Humble Verbs: Taking & Serving Superiors (모시다)
모시다 instead of 데리다 whenever you are escorting, living with, or serving someone of higher status.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {모시다|奉} instead of {데리다|連} when the person you are taking or serving is a social superior.
- Use {모시다} when the object of your action is an elder, teacher, or boss.
- It replaces {데리다} (to take/bring someone) in honorific contexts.
- It also means 'to serve' or 'to attend to' someone with respect.
Overview
Korean, much like its East Asian linguistic relatives, is a language where social context dictates expression. Beyond mere vocabulary and grammar, effective communication hinges on a nuanced understanding of speech levels and honorifics. These linguistic tools serve to acknowledge and reinforce social hierarchies, showing respect to elders, superiors, and esteemed individuals.
Among these, humble verbs play a particularly vital role, distinctly separate from the honorific suffixes you might already be familiar with.
While honorific suffixes, such as -(으)시-, function to elevate the subject of a sentence (e.g., 선생님께서 가십니다 – The teacher goes, respectfully), humble verbs operate differently. They implicitly lower the speaker or the actor of the verb, thereby bestowing profound respect upon the object of the action or the person addressed. This act of linguistic humility is not about self-deprecation; rather, it is a sophisticated cultural mechanism to foster harmony and demonstrate deference.
The verb 모시다 (mosida) is a cornerstone of this humble verb system. It primarily serves as the humble equivalent of 데리다 (derida), which means "to take, bring, or accompany." However, 모시다 carries a significantly richer semantic load. It doesn't merely denote physical movement; it imbues the action with a sense of care, service, support, and respectful escort.
You use 모시다 when you, as the speaker, are performing an action that involves taking, escorting, serving, or diligently caring for someone of higher social standing than yourself. This superior status can arise from age (e.g., parents, grandparents), professional rank (e.g., a boss, professor, client), or as a guest deserving special honor.
Consider the practical implications: in English, "I'll take you to the airport" works for anyone. In Korean, using 데리다 for your boss or a respected elder would strip the interaction of its necessary deference, potentially sounding casual or even disrespectful. 모시다 transforms a simple act of escorting into an act of esteemed service, making it indispensable for navigating Korean social interactions with grace and respect.
Mastering this verb signifies more than just linguistic proficiency; it demonstrates a deep appreciation for Korean cultural etiquette.
How This Grammar Works
모시다 is fundamentally a humble verb, which means its primary purpose is to express humility on the part of the speaker (or the person performing the action) towards the object of that action. This is a critical distinction from honorifics that elevate the subject. Let's break down its linguistic mechanics and cultural underpinnings.모시다 is that it shifts the linguistic focus to show respect to the recipient of the action. When you say 저는 할머니를 모시고 병원에 갔어요 (I escorted Grandmother to the hospital), you are not elevating yourself. Instead, you are humbly framing your action of escorting, thereby elevating your grandmother's status.높임말 (honorific language), where humility from one party enhances the respect shown to the other.모시다 often translates to "to take" or "to accompany," its meaning extends significantly beyond simple physical transportation. It encompasses a broader range of actions infused with care, dedication, and respectful service.- Escorting with Deference: This is the most common usage. When you pick up, drop off, or accompany a superior,
모시다is the appropriate choice. The act is framed as a service you are providing, underscoring your humble role in facilitating their movement. - Example:
사장님을 중요한 회의에 모시고 갔습니다.(I escorted the CEO to an important meeting.) Using데리다here would imply the CEO is an ordinary companion, diminishing their status. It reduces the interaction to a transactional act rather than a respectful service. - Providing Care and Support (Living With): When one lives with and provides ongoing care for elderly parents or relatives,
모시다is used to convey this respectful commitment. It implies more than just cohabitation; it signifies a dutiful and loving responsibility, a cultural expectation often associated with filial piety. - Example:
김 선생님께서는 편찮으신 아버님을 모시고 살고 계십니다.(Mr. Kim is living with and caring for his ailing father.) This phrase immediately communicates Mr. Kim's dedication and respect for his father's well-being. - Respectful Invitation or Presentation: In formal contexts,
모시다is used when respectfully bringing an important person to an event, inviting them to speak, or presenting them to an audience. It highlights the honor of their presence and the speaker's humble role in facilitating it. - Example:
다음 순서로 존경하는 이 교수님을 연단으로 모시겠습니다.(Next, we will respectfully invite the esteemed Professor Lee to the podium.) This is a standard formal announcement, expressing the organizers' deference to the speaker.
-(으)시- (Subject Honorific):모시다 with the subject honorific -(으)시-. While both are part of honorific language, their grammatical functions and target of respect differ fundamentally.-(으)시-attaches to the verb stem to elevate the subject of the sentence, showing respect for the person performing the action.- Subject is superior:
할머니께서 주무시고 계세요.(Grandmother is sleeping, respectfully.) Here, the grandmother is the subject of the verb주무시다(to sleep, honorific). - Subject is not superior:
제가 자고 있어요.(I am sleeping.) The speaker is not superior to themselves, so no-(으)시-is used. 모시다is a distinct verb that humbles the speaker/actor to elevate the object of the verb, showing respect for the person receiving the action.- Object is superior:
제가 할머니를 모시고 갔어요.(I escorted Grandmother.) The speaker (저) is the subject, performing the action of escorting the grandmother (할머니, the object). The verb모시다humbles the speaker to elevate the grandmother. - Object is not superior:
제가 동생을 데리고 갔어요.(I took my younger sibling.) Here,동생(younger sibling) is of lower or equal status, so데리다is used.
모시다 for the subject or -(으)시- for the object would lead to grammatical and social awkwardness.모시다 vs. 데리다모시다 over 데리다 is paramount for correct and natural communication.모시다 (mosida) | 데리다 (derida) |부모님을 모시고 병원에 갔어요. (I escorted my parents to the hospital.) | Incorrect: 부모님을 데리고 병원에 갔어요. (Sounds disrespectful.) |아이를 모시고 놀이터에 갔어요. (Implies child is a superior.) | 아이를 데리고 놀이터에 갔어요. (I took the child to the playground.) |모시다 is not a generic "take" verb but a specialized linguistic tool for expressing hierarchical respect, requiring careful consideration of the social relationship involved.Formation Pattern
모시다 (mosida) is a regular Korean verb, meaning its stem 모시- follows standard conjugation rules without special irregular patterns based on its final vowel. However, like all verbs, its form changes depending on the tense, mood, and speech level required by the context. Understanding these conjugations is essential for accurate usage.
모시다. To conjugate, you consistently remove the dictionary ending -다 to reveal the stem:
모시다 (mosida)
모시- (mosi-)
모시다 across various tenses and speech levels. Pay close attention to how the stem 모시- combines with different endings.
모시다 | mosida | To take, escort, serve (humble) |
모시- + -ㅂ니다 = 모십니다 | mosimnida | Highly polite and formal; used in public speeches, broadcasts, official reports. Example: 손님을 모십니다. (We are escorting the guest.) |
모시- + -어요 = 모셔요 | mosyeoyo | Standard polite form; most common in daily polite conversation. Example: 부장님을 모셔요. (I am escorting the manager.) |
모시- + -어 = 모셔 | mosyeo | Informal, casual; used with close friends when speaking about a superior. Example: 엄마 모셔. (I'm taking Mom.) |
모시- + -었습니다 = 모셨습니다 | mosyeotseumnida | Formal past tense. Example: 귀빈을 모셨습니다. (We escorted the distinguished guest.) |
모시- + -었어요 = 모셨어요 | mosyeosseoyo | Standard polite past tense. Example: 할머니를 모시고 갔어요. (I escorted Grandmother.) |
모시- + -었어 = 모셨어 | mosyeosseo | Casual past tense. Example: 교수님 모셨어. (I escorted the professor.) |
모시- + -겠습니다 = 모시겠습니다 | mosigesseumnida | Expresses formal intent or strong volition; often used in official promises or proposals. Example: 최선을 다해 모시겠습니다. (I will serve you to the best of my ability.) |
모시- + -ㄹ 거예요 = 모실 거예요 | mosil geoyeyo | Expresses polite future plans or intention. Example: 내일 부모님을 모시고 시골에 갈 거예요. (Tomorrow, I will escort my parents to the countryside.) |
모시- + -(으)세요 = 모시세요 | mosise(yo) | Polite request (often for others to escort/serve, or as a respectful invitation for an action). Example: 이쪽으로 모시세요. (Please escort them this way.) |
모시- + -어요 = 모셔요 | mosyeoyo | Polite suggestion, typically in questions. Example: 어머니를 지금 모셔요? (Shall we escort Mother now?) |
모시다:
모시다 frequently combines with other verbs, particularly verbs of movement, to create nuanced expressions of respectful escort.
모시고 가다 (mosigo gada): To take/escort someone (superior) to a place.
할아버지를 모시고 병원에 가셨어요. (He escorted grandfather to the hospital.) This form emphasizes the continuous act of accompanying.
모시고 오다 (mosigo oda): To bring/escort someone (superior) here.
사장님을 모시고 회의실로 왔습니다. (I brought the CEO to the meeting room.)
모셔다 드리다 (mosyeoda deurida): To take/escort someone (superior) to a place and humbly give the service of doing so. This is a highly polite and very common expression, combining 모시다 with 드리다 (the humble verb for 주다, to give) to emphasize the humble service.
손님을 댁까지 모셔다 드렸습니다. (I escorted the guest to their home.) This phrase is often used by service staff or when offering a ride to a superior.
모시고 살다 (mosigo salda): To live with and care for (superiors, usually elders).
저희는 시부모님을 모시고 살고 있습니다. (We are living with and caring for our in-laws.)
When To Use It
모시다 is strictly governed by the social hierarchy between the speaker (or the actor of the verb) and the object of the verb. It is employed when the person being taken, served, or cared for holds a higher social standing than you. This can be due to age, professional rank, familial relationship, or as a guest deserving special respect.모시다 is likely the appropriate verb when you are performing an action that affects them.모시다:모시다 is the correct choice. The act of escorting becomes a respectful service.- Example 1 (Driving a superior):
교수님을 댁까지 모셔다 드렸어요.(I escorted the professor to their home.) Here, the speaker, perhaps a student or junior colleague, is providing the service of transportation for the esteemed professor. Using데리다would sound like you're driving a friend, which is inappropriate. - Example 2 (Picking up a superior):
내일 아침 공항에 사장님을 모시러 가야 해요.(I need to go to the airport tomorrow morning to pick up the CEO.) This clearly states the speaker's intention to perform the service of picking up their superior. - Example 3 (Accompanying an elder):
할머니를 모시고 동네 병원에 갈 거예요.(I will take Grandmother to the neighborhood clinic.) This reflects a grandchild's respectful accompaniment of their elder.
모시다 expresses this dutiful and respectful arrangement. It conveys a deeper commitment than merely cohabiting.- Example:
저희 부부는 현재 연로하신 부모님을 모시고 살고 있습니다.(My spouse and I are currently living with and caring for our elderly parents.) This sentence conveys responsibility and respect, highlighting a traditional value in Korean culture.
모시다 is used when you are respectfully introducing, inviting, or presenting an esteemed guest, speaker, or dignitary. It signifies the honor of their presence and the humble role of the host.- Example 1 (Introducing a speaker):
다음 연사로 존경하는 김 박사님을 모시겠습니다.(Next, we will respectfully invite the esteemed Dr. Kim as our speaker.) This is a common phrase used by emcees or hosts. - Example 2 (Welcoming a guest):
귀한 손님을 이 자리에 모시게 되어 영광입니다.(It is an honor to have our distinguished guest present here today.) This expresses the speaker's humility and the guest's elevated status.
모시다 when addressing clients, customers, or superiors to convey dedicated and respectful service.- Example 1 (Taxi driver to passenger):
손님, 목적지까지 편안하게 모시겠습니다.(Customer, I will comfortably escort you to your destination.) - Example 2 (Hotel concierge):
고객님, 객실까지 제가 직접 모셔다 드리겠습니다.(Client, I will personally escort you to your room.) This usage reinforces the service provider's deference.
께서 (instead of 이/가) as a subject, or use humble verbs like 드리다 (to give humbly) when giving them something, then 모시다 is the correct choice when they are the object of your "taking" or "serving" action. The choice of 모시다 inherently places you in a humble position relative to that individual.Common Mistakes
모시다 because its core meaning, "to take respectfully," can be misinterpreted as simply a polite version of "to take." However, its specific function of humbling the actor to elevate the object leads to distinct rules. Avoiding these common errors is crucial for natural and respectful Korean communication.모시다 for Oneself (as the object):모시다 humbles the actor to elevate the object. Therefore, you cannot use 모시다 when you are the person being taken or escorted by someone else, regardless of their status. Using it this way would implicitly suggest that you are a superior being respectfully served, which is inappropriate for yourself.- Incorrect:
친구가 저를 모시고 갔어요.(My friend escorted me like a VIP.) -> This suggests the speaker is a superior being served by their friend. Socially awkward. - Correct:
친구가 저를 데리고 갔어요.(My friend took me along.) -> Here,데리다is used for the speaker (who is the object), correctly implying neutral accompaniment. - Incorrect:
사장님께서 저를 모시고 회의에 가셨습니다.(The CEO respectfully took me to the meeting.) -> This is incorrect because the CEO, the subject, would not use모시다to refer to taking a subordinate (the speaker). The CEO would use데리다for you. The verb모시다applies to the actor humbling themselves for the object. If the CEO is the actor, they are not humbling themselves for you. - Correct:
사장님께서 저를 데리고 회의에 가셨습니다.(The CEO took me to the meeting.) ->데리다is correctly used here because the object (저) is not a superior to the subject (사장님).
모시다 for Objects, Animals, or Inferiors:모시다 conveys deep respect and deference. Animals, inanimate objects, children, or individuals of equal/lower social standing do not warrant this level of honor. Using 모시다 for them would sound absurd or even sarcastic.- Incorrect (Animals):
강아지를 모시고 산책해요.(I respectfully escort my dog for a walk.) -> This implies your dog is a dignified elder, which is humorous but incorrect. - Correct:
강아지를 데리고 산책해요.(I take my dog for a walk.) - Incorrect (Objects):
가방을 모시고 가겠습니다.(I will respectfully take your bag.) -> A bag is an object, incapable of receiving respect. - Correct:
가방을 가지고 가겠습니다.(I will take your bag.) ->가지고 가다is the appropriate verb for inanimate objects. - Incorrect (Children/Juniors):
아들을 모시고 학원에 갔어요.(I respectfully escorted my son to cram school.) -> Your son is your junior. - Correct:
아들을 데리고 학원에 갔어요.(I took my son to cram school.)
모시다 with 드리다 (Humble Giving):모시다 and 드리다 are humble verbs, which can lead to confusion. However, their functions are entirely distinct.드리다is the humble form of주다(to give). It is used when the speaker gives something to a superior.- Example:
선생님께 선물을 드렸어요.(I humbly gave a gift to the teacher.) 모시다is about the speaker taking, escorting, serving, or caring for a superior.- Example:
어머니를 모시고 영화 보러 갔어요.(I escorted my mother to see a movie.) - They can appear together in specific compound structures, such as
모셔다 드리다, which combines the act of escorting with the humble act of giving that service. This is a highly polite construction. - Example:
부장님을 댁까지 모셔다 드렸습니다.(I escorted the manager to their home.) This means "I gave the service of escorting the manager to their home humbly."
모시다 is appropriate. For instance, a colleague who is only a year or two older might not necessarily require 모시다 in a casual setting. Overusing 모시다 when the social distance is minimal or the context is informal might sound overly subservient, stiff, or even slightly ironic to native speakers.- Tip: When in doubt about borderline cases or in less formal settings with colleagues who are only slightly senior, it's often safer to use
데리다(for people) or가지고 가다(for objects) and rely on other polite markers, such as using-(으)시-if the person is the subject of the action, or simply using polite sentence endings (-어요/-ㅂ니다). It's better to be politely neutral than incorrectly humble.
모시다, reflecting a deeper understanding of Korean social etiquette.Real Conversations
모시다 is not confined to stiff, archaic language from textbooks. It is an active and essential component of modern Korean communication, appearing in a variety of real-life contexts from formal announcements to polite everyday exchanges. Understanding its use in these scenarios will help you integrate it naturally into your own speech.
1. Professional and Business Settings:
In the workplace, 모시다 is frequently used to show respect to superiors, clients, or important guests.
- Email from a subordinate to a manager about transportation:
부장님, 내일 9시에 공항으로 모시러 가겠습니다. 편하신 시간에 맞춰 다시 연락드리겠습니다.
(Manager, I will go to the airport to pick you up at 9 AM tomorrow. I will contact you again at your convenience.)
- (Observation: 모시러 가겠습니다 is a standard, polite way for a subordinate to offer to pick up a superior. The formal -(스)ㅂ니다 ending reinforces the professional deference.)
- An event host introducing a guest speaker:
다음으로 저희 세미나에 귀한 분을 모시게 되었습니다. 특별 강연을 위해 멀리서 와주신 김지연 박사님을 큰 박수로 모시겠습니다!
(Next, we have the honor of inviting a distinguished individual to our seminar. Please give a big round of applause to Dr. Kim Ji-yeon, who has come a long way for this special lecture!)
- (Observation: 모시게 되었습니다 (to have come to respectfully invite/have) is a very common and highly polite construction in formal introductions, emphasizing the host's humility and the guest's honor.)
- An assistant offering a ride to a client after a meeting:
김 대표님, 미팅 끝나셨으니 제가 편하신 곳까지 모셔다 드리겠습니다. 차량 준비되었습니다.
(CEO Kim, since the meeting is over, I will escort you comfortably to wherever you need to go. The car is ready.)
- (Observation: 모셔다 드리겠습니다 combines 모시다 with 드리다 for maximum humility and emphasis on service, typical in client-facing roles.)
2. Familial Contexts with Elders:
Within families, 모시다 is used with parents, grandparents, and older relatives to express care, respect, and filial duty.
- Talking about caring for elderly parents to a friend:
저희 부부는 결혼 후부터 계속 시부모님을 모시고 살고 있습니다. 이제 연로하셔서 건강에 신경을 많이 써야 해요.
(My spouse and I have been living with and caring for my in-laws since marriage. They are now elderly, so we have to pay a lot of attention to their health.)
- (Observation: 모시고 살고 있습니다 clearly indicates ongoing care and respect, even in a casual conversation context, although the sentence ending is polite -(스)ㅂ니다.)
- A child telling their sibling about taking their mother somewhere:
엄마 모시고 은행에 다녀왔어. 서류 작업이 좀 복잡하더라.
(I went to the bank with Mom. The paperwork was a bit complicated.)
- (Observation: Here, 모시고 shows respect to 엄마 (Mom), but the casual -왔어 ending is appropriate when speaking to a sibling. This perfectly illustrates that 모시다 shows respect to the object, independent of the sentence's overall formality.)
- Reporting bringing an older relative to a family gathering:
이모부께서 오셔서 막내 이모 모시고 왔습니다. 길이 많이 막혔네요.
(My uncle arrived, so I brought my youngest aunt here. Traffic was heavy.)
- (Observation: The speaker respectfully brings their aunt (이모) using 모시고 왔습니다, indicating deference even if 이모부 is the primary subject.)
3. Customer Service and Hospitality:
In service roles, 모시다 is essential for conveying politeness and a dedication to serving the customer.
- Hotel staff escorting a guest to their room:
손님, 객실까지 제가 편안하게 모셔다 드리겠습니다. 짐은 여기로 주십시오.
(Guest, I will comfortably escort you to your room. Please give your luggage here.)
- Tour guide addressing a group of senior tourists:
어르신들, 이제 다음 명소로 모시겠습니다. 혹시 불편한 점 있으시면 언제든 말씀해주세요.
(Elders, I will now escort you to the next famous spot. Please let me know if you have any discomfort at any time.)
These real-world examples demonstrate the versatility and indispensability of 모시다 in contemporary Korean. Its consistent use signals the speaker's awareness of social hierarchy and their commitment to respectful interaction.
Quick FAQ
모시다, addressing nuances that learners frequently encounter.- Q1: Can I use
모시다in casual conversation? - A: Yes, absolutely. The choice to use
모시다is primarily about showing respect to the object of the verb, not necessarily the overall formality of the entire sentence. You might use모시다with a casual sentence ending like-어/아when speaking to a close friend about a superior. The humble verb ensures respect for the superior, while the casual ending maintains rapport with your friend. - Example:
어제 엄마 모시고 병원에 다녀왔어. 생각보다 대기 시간이 길었어.(Yesterday, I went to the hospital with Mom. The waiting time was longer than expected.) – Here,모시고respectfully refers to Mom, while-왔어is casual, appropriate for speaking to a friend.
- Q2: Is
모시다only for physical movement or escorting? - A: While physical movement (taking someone somewhere, picking them up) is a very common application,
모시다has broader meanings that convey a sense of diligent care and service, extending beyond mere transportation. - It is prominently used in the phrase
모시고 살다(to live with and care for elders), which implies ongoing care and dedication rather than just physical movement. - It's also used in formal introductions or invitations, like
김 박사님을 모시겠습니다(We will respectfully invite Dr. Kim), where it implies bringing someone into a position or space with honor and deference. - The core idea extends beyond simple transportation to encompass any respectful act of service or care directed towards a superior.
- Q3: What if I'm carrying my boss's heavy luggage? Do I
모시다the luggage? - A: No,
모시다is exclusively for people, specifically superiors. You would모시다your boss (the person), but you would가지고 가다(to take an object) or들다(to carry) the luggage. Respect is shown to the person, not their belongings. - Incorrect:
사장님 가방을 모시고 가겠습니다.(This personifies the bag as a superior.) - Correct:
사장님 가방은 제가 가지고 가겠습니다.(I will take the CEO's bag.) You show respect by offering to carry the bag, but the verb used for the bag itself does not take모시다.
- Q4: How does
모시다relate to other humble verbs like말씀드리다(to speak humbly) or여쭙다(to ask humbly)? - A:
모시다,말씀드리다, and여쭙다are all part of the family of humble verbs. They share the common function of lowering the speaker's status to elevate the listener or the object of the action, thus expressing deference. 모시다: The speaker takes, escorts, serves, or cares for a superior (the object of the verb).말씀드리다: The speaker speaks to a superior (the listener of the statement).여쭙다/여쭤보다: The speaker asks a superior (the listener of the question).- While they target different types of actions (taking vs. speaking vs. asking), they all serve the same overarching goal of demonstrating respect through linguistic humility, showcasing the intricate system of honorifics in Korean.
- Q5: Is it possible to overuse
모시다? Could it sound awkward or unnatural? - A: While showing respect is generally positive, using
모시다inappropriately or excessively can indeed sound awkward or unnatural. For example, if the social distance isn't significant (e.g., a colleague who is only slightly older in a very informal work environment), using모시다might feel overly formal, stiff, or even a bit ironic. In such cases, relying on polite sentence endings (-어요/-ㅂ니다) and appropriate subject honorifics (-(으)시-if applicable) would be more natural. The most common awkwardness stems from using it for oneself as the object or for non-human entities, as detailed in the "Common Mistakes" section. When in doubt about whether someone truly constitutes a "superior" requiring모시다in a specific context, opting for데리다(for people) or가지고 가다(for objects) and ensuring overall polite language is a safer and more versatile approach than incorrectly deploying모시다.
- Q6: Are there regional differences in using
모시다? - A: The fundamental usage and meaning of
모시다are consistent across different regions of Korea. The social rules governing its application (i.e., when to show deference to a superior) are deeply ingrained in standard Korean etiquette. Any perceived differences would likely stem from variations in overall regional speech formality rather than a change in the specific function of모시다itself. For a B1 learner, focusing on the standard rules outlined here will serve you well in any region.
모시다 and enhance your ability to communicate respectfully and naturally in Korean.Conjugation of {모시다}
| Form | Present | Past | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Polite
|
모셔요
|
모셨어요
|
모시겠습니다
|
|
Formal
|
모십니다
|
모셨습니다
|
모시겠습니다
|
|
Plain
|
모신다
|
모셨다
|
모시겠다
|
Meanings
A humble verb used to show respect to the object of the sentence. It is the honorific equivalent of 'to take' (a person) or 'to serve'.
Taking/Escorting
To accompany or escort a superior to a destination.
“부모님을 병원에 모시고 갔어요.”
“손님을 회의실로 모시겠습니다.”
Serving/Attending
To serve or attend to a superior's needs.
“사장님을 잘 모셔야 합니다.”
“저희가 정성껏 모시겠습니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Object + 를 + 모시다
|
선생님을 모시다
|
|
Negative
|
Object + 를 + 모시지 않다
|
선생님을 모시지 않다
|
|
Question
|
Object + 를 + 모실까요?
|
선생님을 모실까요?
|
|
Past
|
Object + 를 + 모셨다
|
선생님을 모셨다
|
|
Future
|
Object + 를 + 모시겠다
|
선생님을 모시겠다
|
|
Escort
|
Object + 를 + 모시고 가다
|
선생님을 모시고 가다
|
Formality Spectrum
사장님을 공항으로 모시고 가겠습니다. (Business)
사장님을 공항으로 모시고 가요. (Business)
사장님을 모시고 가. (Business)
N/A (Business)
The Honorific Verb Map
Neutral
- 데리다 take (friend/child)
Honorific
- 모시다 take (superior)
Who do you take?
Examples by Level
할머니를 모시고 가요.
I am taking my grandmother.
선생님을 모셨어요.
I escorted the teacher.
손님을 모셔요.
I am serving the guest.
어머니를 모시고 올게요.
I will bring my mother.
사장님을 공항으로 모시고 갔습니다.
I took the boss to the airport.
부모님을 모시고 여행을 가요.
I am taking my parents on a trip.
저희가 정성껏 모시겠습니다.
We will serve you with care.
할아버지를 병원에 모시고 가야 해요.
I have to take my grandfather to the hospital.
손님을 회의실로 모시겠습니다.
I will escort the client to the meeting room.
어르신을 모시고 사는 것이 쉽지 않아요.
Living with an elder is not easy.
교수님을 댁까지 모셔다 드렸어요.
I escorted the professor to his home.
누구를 모시고 갈까요?
Who shall I escort?
귀빈을 모시는 일은 매우 중요합니다.
Escorting the VIP is very important.
저희 회사는 고객을 최우선으로 모십니다.
Our company serves customers first.
부모님을 모시고 해외 여행을 계획 중입니다.
I am planning an overseas trip with my parents.
어떤 분을 모시고 가야 하나요?
Who should I escort?
국민을 모시는 마음으로 일하겠습니다.
I will work with the heart of serving the people.
그분을 스승으로 모시고 싶습니다.
I want to serve him as my mentor.
저희가 정중히 모시도록 하겠습니다.
We will ensure we serve you respectfully.
어르신을 모시는 것은 한국 사회의 미덕입니다.
Serving elders is a virtue in Korean society.
그는 평생을 스승을 모시는 데 바쳤다.
He dedicated his life to serving his teacher.
신을 모시는 제단이 마련되어 있다.
An altar for serving the deity is prepared.
고객을 모시는 자세가 부족하다는 지적을 받았다.
He was criticized for lacking the attitude of serving customers.
어머니를 모시고 사는 것이 큰 기쁨이다.
Living with my mother is a great joy.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'to take/bring', but they are used for different social levels.
Both are honorific, but {드리다} is for giving things, {모시다} is for people.
Learners forget to add the 'taking' part.
Common Mistakes
사장님을 데리고 가요.
사장님을 모시고 가요.
할머니 데려왔어요.
할머니 모셔왔어요.
손님을 데리고 회의실로 갑니다.
손님을 회의실로 모십니다.
국민을 데리고 일합니다.
국민을 모시고 일합니다.
Sentence Patterns
___을/를 모시고 가요.
___을/를 모시고 올게요.
___을/를 모시고 사는 것이 ___.
저희가 정성껏 ___.
Real World Usage
손님을 회의실로 모시겠습니다.
할머니를 모시고 식당에 갔어요.
사장님을 공항으로 모시러 갑니다.
저희가 정성껏 모시겠습니다.
부모님을 모시고 여행을 가세요.
선생님을 강당으로 모셨습니다.
Check the status
Don't use for yourself
Combine with {가다/오다}
Respect is key
Smart Tips
Always check if you used {모시다} instead of {데리다}.
Use {모시다} to show you care about their status.
Use {모시겠습니다} to show commitment to service.
If you are taking parents, use {모시고 가다}.
Pronunciation
Double Consonant
The 's' in {모시다} is a tense sound. Ensure it is sharp.
Statement
모십니다 ↓
Falling intonation for formal statements.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Mo-shi-da' as 'More-she-da' (More respect she gets, the more you use it).
Visual Association
Imagine yourself bowing slightly while escorting a VIP to a car. The 'M' in 'Mo' stands for 'Master'.
Rhyme
For the boss, use {모시다}, for the friend, use {데리다}.
Story
You are at a fancy restaurant. Your boss walks in. You don't just 'take' him to the table; you 'escort' him. You use {모시다} to show he is the guest of honor. Your friend walks in later, and you just 'take' him to the seat using {데리다}.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences today using {모시다} for people you respect.
Cultural Notes
Respect for hierarchy is absolute. Using the wrong verb can be seen as an insult.
Taking care of elders is a core value. {모시다} reflects this duty.
Customers are treated as kings. {모시다} is used to show extreme service.
Derived from the verb {모시다}, which historically meant to attend to a king or high official.
Conversation Starters
오늘 누구를 모시고 가요?
부모님을 모시고 살고 싶어요?
손님을 어떻게 모셔야 할까요?
스승으로 모시고 싶은 사람이 있어요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
사장님을 공항으로 ___ 갑니다.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
할머니를 데리고 병원에 가요.
친구를 데리고 가요 -> (Boss)
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
선생님 / 모시고 / 가요
{모시다} is used for friends.
A: 누구를 공항에 데려가요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises사장님을 공항으로 ___ 갑니다.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
할머니를 데리고 병원에 가요.
친구를 데리고 가요 -> (Boss)
Match: 1. Friend, 2. Boss
선생님 / 모시고 / 가요
{모시다} is used for friends.
A: 누구를 공항에 데려가요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesBoss, I will drive you home. 부장님, 제가 집까지 ___.
Which person would you typically use `모시다` with?
친구야, 나를 모시러 와.
Where should I escort you? 어디로 ___?
Match the correct verb choice.
Parents / I / with / live. (using humble form)
I will escort the CEO. (Formal)
My mother lived with my grandmother. 어머니는 할머니를 ___ 살았어요.
가방을 모시고 가세요.
I took my father to the airport.
Please escort the guest inside. 손님을 안으로 ___.
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Only if you are being sarcastic or very formal. In normal situations, use {데리다}.
No, it also means 'to serve' or 'to attend to'.
{모셔다 드리다} specifically means 'to escort someone to their destination'.
No, {모시다} is already an honorific verb. You don't need to add {-(으)시-}.
No, pets are not superiors. Use {데리다}.
Yes, it is very common in formal writing and business emails.
Because it lowers the speaker's status relative to the person being served.
It might sound rude or disrespectful to the person you are talking about.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
お連れする (o-tsure suru)
Korean honorifics are more strictly enforced in daily life.
llevar (a alguien)
Spanish uses formal pronouns (usted) rather than special verbs.
mitnehmen
German lacks lexical honorific verbs.
emmener
French relies on pronouns, not verb changes.
带 (dài)
Chinese does not change the verb itself.
يصطحب (yastahib)
Arabic uses formal vocabulary rather than humble verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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