___.
말씀 + 하시다 (Past formal)
Score: /8
Practice Bank
15 exercisesGrandma, I have something to tell you. 할머니, ___ 드릴 게 있어요.
Please speak, sir.
My little sister's words were funny. (제 여동생 말씀이 웃겼어요.)
Pair the relationship with the word choice.
have / I / words / to give / (to you).
Did you hear the CEO's ___? 사장님 ___ 들으셨어요?
Your teacher asks: 'Did you understand?'
Please speak.
I will speak to the teacher. (선생님께 말씀하겠습니다.)
좋은 말씀 ___. (Thank you for the good words.)
Someone says: '드릴 말씀이 있는데요...' (I have something to tell you...)
ask / May I / a word?
Match verb with meaning.
I spoke to the President. (사장님께 말씀하셨어요.)
You didn't hear what a customer said.
Score: /15
FAQ (8)
Yes, it is required for professional respect.
Yes, it refers to the act of speaking or the words spoken.
It makes them feel like you are treating them like a stranger.
The humble verb is '드리다'.
Yes, it is very common in formal emails.
It is standard across all Korean dialects.
You can say '말씀드리기 죄송합니다'.
No, it is used as a mass noun.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
お言葉 (O-kotoba)
Japanese has a wider range of honorific verbs.
Usted
Spanish honorifics are pronominal, not lexical nouns.
Sie
German lacks lexical honorifics.
Vouvoiement
French relies on pronoun choice.
您说 (Nin shuo)
Chinese honorifics are mostly pronominal.
كلامكم (Kalamukum)
Arabic uses grammatical number for respect.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
![악동뮤지션(Akdong Musician) [매력있어] @KPOPSTAR Season 2](https://sublearn.com/storage/thumbnails/tgkVdxi-D0Y.jpg)
![하루 5분씩 한글 발음 연습 [발음 좋아지는 방법- 받침발음편] |말버스](https://sublearn.com/storage/thumbnails/Dy6l7GjcFX4.jpg)
Related Grammar Rules
Humble Verbs: Taking & Serving Superiors (모시다)
Overview Korean, much like its East Asian linguistic relatives, is a language where social context dictates expression....
Special Honorific Verb: To Sleep (주무시다)
Overview Korean communication operates within a sophisticated system of **honorifics** (높임말, _noppimmal_), which are...
Honorific Eating: 드시다 & 잡수시다
Overview Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchical respect, a principle that permeates its language, especially ev...
Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)
Overview In Korean, showing respect extends beyond mere politeness levels; it's intricately woven into the very fabric...
Respectful Asking (여쭙다/여쭤보다)
Overview Korean communication is deeply interwoven with a sophisticated system of honorifics, which acknowledges the soc...
