A2 Speech Levels 7 min read Medium

VIP Verbs: Showing Respect (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다)

Master three 'VIP verbs'—계시다, 주무시다, 드시다—to show respect to subjects of higher social status in Korean.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use special honorific verbs like {계시다|居} instead of standard verbs to show respect when talking about elders or superiors.

  • Use {계시다|居} (to be) instead of 있다 for people you respect.
  • Use {주무시다|睡} (to sleep) instead of 자다 for people you respect.
  • Use {드시다|食} (to eat) instead of 먹다 for people you respect.
Subject (Honorific Particle -께서) + Honorific Verb

Overview

Korean, like many East Asian languages, embeds a rich system of honorifics within its grammar, reflecting the society’s emphasis on hierarchy and respect. This system is not merely an optional layer of politeness; it is fundamental to appropriate communication. While learners quickly encounter the general polite ending -요 or the more formal -습니다, advanced respect requires a deeper linguistic mechanism: the use of special honorific verbs, often called “VIP verbs.” These are not verbs to which an honorific suffix is added, but entirely distinct lexical items that replace common verbs when the subject of the action is someone of higher social standing, age, or professional rank.

Mastery of these specific verbs—계시다 (to be/stay), 주무시다 (to sleep), and 드시다 (to eat/drink)—is a critical step for A2 learners aiming for genuinely respectful and natural Korean communication. Using them correctly signals not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural sensitivity, indicating an understanding of the intricate social dynamics that govern interactions in Korea.

How This Grammar Works

Korean grammar employs honorifics (尊敬語(존경어), jongyeong-eo), a system designed to express respect towards the person being spoken about. This system operates on several levels. The most common form involves inserting the honorific infix -(으)시- (e.g., 가다 (to go) becomes 가시다) into a verb stem.
However, for a select group of high-frequency and culturally significant actions, Korean utilizes entirely different verbs to convey respect. These are the special honorific verbs, which linguistically serve as direct replacements for their plain counterparts, rather than simple modifications.
The existence of these distinct verbs stems from the historical development of the Korean language, deeply intertwined with Confucian social structures that prioritized filial piety and respect for elders and superiors. Over centuries, certain verbs evolved to exclusively denote actions performed by respected individuals. Therefore, when you use 계시다 instead of 있다, 주무시다 instead of 자다, or 드시다 instead of 먹다/마시다, you are not merely being polite; you are using a lexically embedded form of respect.
Crucially, these are subject honorifics, meaning the respect is directed towards the subject of the sentence—the person performing the action. You would never use these verbs to describe your own actions, as that would imply you are elevating yourself above your interlocutor. For instance, saying 저는 집에 계세요 (I am honorifically at home) would be grammatically incorrect and socially inappropriate, as it elevates the speaker.
The correct form would be 저는 집에 있어요 (I am at home).
Consider the fundamental difference: adding -(으)시- to 가다 (to go) to form 가시다 still uses the core meaning of 가다. In contrast, 먹다 (to eat) is completely replaced by 드시다. This complete lexical substitution for key verbs highlights their special status and the depth of respect they convey.
These three verbs are foundational at the A2 level, providing essential tools for respectful discourse in daily life.

Formation Pattern

1
Unlike regular verbs that take the -(으)시- infix, special honorific verbs do not follow a predictable formation rule. They are irregular lexical replacements that must be memorized. They substitute the plain verb stem entirely. Once you have chosen the appropriate honorific verb, you conjugate it just like any other verb stem according to the desired politeness level and tense.
2
Here are the core plain verbs and their honorific VIP counterparts:
3
| Plain Verb | Romanization | Meaning | Special Honorific Verb | Romanization | Meaning (Honorific) |
4
| :---------------- | :------------- | :--------------- | :--------------------- | :------------- | :------------------- |
5
| 있다 | itda | To be, to exist | 계시다 | gyesida | To be, to exist, to stay |
6
| 자다 | jada | To sleep | 주무시다 | jumusida | To sleep |
7
| 먹다 | meokda | To eat | 드시다 | deusida | To eat, to drink |
8
| 마시다 | masida | To drink | 드시다 | deusida | To eat, to drink |
9
After selecting the honorific verb, you append the appropriate ending. The honorific verb stem already carries the respectful nuance, so you simply attach standard politeness markers.
10
Conjugation Examples:
11
1. 계시다 (To be/stay - Honorific of 있다)
12
Present Tense, Polite (해체, -(아/어)요):
13
계시다 + 어요 → 계세요 (gyeseyo)
14
Example: 할머니께서 집에 계세요. (Grandma is at home.)
15
Present Tense, Formal (합니다체, -(스/ㅂ)니다):
16
계시다 + ㅂ니다 → 계십니다 (gyesimnida)
17
Example: 사장님께서 회의실에 계십니다. (The CEO is in the meeting room.)
18
Past Tense, Polite:
19
계시다 + 았어요 → 계셨어요 (gyesyeosseoyo)
20
Example: 어제 교수님께서 학교에 계셨어요. (Yesterday, the professor was at school.)
21
2. 주무시다 (To sleep - Honorific of 자다)
22
Present Tense, Polite (해체, -(아/어)요):
23
주무시다 + 어요 → 주무세요 (jumuseyo)
24
Example: 아버님께서 아직 주무세요. (Father is still sleeping.)
25
Present Tense, Formal (합니다체, -(스/ㅂ)니다):
26
주무시다 + ㅂ니다 → 주무십니다 (jumusimnida)
27
Example: 회장님께서 편안히 주무십니다. (The chairman is sleeping peacefully.)
28
Past Tense, Polite:
29
주무시다 + 았어요 → 주무셨어요 (jumusyeosseoyo)
30
Example: 어머니께서는 일찍 주무셨어요. (My mother slept early.)
31
3. 드시다 (To eat/drink - Honorific of 먹다/마시다)
32
Present Tense, Polite (해체, -(아/어)요):
33
드시다 + 어요 → 드세요 (deuseyo)
34
Example: 어머니께서 과일을 드세요. (My mother is eating fruit.)
35
Present Tense, Formal (합니다체, -(스/ㅂ)니다):
36
드시다 + ㅂ니다 → 드십니다 (deusimnida)
37
Example: 손님들께서 식사를 드십니다. (The guests are eating a meal.)
38
Past Tense, Polite:
39
드시다 + 았어요 → 드셨어요 (deusyeosseoyo)
40
Example: 할아버지께서 아침을 드셨어요. (Grandfather ate breakfast.)
41
Note on 잡수시다: While 드시다 is the standard honorific for 먹다/마시다, you might occasionally encounter 잡수시다 (japsusida). This verb is an even more formal and traditional honorific, often used when addressing or referring to very elderly individuals or those of extremely high status, especially in more formal or traditional contexts. For most everyday interactions, even with elders, 드시다 is perfectly appropriate and more commonly used. Learners at the A2 level should prioritize mastering 드시다 first.

When To Use It

The application of VIP verbs is dictated by the social relationship between the speaker and the subject of the sentence. You use 계시다, 주무시다, or 드시다 when the person performing the action is someone you need to show deference or respect to. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who are:
  • Older in Age: This is the most common and fundamental rule in Korean honorifics. Parents, grandparents, older relatives, or any elder in society warrant the use of these verbs. For example, when speaking about your grandmother: 할머니께서 지금 식사 드세요. (Grandma is eating a meal now.) Using 먹다 for your grandmother would be highly inappropriate.
  • Higher in Social Status or Rank: In professional or academic settings, your boss, manager, professor, or senior colleagues will be subjects for these honorific verbs. When asking about your boss's whereabouts, you would inquire: 부장님, 사무실에 계십니까? (Section Chief, are you in the office?). Even if you have a friendly relationship, using these forms maintains professional decorum.
  • In a Position of Authority or Service: When you are in a service role (e.g., a waiter, cashier, sales assistant) addressing a customer, or generally when speaking to someone of higher societal standing (like a public figure or a formal guest), these verbs are essential. For instance, a server might say: 손님, 주문하신 커피 여기 있습니다. 맛있게 드세요. (Customer, here is your ordered coffee. Please enjoy it (lit. eat deliciously)).
  • Referring to a Respected Person, Even to a Peer: The respect is directed towards the subject, not the listener. If you are talking to your friend about your professor, you still use the honorific verb for the professor. For example: 우리 교수님께서 아직 학교에 계세요. (Our professor is still at school.) Even though you are speaking casually with your friend, the professor's status necessitates the honorific verb. The politeness level of the sentence ending (-요 or -(으)시- if applicable) would then be chosen based on your relationship with your friend.
In essence, if your social context requires you to speak to or about someone with a level of deference, these special honorific verbs are indispensable. Their absence can convey a lack of respect, regardless of the politeness of the sentence ending.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently make specific errors when attempting to use VIP verbs, primarily due to direct translation from languages without similar honorific systems. Understanding these common pitfalls is crucial for developing natural and appropriate Korean.
  • Using VIP Verbs for Oneself: This is perhaps the most significant and often cited mistake. Honorific verbs elevate the subject of the sentence. If you use 계시다, 주무시다, or 드시다 to describe your own actions, you are inadvertently elevating yourself, which is socially awkward and incorrect. For example:
  • Incorrect: 저는 지금 집에 계세요. (I am honorifically at home.) This implies you deserve honorific treatment from yourself.
  • Correct: 저는 지금 집에 있어요. (I am at home.) Use the plain verb for your own actions.
  • Confusing 계시다 and 있으시다: This is a subtle yet important distinction. Both relate to 있다 (to be/exist), but their usage is different.
  • 계시다 (gyesida): This special honorific verb is used for the location or presence of a respected person. It answers the question

Honorific Verb Conjugation

Standard Honorific Polite Form Formal Form
있다
계시다
계세요
계십니다
자다
주무시다
주무세요
주무십니다
먹다
드시다
드세요
드십니다
마시다
드시다
드세요
드십니다

Meanings

These verbs are used to elevate the subject of the sentence, showing deference to someone of higher social status or age.

1

Existence

To exist or be located (for a person).

“선생님께서 교실에 계십니다.”

“어머니께서 집에 계세요.”

2

Sleeping

To sleep or rest.

“아버님께서 일찍 주무셨어요.”

“사장님께서 지금 주무시는 중입니다.”

3

Eating/Drinking

To consume food or drink.

“할머니께서 식사를 드십니다.”

“선생님께서 커피를 드세요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for VIP Verbs: Showing Respect (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb
할머니께서 드십니다.
Negative
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb + -지 않다
할머니께서 드시지 않습니다.
Question
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb + -습니까?
할머니께서 드십니까?
Past
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb + -었/았-
할머니께서 드셨습니다.
Future
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb + -겠-
할머니께서 드시겠습니다.
Progressive
Subject + 께서 + Honorific Verb + -고 있다
할머니께서 주무시고 계십니다.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
할머니께서 식사를 드십니다.

할머니께서 식사를 드십니다. (Family dinner)

Neutral
할머니께서 식사를 드세요.

할머니께서 식사를 드세요. (Family dinner)

Informal
할머니가 밥을 먹어.

할머니가 밥을 먹어. (Family dinner)

Slang
할머니 밥 먹어.

할머니 밥 먹어. (Family dinner)

Honorific Verb Mapping

Respect

Existence

  • 계시다 to be

Sleeping

  • 주무시다 to sleep

Eating

  • 드시다 to eat

Standard vs. Honorific

Standard
먹다 eat
자다 sleep
Honorific
드시다 eat
주무시다 sleep
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Examples by Level

1

선생님께서 계세요.

The teacher is here.

2

할머니께서 드세요.

Grandmother is eating.

3

아버지가 주무세요.

Father is sleeping.

4

어머니께서 계십니다.

Mother is here.

1

사장님께서 지금 식사를 드십니다.

The boss is eating lunch now.

2

할아버지께서 방에서 주무시고 계세요.

Grandfather is sleeping in the room.

3

선생님께서 어디에 계십니까?

Where is the teacher?

4

부모님께서 저녁을 드셨어요.

My parents ate dinner.

1

교수님께서 연구실에 계시지 않습니다.

The professor is not in the lab.

2

할머니께서 약을 드셔야 합니다.

Grandmother must take her medicine.

3

어제 할아버지께서 일찍 주무셨어요.

Grandfather went to sleep early yesterday.

4

손님께서 무엇을 드시겠습니까?

What would you (the guest) like to eat?

1

부장님께서 회의 중에 계십니다.

The manager is in a meeting.

2

어르신께서 편안하게 주무셨기를 바랍니다.

I hope the elder slept comfortably.

3

선생님께서 차를 드시면서 말씀하셨습니다.

The teacher spoke while drinking tea.

4

할머니께서 병원에 계신 지 삼일 되었습니다.

It has been three days since grandmother was in the hospital.

1

저희 대표님께서 지금 식사 중이시라 나중에 연락드리겠습니다.

Our CEO is currently eating, so I will contact you later.

2

할아버지께서 주무시는 동안 조용히 해주세요.

Please be quiet while grandfather is sleeping.

3

선생님께서 계시지 않았다면 이 일을 끝내지 못했을 것입니다.

If the teacher hadn't been here, I wouldn't have finished this work.

4

어르신께서 약을 드시고 나서 기운을 차리셨습니다.

The elder regained his strength after taking his medicine.

1

어르신께서 주무시는 방에 들어가실 때는 조심하십시오.

Please be careful when entering the room where the elder is sleeping.

2

교수님께서 연구실에 계시는지 확인해 보십시오.

Please check if the professor is in the lab.

3

할머니께서 식사를 드시지 않아서 걱정입니다.

I am worried because grandmother is not eating.

4

사장님께서 출장 중에 계셔서 내일 돌아오십니다.

The boss is on a business trip and will return tomorrow.

Easily Confused

VIP Verbs: Showing Respect (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다) vs Honorific Suffix -(으)시-

Learners confuse adding -(으)시- to a standard verb with using a special VIP verb.

VIP Verbs: Showing Respect (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다) vs Humble Verbs (드리다, 뵙다)

Learners mix up verbs that elevate others with verbs that humble themselves.

VIP Verbs: Showing Respect (계시다, 주무시다, 드시다) vs Standard Verbs (있다, 자다)

Learners use standard verbs for everyone.

Common Mistakes

✗

저는 계십니다.

✓

저는 있습니다.

Never use honorifics for yourself.
✗

할머니가 드십니다.

✓

할머니께서 드십니다.

Use -께서 for honorific subjects.
✗

선생님 먹어요.

✓

선생님 드세요.

Must use honorific verb.
✗

어머니 주무시다.

✓

어머니 주무십니다.

Needs proper conjugation.
✗

사장님은 밥을 먹었어요.

✓

사장님께서 식사를 드셨어요.

Use honorific verb and noun.
✗

할아버지께서 집에 있어요.

✓

할아버지께서 집에 계세요.

Must use honorific verb.
✗

선생님은 자고 있어요.

✓

선생님께서 주무시고 계세요.

Use honorific verb.
✗

어머니께서 드시고 싶어요.

✓

어머니께서 드시고 싶어 하세요.

Honorifics require special auxiliary structures.
✗

할머니께서 계신다.

✓

할머니께서 계십니다.

Maintain polite register.
✗

교수님께서 드셨습니까?

✓

교수님께서 식사하셨습니까?

Use honorific noun + verb.
✗

제가 드렸습니다.

✓

제가 드렸습니다 (Wait, this is okay, but context matters).

Distinguish between 'give' (드리다) and 'eat' (드시다).
✗

사장님께서 주무시는 중입니다.

✓

사장님께서 주무시고 계십니다.

More natural honorific progressive.
✗

어르신께서 계셔요.

✓

어르신께서 계십니다.

Formal register is safer.

Sentence Patterns

___께서 ___에 계십니다.

___께서 ___을 드십니다.

___께서 지금 ___하고 계십니다.

___께서 ___지 않으셔서 걱정입니다.

Real World Usage

Family dinner constant

할머니께서 식사를 드십니다.

Office meeting very common

부장님께서 회의실에 계십니다.

Texting a teacher common

선생님, 지금 어디에 계세요?

Ordering food for an elder common

할아버지께서 드실 음식을 주문합니다.

Hospital visit occasional

어르신께서 편안히 주무십니다.

Social media post about family common

우리 할머니께서 맛있는 것을 드셨어요.

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💡

Always check the subject

Before you speak, ask: 'Is the person doing the action older than me?' If yes, use a VIP verb.
⚠️

Don't praise yourself

Never use these verbs for your own actions. It sounds like you are calling yourself a king!
🎯

Use -께서

Always pair VIP verbs with the honorific subject particle -께서 for maximum politeness.
💬

Observe elders

Listen to how native speakers talk to their parents. You will hear these verbs constantly.

Smart Tips

Always use '계시다' instead of '있다'.

할머니가 집에 있어요. → 할머니께서 집에 계세요.

Use '주무시다' for sleep.

아버지가 자요. → 아버지께서 주무세요.

Use '드시다' for food/drink.

선생님이 밥을 먹어요. → 선생님께서 식사를 드세요.

Use the formal ending -ㅂ니다 with honorific verbs.

사장님이 계세요. → 사장님께서 계십니다.

Pronunciation

드-십-니-다

Linking

Ensure smooth transition between the honorific stem and the ending.

계-세-요?

Intonation

Use a polite, slightly rising intonation for questions.

Polite Statement

계십니다 ↘

Certainty and respect.

Polite Question

계세요? ↗

Inquiry with deference.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'VIP' for these verbs: Very Important Person verbs.

Visual Association

Imagine a king sitting on a throne (계시다), sleeping in a silk bed (주무시다), and eating from a golden plate (드시다).

Rhyme

When the subject is grand, use the honorific band!

Story

My grandfather is a king. He is always in his palace (계시다). At night, he sleeps on clouds (주무시다). For breakfast, he eats golden apples (드시다).

Word Web

계시다주무시다드시다께서어르신존댓말

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your teacher using these verbs today.

Cultural Notes

Honorifics are non-negotiable in professional and family settings. Using standard verbs for elders is considered a major social faux pas.

Honorifics are used, but the focus is often on political leaders. The same verbs exist but are used with different social targets.

Usage varies; some families maintain strict honorifics, while others adopt more egalitarian Western-style speech.

These verbs evolved from ancient Korean honorific systems where specific vocabulary was reserved for royalty and nobility.

Conversation Starters

“

할머니께서 지금 무엇을 하고 계세요?

“

선생님께서 아침을 드셨습니까?

“

부모님께서 집에서 주무시고 계십니까?

“

사장님께서 지금 사무실에 계신가요?

Journal Prompts

Describe your family's morning routine using honorifics.
Write a short dialogue between you and a teacher.
Explain why honorifics are important in Korean culture.
Reflect on a time you used honorifics correctly.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct honorific verb.

할머니께서 방에서 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb for grandmother.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Honorifics are for others, and use -께서.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

선생님이 교실에 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb and particle.
Order the words. Sentence Building

드십니다 / 할머니께서 / 식사를

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject-Object-Verb order.
Conjugate the verb. Conjugation Drill

주무시다 (Formal Present)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Formal present ends in -ㅂ니다.
Match standard to honorific. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
드시다 is the honorific for 먹다.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 할머니 어디 계세요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Can I use '드시다' for myself?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Never use honorifics for yourself.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct honorific verb.

할머니께서 방에서 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb for grandmother.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Honorifics are for others, and use -께서.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

선생님이 교실에 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb and particle.
Order the words. Sentence Building

드십니다 / 할머니께서 / 식사를

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject-Object-Verb order.
Conjugate the verb. Conjugation Drill

주무시다 (Formal Present)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Formal present ends in -ㅂ니다.
Match standard to honorific. Match Pairs

먹다 - ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
드시다 is the honorific for 먹다.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 할머니 어디 계세요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Use honorific verb.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

Can I use '드시다' for myself?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Never use honorifics for yourself.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank: 'Please eat a lot.' (to a guest) Fill in the Blank

많이 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 드세요
Reorder to say: 'Is your mother at home?' Sentence Reorder

어머니는 / 계세요 / 집에 / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 어머니는 집에 계세요?
Translate to Korean: 'The boss is sleeping in the office.' Translation

The boss is sleeping in the office.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님은 사무실에서 주무세요.
Which one is the honorific for 'stay/be'? Multiple Choice

Select the honorific form of 있다 (location):

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 계시다
Match the plain verb to its honorific VIP version. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 자다:주무시다, 먹다:드시다, 있다:계시다
Fix the sentence: 'Professor, are you drinking water?' Error Correction

교수님, 물 마셔요?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 교수님, 물 드세요?
Fill in: 'Grandpa passed away last year.' Fill in the Blank

할아버지는 작년에 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 돌아가셨어요
How do you say 'Is there any problem?' to a customer? Multiple Choice

Choose the most polite option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 문제 있으세요?
Reorder: 'Grandmother stays at the hospital.' Sentence Reorder

계세요 / 할머니께서는 / 병원에 / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니께서는 병원에 계세요.
Translate: 'Did you sleep well?' (To an elder) Translation

Did you sleep well?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 안녕히 주무셨어요?

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, these are for people you respect. Using them with friends sounds weird or sarcastic.

Use the -(으)시- suffix with the standard verb as a fallback.

Yes, but these are the most common ones you need for A2.

It is the honorific version of the subject particle.

Yes, especially in formal letters or reports.

Yes, it covers both eating and drinking.

Don't worry, people will understand, but try to practice the correct forms.

Yes, absolutely. Always use honorifics for superiors.

Scaffolded Practice

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1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Japanese high

Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

Japanese honorifics are even more complex with humble/polite distinctions.

Spanish low

Usted (Formal address)

Korean changes the actual verb stem; Spanish does not.

German low

Sie (Formal address)

German honorifics are pronoun-based, not verb-based.

French low

Vouvoyer (Formal address)

French honorifics are pronoun-based.

Chinese low

您 (Nin - Formal 'you')

Chinese honorifics are pronoun-based.

Arabic low

Honorific titles

Arabic relies on titles rather than verb suppletion.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Special Honorific Verb: To Sleep (주무시다)

Learn These First

A2 Builds On

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Overview Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchy and respect, which is intrinsically woven into its language. The s...

Related Grammar Rules

B1

Humble Verbs: Taking & Serving Superiors (모시다)

Overview Korean, much like its East Asian linguistic relatives, is a language where social context dictates expression....
A2

Special Honorific Verb: To Sleep (주무시다)

Overview Korean communication operates within a sophisticated system of **honorifics** (높임말, _noppimmal_), which are...
A2

Honorific Eating: 드시다 & 잡수시다

Overview Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchical respect, a principle that permeates its language, especially ev...
B1

Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

Overview In Korean, showing respect extends beyond mere politeness levels; it's intricately woven into the very fabric...
B1

Respectful Asking (여쭙다/여쭤보다)

Overview Korean communication is deeply interwoven with a sophisticated system of honorifics, which acknowledges the soc...
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