B1 Particles 14 min read Medium

Honorific Subjects: 께서 (the polite version of 이/가)

Use 께서 instead of 이/가 to show high respect to subjects like elders, teachers, or superiors.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {께서|께서} instead of {이|가} when the subject of your sentence is someone you need to show respect to.

  • Use {께서|께서} for elders, superiors, or people of higher status: {선생님께서 오십니다|The teacher is coming}.
  • Do not use {께서|께서} for yourself or people younger/lower status than you.
  • Combine with honorific verb endings like {-(으)시-} for maximum politeness.
Respectful Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb

Overview

Korean society is structured around a profound respect for hierarchy, which is deeply embedded in its language. This manifests linguistically through the honorific system, a complex set of grammatical forms and vocabulary used to acknowledge the social status of individuals. The subject honorific particle 께서 (kkeseo) is a cornerstone of this system.

It functions as the honorific equivalent of the common subject markers 이 (i) and 가 (ga). You employ 께서 when the person performing the action in a sentence is someone you consider worthy of high respect due to age, social standing, or position. Ignoring this distinction can lead to impolite or awkward communication, signaling a lack of awareness about Korean cultural norms.

Mastering 께서 is not merely a grammatical exercise; it is an essential step in demonstrating cultural sensitivity and achieving fluency in respectful Korean communication.

Using 께서 elevates the subject of your sentence, immediately signaling respect to your listener. For instance, speaking about your grandmother, a teacher, or your company's CEO often necessitates the use of 께서. This particle is critical in both formal and semi-formal contexts, including professional communications, interactions with elders, or addressing public figures.

Failing to use it with appropriate subjects can inadvertently convey disrespect, even if unintentional. Consequently, integrating 께서 into your vocabulary is pivotal for navigating social interactions effectively in Korean.

How This Grammar Works

께서 fundamentally marks the subject of a sentence, much like 이 or 가. However, its usage is reserved exclusively for subjects who command respect. When you use 께서, it automatically implies that the subject is older, holds a higher social position, or is generally someone you need to show deference to.
This particle acts as a linguistic cue that prepares the listener for an honorific tone throughout the rest of the sentence, particularly in the verb conjugation.
The presence of 께서 typically requires the subsequent verb to also be in its honorific form. This is most commonly achieved by adding the infix -(으)시- (-(eu)si-) before the verb ending. For example, the non-honorific 먹다 (meokda, to eat) becomes 드시다 (deusida) or, with the infix, 먹으시다 (meogeusida).
When combined with 께서, the verb phrase 선생님께서 드십니다 (seonsaengnimkkeseo deusimnida, The teacher eats (formal)) or 교수님께서 오십니다 (gyosunimkkeseo osimnida, The professor comes (formal)) forms a complete honorific expression. This grammatical pairing ensures consistency in expressing respect across the sentence. The entire phrase then conveys not only the action but also the appropriate social nuance.
Consider the sentence, 할머니께서 주무세요 (halmeonimkkeseo jumuseyo, Grandmother is sleeping). Here, 할머니 (grandmother) is the respected subject marked by 께서. The verb 주무시다 (jumusida) is the honorific form of 자다 (jada, to sleep).
Using 께서 without the corresponding honorific verb form would be grammatically incongruous and sound awkward to a native speaker. The particle is also unaffected by whether the preceding noun ends in a consonant or a vowel, simplifying its application compared to 이/가.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming sentences with 께서 is straightforward due to its consistent application, irrespective of the preceding noun's final sound. Unlike 이 and 가, which alternate based on consonant or vowel endings, 께서 attaches uniformly. This simplifies its use once you identify the subject as deserving of honorific treatment. The primary consideration is to ensure that the noun preceding 께서 correctly identifies the respected individual or group.
2
After attaching 께서 to the honorific subject, the verb in the sentence typically takes an honorific conjugation. This usually involves inserting the honorific infix -(으)시- before the verb's final ending. For certain verbs, dedicated honorific forms exist (e.g., 자다 -> 주무시다, 먹다 -> 드시다, 있다 -> 계시다, 말하다 -> 말씀하시다). When these special honorific verbs are available, they are preferred over the -(으)시- infix. The table below illustrates the basic formation:
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| Noun (Honorific Subject) | Particle | Honorific Verb Stem | Ending (e.g., Formal) | Example Sentence (Formal) | Example Sentence (Casual) |
4
|:-------------------------|:---------|:--------------------|:----------------------|:-----------------------------------|:---------------------------------|
5
| 아버지 (abeoji) | 께서 | 가시- (gasi-) | -ㅂ니다 (-mnida) | 아버지께서 가십니다 (gasimnida) | 아버지께서 가세요 (gaseyo) |
6
| 어머니 (eomeoni) | 께서 | 읽으시- (ilgeusi-) | -ㅂ니다 (-mnida) | 어머니께서 읽으십니다 (ilgeusimnida) | 어머니께서 읽으세요 (ilgeuseyo) |
7
| 선생님 (seonsaengnim) | 께서 | 오시- (osi-) | -ㅂ니다 (-mnida) | 선생님께서 오십니다 (osimnida) | 선생님께서 오세요 (oseyo) |
8
This pattern ensures that both the subject and the action maintain a consistent level of respect. Remember that the choice between formal (-ㅂ니다/-습니다) and casual (-아요/-어요) endings depends on the overall conversational context and your relationship with the listener, not the subject's status itself. However, the use of 께서 and honorific verb stems remains constant for respected subjects regardless of the ending form.

When To Use It

The application of 께서 is dictated by the social hierarchy and context of your communication, specifically when referring to a subject whom you or your listener regard with high respect. The primary situations demanding 께서 involve elders, superiors, and individuals of significant social standing. This demonstrates an understanding of politeness and social decorum in Korean culture.
  • Elders: Always use 께서 when referring to grandparents, parents, older relatives (e.g., 이모, 삼촌), or any person significantly older than you. This is a fundamental aspect of demonstrating filial piety and respect for age. For example, 할아버지께서 신문을 읽으세요 (harabeojikkeseo sinmuneul ilgeuseyo, Grandfather is reading the newspaper) is the standard and respectful way to describe this action.
  • Superiors/Those in Authority: In professional or academic settings, use 께서 for your boss (사장님께서), professor (교수님께서), manager (과장님께서), or any individual holding a higher position or rank. This extends to formal titles where respect is inherent. Consider 부장님께서 회의를 시작하셨습니다 (bujangnimkkeseo hoe-uireul sijakhasyeosseumnida, The department head started the meeting) as appropriate office communication.
  • Guests/Customers (Formal Contexts): In service industries or formal interactions, when referring to a customer (손님) or an honored guest, 께서 is often used. This elevates their status and conveys utmost politeness. For instance, 손님께서 주문하셨습니다 (sonnimkkeseo jumunhasyeosseumnida, The customer ordered) might be heard in a restaurant or retail setting.
  • Public Figures/Respected Individuals: When discussing revered public figures, historical persons, or deities, 께서 is typically employed to acknowledge their elevated status. For example, 세종대왕께서 한글을 창제하셨습니다 (Sejongdaewangkkeseo Hangeuleul changjehasyeosseumnida, King Sejong created Hangeul) appropriately reveres a historical monarch. Similarly, in religious contexts, 하나님께서 (hananimkkeseo, God) is the respectful form.
  • When speaking about your elders/superiors to others, even peers: While you might use 이/가 for your parents when speaking to them in a very casual context, or when speaking to a very close friend about your parents, when discussing them with colleagues or acquaintances, especially in a more formal setting, 께서 is preferred. It demonstrates that you recognize and uphold their respected status in front of others. Imagine a conversation with a colleague: 우리 사장님께서 새로운 프로젝트를 제안하셨습니다 (uri sajangnimkkeseo saeroun peurojekteureul je-anhasyeosseumnida, Our boss proposed a new project).

When Not To Use It

Understanding when to avoid 께서 is as crucial as knowing when to use it, as misuse can sound arrogant, sarcastic, or simply unnatural. The core principle is that 께서 is exclusively for subjects who are demonstrably higher in status or age than the speaker or the person being referred to. Applying it inappropriately signals a misunderstanding of Korean social dynamics.
  • For Yourself: Never use 께서 when referring to yourself. Korean linguistic politeness inherently requires self-lowering. Using 께서 for oneself implies extreme arrogance or self-aggrandizement. Instead, always use 이/가 with your name or 제가/내가 (jega/naega, I/me). For instance, 제가 갔습니다 (jega gasseumnida, I went) is correct, not 저께서 갔습니다.
  • For Individuals of Equal or Lower Status: Do not use 께서 when referring to friends, younger siblings, subordinates, or anyone of similar or lower social standing. This can sound overly formal, sarcastic, or even condescending, disrupting the natural flow of conversation. For a friend, 친구가 영화를 봤어요 (chinguga yeonghwareul bwasseoyo, My friend watched a movie) is appropriate, not 친구께서 영화를 봤어요.
  • For Animals or Inanimate Objects: Unless used for deliberate, humorous personification or extreme sarcasm, 께서 is never applied to animals or objects. Its function is specifically tied to human social hierarchy. Saying 강아지께서 밥을 먹어요 (gangajikkeseo babeul meogeoyo, The dog eats (honorific)) for a pet would sound highly unusual and humorous to native speakers, indicating a clear misuse of the honorific system.
  • When the Subject is Already Clearly Honorific by Context: While less common, in extremely informal or specific contexts, if the honorific nature of the subject is already clear (e.g., in family banter where everyone knows the status), sometimes 이/가 might be used to reduce formality, but this is an advanced nuance and generally safer to stick to 께서 for formal subjects. However, for a learner, it's safer to err on the side of using 께서 for genuinely respected individuals until you develop a more intuitive grasp of these subtle shifts.

Common Mistakes

Korean learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when attempting to use 께서, often stemming from a partial understanding of the honorific system. Recognizing and actively correcting these mistakes is vital for developing natural and respectful communication.
  • The "Humble Fail" (Using 께서 for Oneself): This is arguably the most significant and embarrassing mistake. Applying 께서 to yourself (나께서 or 저께서) is a direct violation of Korean self-deprecating politeness. It immediately marks you as extremely arrogant or culturally insensitive. Always use 제가 or 내가 as the subject pronoun for yourself, or 저 (jeo) / 나 (na) with 이/가. For example, never 저는 제가 발표하겠습니다 (jeoneun jega balpyohagetseumnida, I will present), not 저께서 발표하겠습니다.
  • The "Half-Baked Honorific" (Mismatching Subject and Verb): Using 께서 for the subject but failing to use an honorific verb form is a common error. This creates a grammatically awkward and incomplete expression of respect. If you use 께서, the verb must also be honorific (either with -(으)시- or a special honorific verb). For example, 교수님께서 말해요 (gyosunimkkeseo malhaeyo, The professor speaks (non-honorific)) is incorrect; it should be 교수님께서 말씀하세요 (gyosunimkkeseo malsseumhaseyo, The professor speaks (honorific)). The verb 말씀하시다 (malsseumhasida) is the honorific form of 말하다 (malhada).
  • Overuse in Casual Settings or with Inappropriate Subjects: While aiming for politeness is commendable, overusing 께서 with peers, younger individuals, or in very casual conversations can sound unnatural, overly stiff, or even sarcastic. It's akin to using overly formal language in a relaxed setting. Reserve 께서 for genuinely respected subjects and situations that warrant a high degree of politeness. For example, avoid 동생께서 놀아요 (dongsaengkkeseo norayo, My younger sibling plays (honorific)); simply 동생이 놀아요 (dongsaeng-i norayo) is appropriate.
  • Confusing 께서 with 께: Learners sometimes confuse 께서 (subject particle) with 께 (kke, honorific dative particle). 께 functions like 에게 (ege) or 한테 (hante, to/for someone). 선생님께 선물을 드렸습니다 (seonsaengnimkke seonmureul deuryeosseumnida, I gave a gift to the teacher) is correct, where 선생님께 indicates the recipient. If the teacher is the one giving the gift, it would be 선생님께서 선물을 주셨습니다 (seonsaengnimkkeseo seonmureul jusyeosseumnida). Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate expression.

Common Collocations

Certain nouns inherently carry a high degree of respect in Korean culture, making their pairing with 께서 almost automatic. Recognizing these common collocations will significantly enhance your ability to speak Korean naturally and respectfully, as these combinations frequently appear in everyday communication and formal contexts.
  • Family Elders: Phrases like 부모님께서 (bumonimkkeseo, (my/our) parents), 할머니께서 (halmeonimkkeseo, grandmother), and 할아버지께서 (harabeojikkeseo, grandfather) are extremely common. You will almost always use 께서 when referring to these family members in most conversational contexts, especially when speaking about them to others. For instance, 어머니께서 요리하고 계세요 (eomeonikkeseo yorihago gyeseyo, Mother is cooking).
  • Professional Titles: Individuals in positions of authority or leadership are typically addressed with their title followed by 께서. Examples include 선생님께서 (seonsaengnimkkeseo, teacher/doctor), 교수님께서 (gyosunimkkeseo, professor), 사장님께서 (sajangnimkkeseo, company president/boss), 부장님께서 (bujangnimkkeseo, department head), and 과장님께서 (gwajangnimkkeseo, manager). For example, 사장님께서 결정을 내리셨습니다 (sajangnimkkeseo gyeoljeongeul naerisyeosseumnida, The boss made the decision).
  • Formal Designations: When referring to esteemed figures, such as 대통령께서 (daetongnyeongkkeseo, the President), 왕께서 (wangkkeseo, the King), or even 손님께서 (sonnimkkeseo, esteemed guest/customer in service contexts), 께서 is the appropriate particle. 대통령께서 연설하셨습니다 (daetongnyeongkkeseo yeonseolhasyeosseumnida, The President gave a speech) is a standard usage.
  • Religious/Spiritual Figures: In religious discourse, 하느님께서 (haneunimkkeseo, God) or 부처님께서 (bucheonimkkeseo, Buddha) are almost universally paired with 께서 to denote ultimate reverence. For instance, 하느님께서 우리를 사랑하십니다 (haneunimkkeseo urireul saranghasimnida, God loves us).
  • Combined with -도 (-do, also): The combination 께서도 (kkeseodo) means "(respected person) also." This is a particularly useful and polite construction. For example, 아버님께서도 오십니까? (abonimkkeseodo osimnikka?, Is your father also coming?) politely inquires about a respected person's attendance.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To fully grasp 께서, it is essential to distinguish it from other seemingly similar Korean particles and patterns. Misunderstanding these distinctions is a common source of error for learners.
  • 께서 vs. 이/가 (Subject Markers):
  • 이 and 가 are the basic subject markers. They indicate the grammatical subject of a sentence without conveying any special level of respect. 이 attaches to nouns ending in a consonant, while 가 attaches to nouns ending in a vowel. They are used for self, peers, younger individuals, animals, and objects. Example: 친구가 웃어요 (chinguga useoyo, My friend laughs).
  • 께서 is the honorific counterpart of 이/가. It replaces 이/가 when the subject is someone deserving of high respect (elders, superiors). It does not alternate based on consonant/vowel endings. Example: 할머니께서 웃으세요 (halmeonimkkeseo useuseyo, Grandmother laughs).
  • 께서 vs. 께 (Dative/Recipient Marker):
  • 께 (kke) is the honorific form of the dative particles 에게 (ege) and 한테 (hante), which mean "to" or "for" a person. It marks the recipient of an action, not the subject performing it. Example: 선생님께 질문했습니다 (seonsaengnimkke jilmunhaetseumnida, I asked a question to the teacher).
  • 께서 marks the subject performing the action. Example: 선생님께서 설명하셨습니다 (seonsaengnimkkeseo seolmyeonghasyeosseumnida, The teacher explained).
  • Key Distinction: 께서 identifies who is doing the action. 께 identifies to whom the action is done.
  • 께서 vs. 께서는 (Subject vs. Topic):
  • 께서 functions purely as an honorific subject marker.
  • 께서는 (kkeseoneun) combines the honorific subject particle 께서 with the topic marker 는 (neun). The addition of 는 emphasizes the subject as the topic of discussion, often implying a contrast or setting the stage for information about that specific person. It carries a slightly stronger nuance than 께서 alone, highlighting the subject's importance or distinguishing them from others being discussed. While 께서 just marks the subject, 께서는 explicitly frames the respected individual as the central point of the conversation or narrative.
  • Example with 께서: 회장님께서 도착하셨습니다 (hoejangnimkkeseo dochakhasyeosseumnida, The chairman has arrived).
  • Example with 께서는: 다른 분들은 아직 안 오셨지만, 회장님께서는 이미 와 계십니다 (dareun bunneun ajik an osyeotjiman, hoejangnimkkeseoneun imi wa gyesimnida, Other people haven't come yet, but as for the chairman, he is already here).
  • 께서는 is generally more formal and often appears at the beginning of a statement that sets the topic for a subsequent discussion about the respected person.

Quick FAQ

Here are some common questions learners have about using the honorific subject particle 께서:
  • Q: Do I always need to use an honorific verb with 께서?
  • A: Yes, almost always. Using 께서 without an honorific verb (either with -(으)시- or a special honorific verb) creates an awkward and grammatically incomplete expression of respect. The subject and verb should always match in honorific level to maintain politeness. For example, 아버님께서 가십니다 (Father goes), not 아버님께서 갑니다.
  • Q: Can I use 께서 for my older sibling?
  • A: Generally, no. For most siblings, even older ones, 이/가 is more natural unless there's a significant age gap or a very formal family dynamic. 께서 is usually reserved for parents, grandparents, or individuals in clearly superior social positions. Using 께서 for an older sibling can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic.
  • Q: Is it okay to use 이/가 for my boss if we are close?
  • A: This is risky and generally not recommended, especially when speaking about your boss to others. While you might use less formal speech in private, when referring to your boss, particularly in a professional context or to third parties, using 께서 demonstrates respect for their position and is the safer, more appropriate choice. It reflects well on your understanding of Korean workplace etiquette.
  • Q: Does 께서 change form based on the last sound of the noun?
  • A: No. One of the convenient aspects of 께서 is that it is invariant. It attaches uniformly to any noun, regardless of whether the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel. This simplifies its application compared to 이 and 가.
  • Q: How do I know if someone deserves 께서?
  • A: Err on the side of caution. If someone is clearly older (e.g., parents, grandparents, elders in general), or in a position of authority (e.g., boss, teacher, professor, government official), or a respected public figure, 께서 is almost certainly appropriate. When in doubt in a formal or semi-formal setting, using 께서 is generally safer than not, though avoiding its use for peers or younger individuals is equally important.
  • Q: I sometimes hear 께서 used in historical dramas for non-noble characters. Why?
  • A: In historical dramas (사극, sageuk), honorific usage can be more extensive and complex than in modern Korean. Characters might use honorifics to show extreme deference even to commoners of high moral standing or to individuals who are significantly older, reflecting a different historical context of social stratification and respect. However, for modern Korean, stick to the guidelines for contemporary usage.
  • Q: Can I use 께서 when talking about my pet if I treat them like royalty?
  • A: While it might be a humorous expression among close friends or family, using 께서 for a pet is grammatically incorrect and will sound very unnatural to most native Korean speakers. It's best reserved for human subjects. Stick to 우리 강아지가 (uri gangajiga, my dog) for your beloved furry companions.

Honorific Subject Particle Usage

Subject Type Particle Verb Suffix Example
Elder/Superior
께서
-(으)시-
선생님께서 가십니다
Neutral/Peer
이/가
None
친구가 갑니다

Combined Forms

Base Combined Usage
께서 + 는
께서는
Topic-focused honorific

Meanings

The particle {께서} is the honorific form of the subject particle {이/가}. It is used to mark the subject of a sentence when that person is socially superior to the speaker.

1

Subject Honorification

Marking a person of higher status as the subject.

“사장님께서 회의에 참석하십니다.”

“어머니께서 전화를 하셨어요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Honorific Subjects: 께서 (the polite version of 이/가)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + 께서 + Verb(honorific)
어머니께서 오십니다
Negative
Subject + 께서 + 안 + Verb(honorific)
어머니께서 안 오십니다
Question
Subject + 께서 + Verb(honorific)?
어머니께서 오십니까?
Topic-focused
Subject + 께서는 + Verb(honorific)
어머니께서는 오십니다

Formality Spectrum

Formal
선생님께서 식사를 하십니다.

선생님께서 식사를 하십니다. (School)

Neutral
선생님께서 식사를 해요.

선생님께서 식사를 해요. (School)

Informal
선생님께서 식사해.

선생님께서 식사해. (School)

Slang
쌤이 밥 먹어.

쌤이 밥 먹어. (School)

Honorific Particle Hierarchy

Subject

Respectful

  • 께서 Honorific

Neutral

  • 이/가 Standard

Particle Comparison

이/가
친구 Friend
께서
선생님 Teacher
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Examples by Level

1

선생님께서 오십니다.

The teacher is coming.

2

할머니께서 주무십니다.

Grandmother is sleeping.

3

아버님께서 일하십니다.

Father is working.

4

사장님께서 가십니다.

The boss is going.

1

어머니께서 요리를 하십니다.

Mother is cooking.

2

교수님께서 질문을 하셨습니다.

The professor asked a question.

3

할아버지께서 식사를 하십니다.

Grandfather is eating.

4

부장님께서 회의를 하십니다.

The manager is having a meeting.

1

저희 어머니께서는 오늘 안 오십니다.

My mother is not coming today.

2

손님께서 주문하신 커피가 나왔습니다.

The coffee the customer ordered is ready.

3

선생님께서는 무엇을 좋아하십니까?

What does the teacher like?

4

어르신께서 길을 물어보셨습니다.

The elder asked for directions.

1

회장님께서는 이번 프로젝트에 관심이 많으십니다.

The chairman is very interested in this project.

2

어머니께서는 항상 저를 걱정하십니다.

Mother is always worried about me.

3

교수님께서 쓰신 책을 읽었습니다.

I read the book the professor wrote.

4

할머니께서 건강이 많이 좋아지셨습니다.

Grandmother's health has improved a lot.

1

부모님께서는 저희가 행복하기를 바라십니다.

Our parents wish for us to be happy.

2

손님께서 직접 선택하신 메뉴입니다.

This is the menu the customer chose personally.

3

선생님께서 가르쳐 주신 덕분에 합격했습니다.

Thanks to what the teacher taught me, I passed.

4

어르신께서 말씀하신 내용이 사실입니다.

What the elder said is true.

1

교수님께서는 학문적 성취가 매우 높으십니다.

The professor's academic achievements are very high.

2

어머니께서는 평생을 가족을 위해 사셨습니다.

Mother lived her whole life for the family.

3

사장님께서 직접 결정하신 사항입니다.

This is a matter decided personally by the boss.

4

할아버지께서는 젊은 시절에 많은 고생을 하셨습니다.

Grandfather suffered a lot in his youth.

Easily Confused

Honorific Subjects: 께서 (the polite version of 이/가) vs 이/가 vs 께서

Learners forget when to switch.

Common Mistakes

✗

저께서

✓

제가

Never use honorifics for yourself.
✗

선생님께서 먹다

✓

선생님께서 드시다

Must use honorific verb.
✗

친구께서

✓

친구가

Don't use honorifics for peers.
✗

사장님께서 하신다

✓

사장님께서 하십니다

Mismatch in speech level.

Sentence Patterns

___께서 ___하십니다.

Real World Usage

Job Interview constant

사장님께서 질문하셨습니다.

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💡

Check the verb

Always check if the verb is honorific.

Smart Tips

Use 께서.

할머니가 갑니다. → 할머니께서 가십니다.

Pronunciation

Kke-seo

Linking

The 's' sound in {께서} should be crisp.

Respectful

Subject 께서 ↗

Rising intonation shows deference.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '께서' as a 'Gift' of respect. You give the particle to those above you.

Visual Association

Imagine a person bowing low to a teacher, and the particle '께서' floating like a crown above the teacher's head.

Rhyme

When the person is high, give them 께서, don't be shy.

Story

You are at a party. You see your friend and say '친구야'. Then your boss walks in. You immediately switch to '사장님께서'. You feel the weight of the respect in your mouth.

Word Web

선생님사장님어머니할아버지교수님어르신

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your family members using {께서} and honorific verbs.

Cultural Notes

Respect is the foundation of society.

Derived from ancient honorific markers.

Conversation Starters

“

오늘 선생님께서 무엇을 하셨어요?

Journal Prompts

Describe your favorite teacher.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the particle

선생님___ 오십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 께서
Teacher is a superior.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the particle

선생님___ 오십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 께서
Teacher is a superior.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct honorific marker. Fill in the Blank

할아버지____ 주무세요. (Grandpa is sleeping.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 께서
Put the words in the correct order to say 'The CEO is calling.' Sentence Reorder

정렬하세요: [께서] [전화하세요] [사장님]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님 께서 전화하세요
Translate the sentence into Korean using honorifics. Translation

The professor is reading a book.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 교수님께서 책을 읽으세요.
Identify the natural sentence for a business setting. Multiple Choice

How would you tell a colleague that the manager has arrived?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 부장님께서 도착하셨습니다.
One word is wrong in this sentence about a mother's gift. Fix it. Error Correction

어머니가 선물을 주셨어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 어머니께서 선물을 주셨어요.
Choose the particle that adds a 'topic' nuance to the respected subject. Fill in the Blank

우리 교수님______ 정말 친절하세요. (As for our professor, they are really kind.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 께서는
Match the person with the most appropriate marker. Match Pairs

Markers for different people:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Reorder the words: 'Father is also coming.' Sentence Reorder

정렬하세요: [오세요] [아버지] [께서도]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아버지 께서도 오세요
Translate: 'Grandmother is at home.' Translation

Grandmother is at home.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니께서 댁에 계세요.
Which sentence uses honorifics for a CEO in a KakaoTalk message? Multiple Choice

CEO is in a meeting:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님께서 회의 중이세요.

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

Yes, absolutely.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Japanese moderate

Honorific markers

Korean uses a specific particle {께서}.

German low

Formal Sie

Korean uses particles.

Spanish low

Usted

Korean uses particles.

French low

Vous

Korean uses particles.

Chinese low

Honorific vocabulary

Korean uses particles.

Arabic low

Honorific titles

Korean uses particles.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Honorific Particle 'To' (께)

Learn These First

A2 Requires

The VIP Subject Particle: 께서 (kkyeseo)

Overview Korean language, deeply influenced by its Confucian heritage, employs an intricate system of honorifics to refl...

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