B2 Speech Levels 13 min read Medium

Respectful Accompanying (모시다): Serving Elders and Superiors

Use 모시다 to respectfully accompany or serve seniors, replacing the casual 데리다 to show social awareness.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {모시다|奉} instead of {데리다} when accompanying someone older or of higher status to show deep respect.

  • Use {모시다} for elders/superiors: {선생님을 모시고 병원에 갔어요.} (I took the teacher to the hospital.)
  • Do not use {모시다} for yourself or peers: {친구를 데리고 왔어요.} (I brought a friend.)
  • Combine with honorific suffixes: {모셨습니다} for formal past tense.
Subject + (Elder/Superior) + Object + 을/를 + 모시다

Overview

모시다 (mosida) is a pivotal Korean verb essential for demonstrating respect towards individuals of higher social standing, age, or authority. At its core, 모시다 signifies "to accompany," "to take," or "to serve/look after," but it carries a profound layer of deference not present in its plainer counterpart, 데리다 (derida). This verb is a suppletive honorific, meaning it completely replaces a simpler verb to elevate the object of the action, rather than attaching an honorific suffix.

Mastery of 모시다 is critical at the B2 level, as its appropriate use reflects a nuanced understanding of Korean social hierarchy (서열 의식) and politeness (예의). Using 데리다 for an elder or superior is not merely informal; it can be perceived as disrespectful, diminishing their status to that of a child, subordinate, or even an animal. Conversely, 모시다 communicates that the person you are interacting with is a 윗사람 (witsaram – a superior/elder) deserving of special consideration and reverence.

It transforms a simple act of accompanying into an expression of dedicated service or care.

For instance, while you might say 친구를 데리고 영화 보러 가요 (chingu-reul derigo yeonghwa boreo gayo – I’m taking my friend to see a movie), the same action involving your grandmother demands 할머니를 모시고 영화 보러 가요 (halmeoni-reul mosigo yeonghwa boreo gayo – I’m respectfully taking my grandmother to see a movie). The difference is not in the physical act, but in the social framing and the respect accorded to the grandmother.

How This Grammar Works

모시다 operates as a direct substitute for the verb 데리다 when the object of the action is someone you need to show honor to. This linguistic phenomenon, known as suppletion, means there is no morphological connection between the two verbs; 모시다 is an entirely different word. 데리다 means "to take/bring someone" and is used for younger people, friends, subordinates, or pets.
모시다, on the other hand, is reserved for 윗사람 – parents, grandparents, teachers, bosses, esteemed guests, or customers in a service context.
The respect embodied by 모시다 is directional: it flows from the speaker (or the subject of the sentence) to the object being accompanied or cared for. You mobilize yourself to serve or assist them. This concept is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, where 효도 (hyodo – filial piety) and respect for elders are paramount.
The verb 모시다 encompasses several facets of respectful interaction:
  1. 1Physical escort/transport: When you personally take someone somewhere.
  • 아버지를 병원에 모시고 갔어요. (abeoji-reul byeongwon-e mosigo gasseoyo – I respectfully took my father to the hospital.)
  1. 1Living with/caring for: When you live with or are responsible for the care of an elder or superior.
  • 부모님을 모시고 살고 있습니다. (bumonim-eul mosigo salgo isseumnida – I am living with and taking care of my parents.)
  1. 1Attending to/Serving: In a service context, or when assisting a very important person.
  • 손님을 안쪽 자리로 모시겠습니다. (sonnim-eul anjok jari-ro mosigesseumnida – I will respectfully escort the customer to an inner seat.)
Unlike many honorifics that add the infix -시- (e.g., 가다가시다), 모시다 is inherently honorific. Adding -시- to 모시다 to form 모시시다 is grammatically incorrect and demonstrates a misunderstanding of its suppletive nature. Understanding this core distinction is crucial for B2 learners, as it moves beyond simple vocabulary acquisition to grasp the socio-linguistic function of honorifics.

Formation Pattern

1
모시다 is a verb that conjugates regularly based on its stem 모시-. The complexity lies not in its internal conjugation, but in remembering when to substitute it for 데리다 and in mastering its common compound forms, particularly 모셔다 드리다.
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Basic Conjugation of 모시다
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| Form | Informal Polite (해체) | Formal Polite (해요체) | Formal Deferential (합니다체) | Romanization (해체) | Romanization (합니다체) |
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| :------------- | :------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------------- | :--------------------- | :------------------------ |
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| Present (Decl.) | 모셔 | 모셔요 | 모십니다 | mosyeo | mosimnida |
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| Past (Decl.) | 모셨어 | 모셨어요 | 모셨습니다 | mosyeosseo | mosyeosseumnida |
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| Future/Presum. | 모실 거야 | 모실 거예요 | 모실 겁니다 | mosil geoya | mosil geomnida |
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| Imperative | 모셔 | 모셔요 | 모시십시오 | mosyeo | mosipsio |
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| Propositional | 모시자 | 모시죠 | 모십시다 | mosija | mosipsida |
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| Connective (-고)| 모시고 | 모시고 | 모시고 | mosigo | mosigo |
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| Modifier (-는) | 모시는 | 모시는 | 모시는 | mosineun | mosineun |
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Replacing 데리다 with 모시다
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The most common use case for 모시다 is as a direct replacement for 데리다. Consider the following structure:
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Plain: [Person (lower status/equal)]을/를 데리고 [Verb]
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Honorific: [Person (higher status)]을/를 모시고 [Verb]
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Example:
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Plain: 동생을 데리고 공원에 갔어요. (dongsaeng-eul derigo gongwon-e gasseoyo – I took my younger sibling to the park.)
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Honorific: 어머니를 모시고 공원에 갔어요. (eomeoni-reul mosigo gongwon-e gasseoyo – I respectfully took my mother to the park.)
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The Compound Form: 모셔다 드리다
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A critical extension of 모시다 is 모셔다 드리다 (mosyeoda deurida), which translates to "to take [someone respectful] somewhere for their benefit." This form combines:
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모시다 (to respectfully accompany)
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-아/어다 (transferring action from one place to another, similar to "fetch and do")
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드리다 (deurida – a self-lowering verb meaning "to give/do for a superior").
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The structure V-아/어다 드리다 implies performing an action for a superior's benefit. Therefore, 모셔다 드리다 literally means "to respectfully take and then (for their benefit) give." This construction is extremely common when offering to escort someone, drop them off, or pick them up.
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Example:
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Plain: 친구를 집까지 데려다 줄게. (chingu-reul jipkkaji deryeoda julge – I’ll take my friend home.)
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Honorific: 손님을 역까지 모셔다 드릴까요? (sonnim-eul yeokkkaji mosyeoda deurilkkayo? – Shall I respectfully take the customer to the station?) – Here, 드릴까요 (deurilkkayo) uses the self-lowering 드리다 to offer assistance.
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Formal Invitation/Offer: When initiating an action involving 모시다, especially in professional or service settings, you often use the future tense or a propositional form with 드리다.
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회장님을 회의실로 모시겠습니다. (hoejangnim-eul hoeuisillo mosigesseumnida – I will respectfully escort the CEO to the conference room.)
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어르신, 이쪽으로 모시겠습니다. (eoreusin, ijjogeuro mosigesseumnida – Elder, I will respectfully escort you this way.)

When To Use It

Appropriate use of 모시다 hinges on a clear understanding of social hierarchy and context. It is not just about age, but also about role, status, and the formality of the situation. At B2, you should be able to discern these nuances consistently.
1. Family Members:
  • Parents and Grandparents: Always use 모시다 when referring to taking them somewhere, living with them, or caring for them.
  • 부모님을 모시고 제주도로 여행을 다녀왔습니다. (bumonim-eul mosigo jejudo-ro yeohaeng-eul danyeowasseumnida – I respectfully took my parents on a trip to Jeju Island.)
  • Older Aunts/Uncles (이모, 고모, 삼촌) and other 윗사람 relatives: Generally, 모시다 is appropriate, especially if there's a significant age gap or a strong traditional family structure.
  • 할머니댁에 이모를 모시고 방문했어요. (halmeonidaeg-e imo-reul mosigo bangmunhaesseoyo – I respectfully accompanied my aunt to grandma’s house.)
2. Professional and Formal Settings:
  • Bosses, Supervisors, Teachers, Professors: Use 모시다 when accompanying them or discussing their movement.
  • 부장님을 공항까지 모셔다 드렸어요. (bujangnim-eul gonghangkkaji mosyeoda deuryeosseoyo – I respectfully drove the department head to the airport.)
  • Important Guests, Clients, VIPs: In business, customer service, or hospitality, 모시다 is standard.
  • 저희 대표님께서 외국 바이어를 모시고 점심 식사를 하셨습니다. (jeohui daepyonimk께서 oeguk baieo-reul mosigo jeomsim siksareul hasyeosseumnida – Our CEO respectfully hosted the foreign buyer for lunch.)
3. Service Industry:
  • When assisting customers, clients, or patients, even if they are younger, their status as a patron generally warrants the use of 모시다.
  • 손님, 이쪽으로 모시겠습니다. (sonnim, ijjogeuro mosigesseumnida – Customer, I will respectfully escort you this way.)
  • 어르신을 진료실로 모시고 가세요. (eoreusin-eul jillyosil-lo mosigo gaseyo – Please respectfully take the elder to the examination room.)
4. Caregiving Contexts:
  • Referring to living with or providing care for elders, especially parents or in-laws.
  • 연세가 많으신 시어머니를 모시고 살고 있습니다. (yeonsaega maneusin sieomeoni-reul mosigo salgo isseumnida – I am living with and taking care of my elderly mother-in-law.)
Cultural Insight: The use of 모시다 in caregiving contexts highlights the Korean value of (hyo), or filial piety. It frames the act of living with and supporting one's parents not as a burden, but as an honorable service, verbally elevating the recipient of that care.
Summary Table of Usage:
| Context | Who you're accompanying | Usage of 모시다 | Example |
| :------------------- | :----------------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Familial | Parents, grandparents, older relatives | Essential | 할머니를 병원에 모시고 갈 거예요. |
| Professional | Boss, professor, teacher, mentor | Essential | 교수님을 댁까지 모셔다 드렸습니다. |
| Social (Formal) | Important guests, respected elders | Essential | 귀한 손님을 모시고 식당으로 향했습니다. |
| Service Industry | Customers, clients, patients | Essential (even if younger) | 손님을 테이블로 모시겠습니다. |
| Friends/Younger | Friends, younger siblings, children | Inappropriate / Sarcastic | Use 데리다 or 같이 가다. |
| Pets/Objects | Animals, inanimate objects | Inappropriate | Use 데리다 or other specific verbs. |

Common Mistakes

At the B2 level, while you may generally understand the concept of 모시다, common pitfalls involve overgeneralization, misapplication, or failure to recognize its unique grammatical properties. Avoiding these errors is crucial for sounding natural and respectful.
1. Using 모시다 for Oneself:
  • You never 모시다 yourself. 모시다 always directs respect to the object. To say 제가 모셨습니다 in reference to yourself implies an extraordinary and inappropriate self-importance, as if others are serving you. If you are the one being accompanied by someone else (e.g., your subordinate driving you), you would use a plain verb like 가다 (to go) or 도착하다 (to arrive), or simply state the fact of being driven without 모시다. The action of 모시다 is always performed for a superior.
  • Incorrect: 저는 비서가 모시고 회사에 갑니다. (Jeoneun biseoga mosigo hoesa-e gamnida – My secretary respectfully accompanies me to the office.) – This sounds arrogant.
  • Correct: 저는 비서가 태워줘서 회사에 갑니다. (Jeoneun biseoga taewojwoseo hoesa-e gamnida – My secretary drives me to the office.) or simply 비서와 함께 회사에 갑니다. (biseowa hamkke hoesa-e gamnida – I go to the office with my secretary.)
2. Over-honorification: 모시시다:
  • 모시다 is already a suppletive honorific verb. You do not add the honorific infix -시- to it. This creates a redundant and incorrect form, 모시시다.
  • Incorrect: 부장님을 모시시고 회의실로 가세요.
  • Correct: 부장님을 모시고 회의실로 가세요. (bujangnim-eul mosigo hoeuisillo gaseyo – Please respectfully accompany the department head to the conference room.)
3. Using 모시다 for Equals, Juniors, or Pets:
  • Applying 모시다 to friends, younger siblings, subordinates, or animals is highly inappropriate. It can sound sarcastic, condescending, or simply awkward. For these individuals, use 데리다 or neutral terms like 같이 가다 (gati gada – to go together).
  • Incorrect: 제 강아지를 모시고 산책 갔다 왔어요. (Je gangaji-reul mosigo sanchak gatda wasseoyo – I respectfully took my dog for a walk.) – Unless said humorously, this is wrong.
  • Correct: 제 강아지를 데리고 산책 갔다 왔어요. (Je gangaji-reul derigo sanchak gatda wasseoyo – I took my dog for a walk.)
4. Confusing with 뵈다 (뵙다):
  • While both are honorific verbs of interaction, 모시다 (to accompany/serve) is distinct from 뵈다 / 뵙다 (boeda / boepda – to respectfully see/meet). 뵈다 is the honorific counterpart to 만나다 (mannada – to meet) or 보다 (boda – to see).
  • Incorrect: 내일 교수님을 모시겠습니다. (as in, I will meet him tomorrow.)
  • Correct: 내일 교수님을 뵙겠습니다. (naeil gyosunim-eul boepgesseumnida – I will respectfully meet Professor tomorrow.)
  • Correct (for 모시다): 내일 교수님을 모시고 행사에 참석하겠습니다. (naeil gyosunim-eul mosigo haengsa-e chamseokhagesseumnida – Tomorrow, I will respectfully accompany Professor to the event.)
5. Inconsistent Speech Levels:
  • A common mistake is to use 모시다 (a high honorific verb) but then revert to casual speech endings (반말, banmal) in the same sentence or conversation. This creates an awkward and contradictory tone. Ensure that the entire sentence structure, from verbs to endings, maintains a consistent level of politeness.
  • Incorrect: 할머니를 모시고 병원에 갔는데, 힘들었어.
  • Correct: 할머니를 모시고 병원에 갔는데, 힘드셨어요. (halmeoni-reul mosigo byeongwon-e ganneunde, himdeusyeosseoyo – I respectfully accompanied grandma to the hospital, and she had a hard time.) – Note the honorific verb 힘드시다 (himdeusida) for grandma.
6. Passive Voice with 모시다:
  • While theoretically possible, 모셔지다 (mosyeojida – to be respectfully accompanied) is rarely used and often sounds unnatural. The verb 모시다 inherently implies a subject actively providing service/accompaniment to a respected object. If you are the one being escorted, it's better to use a simple verb of movement or to state the fact without employing a passive 모시다 form.

Real Conversations

Understanding 모시다 in isolated sentences is one thing; observing its natural flow in modern, dynamic conversations demonstrates true B2 proficiency. Here are examples showcasing its use in various contexts, including text-based communication.

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Scenario 1

Professional (Email/KakaoTalk for work)

A subordinate offering to pick up a senior manager from the airport.

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Subordinate

부장님, 내일 공항 도착하시면 제가 바로 모시러 가겠습니다. (bujangnim, naeil gonghang dochakhasimyeon jega baro mosireo gagesseumnida – Department head, when you arrive at the airport tomorrow, I will go immediately to respectfully pick you up.)
M

Manager

그래 줘서 고맙네. 도착하면 연락하지. (geurae jwoseo gomapne. dochakhamyeon yeollakhaji – Thank you for doing that. I'll contact you when I arrive.)

- Analysis: The subordinate uses 모시러 가겠습니다 (mosireo gagesseumnida), combining 모시다 with -러 가다 (to go to do something) and the formal deferential ending -(으)겠습니다 to show utmost respect.

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Scenario 2

Familial (Discussing elderly parents)

Two siblings discussing their mother's doctor's appointment.

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Sibling 1

어머니 병원 진료는 누가 모시고 가셨어? (eomeoni byeongwon jillyoneun nuga mosigo gasyeosseo? – Who respectfully took mother to her hospital appointment?)
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Sibling 2

제가 모시고 갔다 왔어요. 괜찮으시다고 해요. (jega mosigo gatda wasseoyo. gwaenchaneusidago haeyo – I respectfully took her. She said she's fine.)

- Analysis: Both siblings naturally use 모시고 가다 (mosigo gada) to refer to taking their mother, reinforcing the cultural expectation of filial piety. Note the honorific verb 괜찮으시다 (gwaenchaneusida) used for the mother's condition.

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Scenario 3

Service Industry (Hotel Check-in)

A hotel staff member escorting a guest.

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Staff

고객님, 편안하게 쉬실 수 있도록 객실까지 모시겠습니다. (gogaeknim, peonanage swisil su ittorok gaeksillkkaji mosigesseumnida – Esteemed guest, I will respectfully escort you to your room so you can rest comfortably.)
G

Guest

네, 감사합니다. (ne, gamsahamnida – Yes, thank you.)

- Analysis: The staff uses 모시겠습니다 (mosigesseumnida) to offer escort service, a standard and polite expression in customer service that elevates the customer's status.

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Scenario 4

Referring to a Mentor

Posting on social media about an event with a respected figure.

존경하는 김 교수님을 모시고 강연회에 참석했습니다. 많은 것을 배웠습니다. (jon-gyeonghaneun Gim gyosunim-eul mosigo gangyeonhoe-e chamseokhaetseumnida. maneun geoseul baewosseumnida – I respectfully accompanied the esteemed Professor Kim to the lecture. I learned a lot.)

- Analysis: Even in social media, 모시고 is used to highlight the speaker's respect for Professor Kim, transforming a simple attendance into an act of deference.

Quick FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common ambiguities and provide clarity on 모시다's usage at an advanced-intermediate level.
Q1: Can I use 모시다 for my older brother or sister?
A1: Generally, no. While they are 윗사람 by age, the relationship is typically one of mutual respect rather than the formalized deference 모시다 implies. For an older sibling, 데려다 주다 (deryeoda juda – to take/drop off) or simply 같이 가다 (gati gada – to go together) is more natural.
모시다 is reserved for a more significant status or age gap, or a formal caregiving role.
Q2: Is 모시다 only for physical travel or escorting?
A2: No. 모시다 has a broader meaning that includes living with, looking after, or caring for an elder or superior. For example, 시아버지를 모시고 살아요 (siabeoji-reul mosigo sarayo – I live with and care for my father-in-law) signifies more than just cohabitation; it implies providing attentive care and support.
Q3: How does 모시다 differ from 안내하다 (annaehada – to guide/show the way)?
A3: 안내하다 is a neutral verb meaning to guide or provide information about a route or location. It doesn't carry the inherent honorific weight of 모시다. You can 안내하다 anyone, regardless of status.
모시다 specifically implies respectfully escorting someone of higher status. While you might 안내하다 a tourist, you would 모시다 a VIP client.
Q4: Can 모시다 be used in written reports or formal documents?
A4: Absolutely. In formal written communication, especially when referring to the actions taken concerning a superior or important figure, 모시다 is highly appropriate and demonstrates proper decorum. For instance, in a business report: 사장님을 모시고 해외 출장을 다녀왔습니다. (sajangnim-eul mosigo haeoe chuljang-eul danyeowasseumnida – I respectfully accompanied the CEO on an overseas business trip.)
Q5: What if I'm unsure whether to use 모시다 or 데리다?
A5: When in doubt, especially with someone significantly older, in a position of authority, or in a service context, it is safer and generally more polite to use 모시다. Koreans tend to appreciate over-politeness (과공) more than unintentional disrespect (실례). However, for peers or those clearly junior, 모시다 will sound awkward or sarcastic.
Q6: Is there a casual equivalent of 모시다?
A6: No, because the very essence of 모시다 is formal respect. If the situation is casual enough to warrant 반말 (banmal – casual speech), then you would typically use 데리다 or other neutral verbs like 같이 가다 or 함께 하다 (hamkke hada – to be together with). The concept of casual respectful accompaniment is contradictory in Korean.
Q7: Can 모시다 be used for abstract concepts or inanimate objects?
A7: No, 모시다 is exclusively used for people who are deserving of honor and respect. You cannot 모시다 a document, a car, or an idea. These would use different verbs like 가지고 가다 (gajigo gada – to take an object) or 들고 가다 (deulgo gada – to carry and go).
Q8: Does 모시다 carry a connotation of leading or following?
A8: While 모시다 implies you are facilitating the movement for the respected person, it does not necessarily mean you are physically leading them from the front. It means you are ensuring their comfortable and respectful passage or presence. Often, you might walk beside or slightly behind them out of respect, while still performing the action of 모시다.

Conjugation of {모시다}

Tense Formal (하십시오) Polite (해요)
Present
{모십니다}
{모셔요}
Past
{모셨습니다}
{모셨어요}
Future
{모시겠습니다}
{모실 거예요}
Progressive
{모시고 있습니다}
{모시고 있어요}
Imperative
{모십시오}
{모셔요}
Propositive
{모십시다}
{모셔요}

Meanings

The verb {모시다} is the honorific counterpart to {데리다} (to take/bring a person). It is used to describe the act of accompanying or escorting someone who deserves social respect.

1

Escorting/Accompaniment

To go with or take someone of higher status to a location.

“{부모님을 모시고 여행을 갑니다.}”

“{사장님을 공항까지 모셨습니다.}”

Reference Table

Reference table for Respectful Accompanying (모시다): Serving Elders and Superiors
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모시다}
{선생님을 모십니다.}
Negative
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모시지 않다}
{선생님을 모시지 않습니다.}
Question
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모시다}?
{선생님을 모실까요?}
Past
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모셨다}
{선생님을 모셨습니다.}
Future
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모시겠다}
{선생님을 모시겠습니다.}
Polite
Subject + Object + {을/를} + {모셔요}
{선생님을 모셔요.}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{선생님을 모시고 병원에 갑니다.}

{선생님을 모시고 병원에 갑니다.} (Polite conversation)

Neutral
{선생님을 모시고 병원에 가요.}

{선생님을 모시고 병원에 가요.} (Polite conversation)

Informal
{선생님을 모시고 병원에 가.}

{선생님을 모시고 병원에 가.} (Polite conversation)

Slang
N/A

N/A (Polite conversation)

Who do we use {모시다} for?

{모시다}

Family

  • 할머니 Grandmother
  • 부모님 Parents

Work

  • 사장님 CEO
  • 상사 Boss

Social

  • 선생님 Teacher
  • 손님 Guest

Examples by Level

1

{선생님을 모십니다.}

I am accompanying the teacher.

1

{할머니를 모시고 왔어요.}

I brought my grandmother.

1

{사장님을 공항으로 모시겠습니다.}

I will escort the CEO to the airport.

1

{부모님을 모시고 여행을 다녀왔습니다.}

I went on a trip with my parents.

1

{귀빈을 모시고 행사를 진행합니다.}

We are conducting the event with the VIP.

1

{어르신을 모시는 마음으로 일합니다.}

I work with the heart of serving the elderly.

Easily Confused

Respectful Accompanying (모시다): Serving Elders and Superiors vs {데리다} vs {모시다}

Both mean to take/bring a person, but they are used for different social statuses.

Respectful Accompanying (모시다): Serving Elders and Superiors vs {모시다} vs {모셔다 드리다}

Learners often use {모시다} when they mean 'dropping someone off'.

Respectful Accompanying (모시다): Serving Elders and Superiors vs {가다} vs {모시고 가다}

Learners forget to add the 'accompanying' verb.

Common Mistakes

{친구를 모셔요.}

{친구를 데려가요.}

Do not use honorifics for friends.

{선생님을 데려가요.}

{선생님을 모셔가요.}

Use honorifics for teachers.

{할머니 모셔요.}

{할머니를 모셔요.}

Missing object particle.

{나를 모셔요.}

{나를 데려가요.}

You cannot honor yourself.

{사장님을 데리고 왔어요.}

{사장님을 모시고 왔어요.}

Bosses require honorifics.

{손님을 데려왔습니다.}

{손님을 모셔왔습니다.}

Guests require honorifics.

{어머니를 데리고 가요.}

{어머니를 모시고 가요.}

Parents require honorifics.

{교수님을 데리고 병원에 갔습니다.}

{교수님을 모시고 병원에 갔습니다.}

Professors require honorifics.

{부모님을 모셔다 드렸어요.}

{부모님을 모시고 갔어요.}

Contextual nuance of 'escorting' vs 'dropping off'.

{선생님을 모시러 가요.}

{선생님을 모시러 갑니다.}

Register mismatch.

{귀빈을 데리고 행사를 시작합니다.}

{귀빈을 모시고 행사를 시작합니다.}

VIPs require high honorifics.

{할아버지를 모셔갔습니다.}

{할아버지를 모시고 갔습니다.}

Grammar structure for 'accompanying'.

{사장님을 모시게 되었습니다.}

{사장님을 모시게 되었습니다.}

This is actually correct, but often misused in context.

Sentence Patterns

[Person]을/를 모시고 [Place]에 갑니다.

[Person]을/를 모시고 [Activity]를 했습니다.

[Person]을/를 [Location]으로 모시겠습니다.

[Person]을/를 모시는 것은 중요합니다.

Real World Usage

Texting parents very common

{엄마, 오늘 병원 모시고 갈게요.}

Job interview common

{고객님을 잘 모시겠습니다.}

Travel blog occasional

{부모님을 모시고 제주도에 왔어요.}

Food delivery app rare

N/A

Formal speech common

{귀빈을 모시고 시작합니다.}

Social media post common

{할머니 모시고 데이트 중!}

💡

Check the status

Before using {모시다}, ask yourself: 'Is this person older or higher status than me?' If yes, use it.
⚠️

Don't use for friends

Using {모시다} for friends sounds sarcastic or weird. Stick to {데리다}.
🎯

Combine with honorifics

Use {-(으)시-} with {모시다} for maximum respect: {선생님을 모시고 가십니다}.
💬

It's about service

Remember that {모시다} implies you are providing a service or care, not just walking together.

Smart Tips

Always use {모시다} to show respect.

{할머니를 데리고 가요.} {할머니를 모시고 가요.}

Use {모시겠습니다} for professional service.

{사장님을 데려올게요.} {사장님을 모셔오겠습니다.}

Use {모시다} to refer to guests or clients.

{손님을 데려옵니다.} {손님을 모셔옵니다.}

Err on the side of politeness.

{선생님을 데리고 가요.} {선생님을 모시고 가요.}

Pronunciation

mo-si-da

Consonant assimilation

The 's' sound in {모시다} is pronounced clearly.

Polite statement

{선생님을 모십니다} (downward pitch at the end)

Conveys respect and finality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mo-si-da' as 'More-see-da' (I want to see more respect for them).

Visual Association

Imagine yourself walking behind an elderly person, holding an umbrella for them. You are 'escorting' them with care.

Rhyme

For the boss or the teacher, use {모시다} as a feature.

Story

Min-su was taking his friend to the park, so he said '{데리고 가요}'. Then his grandfather arrived, so he quickly changed to '{모시고 가요}'. He knew that respect is the key to a happy life.

Word Web

{데리다}{모시다}{존댓말}{어르신}{사장님}{손님}{동행}

Challenge

Write three sentences today about people you respect using {모시다}.

Cultural Notes

Respect for elders is the foundation of Korean society. Using {모시다} is a linguistic manifestation of this value.

In business, {모시다} is used for clients and superiors to show professional deference.

Taking care of parents is often described as {모시다}, implying a lifelong commitment.

The verb {모시다} comes from the Middle Korean {뫼시다}, which meant to attend or serve a king or high-ranking official.

Conversation Starters

주말에 누구를 모시고 어디에 가고 싶어요?

회사에서 상사를 어떻게 모셔야 할까요?

부모님을 모시고 여행을 가본 적이 있나요?

손님을 모실 때 가장 중요한 것은 무엇인가요?

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you escorted someone important.
Describe how you show respect to your elders.
Imagine you are a secretary for a CEO. Write a daily schedule.
Compare taking a friend to a cafe vs. taking a teacher.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

사장님을 공항으로 ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셔갑니다
Bosses require honorific verbs.
Fill in the blank.

할머니를 ______ 산책을 합니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모시고
Grandmothers require honorific verbs.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

친구를 모시고 왔어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친구를 데리고 왔어요
Friends do not require {모시다}.
Order the words. Sentence Building

모시고 / 선생님을 / 갑니다 / 병원에

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님을 모시고 병원에 갑니다
Standard SOV order.
Match the person to the verb. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-데리다, 2-모시다
Social status dictates the verb.
Conjugate {모시다} in past formal. Conjugation Drill

모시다 -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셨습니다
Past formal tense.
Change to honorific. Sentence Transformation

친구를 데리고 가요. (Change to teacher)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님을 모시고 가요
Teacher requires honorifics.
Is this true? True False Rule

I can use {모시다} for my dog.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Dogs are not humans and do not require honorifics.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct verb. Multiple Choice

사장님을 공항으로 ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셔갑니다
Bosses require honorific verbs.
Fill in the blank.

할머니를 ______ 산책을 합니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모시고
Grandmothers require honorific verbs.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

친구를 모시고 왔어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친구를 데리고 왔어요
Friends do not require {모시다}.
Order the words. Sentence Building

모시고 / 선생님을 / 갑니다 / 병원에

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님을 모시고 병원에 갑니다
Standard SOV order.
Match the person to the verb. Match Pairs

1. Friend, 2. Boss

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-데리다, 2-모시다
Social status dictates the verb.
Conjugate {모시다} in past formal. Conjugation Drill

모시다 -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셨습니다
Past formal tense.
Change to honorific. Sentence Transformation

친구를 데리고 가요. (Change to teacher)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님을 모시고 가요
Teacher requires honorifics.
Is this true? True False Rule

I can use {모시다} for my dog.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Dogs are not humans and do not require honorifics.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate to respectful Korean Translation

I am living with my grandparents.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니 할아버지를 모시고 살고 있어요.
Reorder the words to say 'I will take the guest to the room'. Sentence Reorder

모시겠습니다 / 손님을 / 방으로

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 손님을 방으로 모시겠습니다
Match the plain verb with its humble counterpart. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 데리다:모시다
Complete the sentence: 'I brought the CEO here.' Fill in the Blank

사장님을 여기로 ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셔왔어요
Which is the most natural way to offer a ride to a professor? Multiple Choice

Select the best offer:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제가 모셔다 드릴까요?
Fix the mistake: 'My friend took me home.' Error Correction

친구를 모셔다 드렸어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 친구가 저를 데려다 줬어요.
How do you say 'taking someone' in a humble way? Fill in the Blank

할아버지를 ____ 병원에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모시고
Translate: 'I am taking my parents to a restaurant.' Translation

부모님을 식당으로 ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 모셔가고 있어요
In a YouTube interview, how do you introduce a guest? Multiple Choice

Choose the intro:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오늘의 게스트를 모셨습니다!
Reorder: 'I will take the parents to the hotel.' Sentence Reorder

모시겠습니다 / 호텔로 / 부모님을

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 부모님을 호텔로 모시겠습니다

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, {모시다} is for people older or of higher status than you. Use {데리다} for younger siblings.

No, it can mean taking someone by car, bus, or any other transport.

It is a regular verb conjugation: {모시다} + {-고} = {모시고}.

No, honorifics are for people. Using it for a dog would be very strange.

When in doubt, use {모시다} if the person is older. It is better to be too polite than rude.

Yes, it is very common in formal writing, emails, and reports.

Yes, the conjugation (e.g., {모십니다} vs {모셔요}) depends on who you are talking to.

Use {모시다} for accompanying, and {모셔다 드리다} for dropping someone off at their destination.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Japanese high

お供する (O-tomo suru)

Korean {모시다} is more frequently used in daily family life than the Japanese equivalent.

Chinese moderate

侍奉 (shìfèng)

Korean {모시다} is a standard verb for physical movement, whereas Chinese equivalents are more abstract.

Spanish low

Acompañar

Spanish lacks the grammaticalized honorific distinction found in Korean.

German low

Begleiten

German relies on polite pronouns rather than verb changes for respect.

French low

Accompagner

French uses 'vous' to show respect, not verb conjugation.

Arabic low

يصطحب (yastahib)

Arabic honorifics are noun-based, not verb-based.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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