A2 Verb Conjugation 9 min read Medium

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시

Press the 'respect button' by adding (으)시 to verbs whenever the subject deserves honor.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use (으)시 to show respect when talking about actions performed by someone you want to honor.

  • Add -시- to the verb stem if it ends in a vowel: 가다 → 가시다.
  • Add -으시- to the verb stem if it ends in a consonant: 먹다 → 먹으시다.
  • Use -시- for irregular stems like ㄹ: 만들다 → 만드시다 (drop the ㄹ).
Verb Stem + (으)시 + Ending (e.g., -어요/ㅂ니다)

Overview

Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchy and respect, which is intrinsically woven into its language. The subject honorific infix -(으)시- (-(eu)si-) is a fundamental grammatical component reflecting this cultural value. Its primary function is to show respect for the person performing the action, the subject of your sentence, rather than the person you are speaking to.

This distinction is crucial: while speech level endings (like -아요/어요 or -습니다) express politeness towards your listener, -(으)시- elevates the status of the person you are talking about. Mastering -(으)시- demonstrates not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural sensitivity, marking the difference between grammatically correct but socially awkward speech and natural, respectful Korean communication.

Linguistically, -(으)시- is an infix because it inserts directly into the verb or adjective stem, preceding any tense or speech level endings. This grammatical insertion structurally modifies the predicate to convey deference. Its existence underscores a core principle of Korean grammar: the relationship between individuals dictates linguistic form, especially concerning age, social status, and professional hierarchy.

Conjugation Table

Stem Ends In Rule Base Form Stem Example -(으)시- Form Example with Ending Translation (Hon.)
:------------- :----------------------------------- :---------------- :------------- :---------------- :-------------------- :-------------------
Vowel Add -시- 가다 (to go) 가- 가시다 가십니다 (He/She) goes
Consonant Add -으시- 읽다 (to read) 읽- 읽으시다 읽으세요 (He/She) reads
ㄹ Consonant Drop ㄹ, then add -시- 만들다 (to make) 만들- → 만- 만드시사 만드십니다 (He/She) makes
Special Verb Use unique honorific verb directly 먹다 (to eat) N/A 드시다 드셔요 / 드십니다 (He/She) eats
Special Verb Use unique honorific verb directly 자다 (to sleep) N/A 주무시다 주무세요 (He/She) sleeps
Special Verb Use unique honorific verb directly 있다 (to be) N/A 계시다 계십니다 (He/She) is

How This Grammar Works

The -(으)시- infix operates as a structural modification within the verb or adjective's conjugation chain. It signifies that the grammatical subject of the sentence commands respect. This is distinct from speech level honorifics (e.g., -습니다/ㅂ니다, -아요/어요, -다/라) which indicate the speaker's deference towards the listener.
You can use -(으)시- regardless of whether you are speaking formally or informally to your audience.
Consider the sentence structure: Subject (respected person) + Object + Verb (stem + -(으)시- + ending). The infix -(으)시- always comes after the verb/adjective stem and before any tense markers (-았/었-, -겠-) or speech level endings.
For example:
  • 선생님은 책을 읽습니다. (The teacher reads a book.) – No honorific for subject.
  • 선생님께서 책을 읽으십니다. (The teacher reads a book.) – Subject honorific used.
Notice the change from 읽습니다 to 읽으십니다. The 읽으시- stem directly shows respect to the teacher (선생님). Additionally, the particle for the subject often shifts from 이/가 to 께서 when using -(으)시-, further reinforcing the honorific context.
This dual application—honorific verb and honorific subject particle—creates a congruent expression of respect.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming a verb or adjective with -(으)시- is a systematic process involving several steps. First, identify the verb or adjective stem by removing the dictionary form ending -다. Then, apply the appropriate -(으)시- variant based on the stem's final sound. Finally, attach the desired tense and speech level endings.
2
Isolate the Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form.
3
가다 (to go) → 가
4
먹다 (to eat) → 먹
5
읽다 (to read) → 읽
6
만들다 (to make) → 만들
7
Apply -(으)시- based on the stem's ending:
8
Vowel Stem: If the stem ends in a vowel, add -시-.
9
가- (to go) → 가시-
10
보- (to see) → 보시-
11
Consonant Stem (non-ㄹ): If the stem ends in a consonant other than ㄹ, add -으시-.
12
읽- (to read) → 읽으시-
13
앉- (to sit) → 앉으시-
14
ㄹ Irregular Stem: If the stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ first, then add -시-.
15
만들- (to make) → 만- + 시- → 만드시- (Note: the ㅅ sound often combines with the preceding vowel to make 으시 pronounced like 시 when there's no consonant, but here the ㄹ drops making it 만드시. This is a common point of confusion but the rule is simple: drop ㄹ then add 시).
16
살다 (to live) → 사- + 시- → 사시-
17
Attach Tense and Speech Level Endings: After forming the honorific stem, you can attach various endings.
18
Present Tense, Informal Polite (-아요/어요):
19
가시- + 어요 → 가세요 (Often contracted, e.g., 하시어요 → 하세요)
20
읽으시- + 어요 → 읽으세요
21
만드시- + 어요 → 만드세요
22
Present Tense, Formal Polite (-습니다/ㅂ니다):
23
가시- + ㅂ니다 → 가십니다
24
읽으시- + ㅂ니다 → 읽으십니다
25
만드시- + ㅂ니다 → 만드십니다
26
Past Tense (-았/었- + ending):
27
가시- + 었- + 어요 → 가셨어요
28
읽으시- + 었- + 습니다 → 읽으셨습니다
29
Special Honorific Verbs: For verbs like 먹다 (to eat), 자다 (to sleep), and 있다 (to be/have), their honorific forms are entirely different words. These must be memorized.
30
먹다 → 드시다
31
자다 → 주무시다
32
있다 → 계시다 (for location/existence) / 있으시다 (for possession)
33
Example combination: 선생님께서 지금 식사 드세요. (The teacher is having a meal now.) or 할머니께서 주무시고 계세요. (Grandma is sleeping.)

When To Use It

Using -(으)시- is mandatory when the subject of your sentence is someone considered of higher status than yourself, or sometimes even when they are of equal or slightly lower status but in a formal context. This typically includes:
  • Family Elders: Grandparents (할아버지, 할머니), parents (아버지, 어머니), older aunts/uncles, or older siblings (형, 오빠, 누나, 언니) if you wish to show particular respect.
  • 할머니께서 주무세요. (Grandma is sleeping.)
  • 아버지가 회사에 가셨어요. (Dad went to the company.)
  • Teachers/Professors: Any academic authority figure.
  • 선생님께서 말씀하십니다. (The teacher speaks.)
  • 교수님께서 저를 부르셨어요. (The professor called me.)
  • Supervisors/Seniors at Work: Bosses, senior colleagues, or clients/customers. In customer service, nearly all customers are treated with honorifics.
  • 사장님께서 회의에 참석하셨습니다. (The CEO attended the meeting.)
  • 손님, 무엇을 찾으세요? (Customer, what are you looking for?)
  • Strangers (especially older): When interacting with an unfamiliar adult, particularly someone visibly older, using -(으)시- is a safe and polite default, especially if they are providing a service or you are asking for something.
  • 아저씨, 어디에 가세요? (Mister, where are you going?)
  • Public Announcements/Formal Writing: In public notices, instructions, or highly formal written documents, -(으)시- often appears, addressing a general respectful audience.
  • 문을 닫으십시오. (Please close the door.) – Imperative form of 닫으시다.
  • Referring to Public Figures: When talking about revered public figures, historical figures, or spiritual leaders.
  • 세종대왕께서 한글을 만드셨습니다. (King Sejong created Hangeul.)
  • Possession with 있다: When a respected person possesses something, the honorific form 있으시다 is used. However, for their location or existence, 계시다 is used.
  • 부모님께서 돈이 있으세요. (My parents have money.) – Possession.
  • 부모님께서 집에 계세요. (My parents are at home.) – Location.
Essentially, if you would bow to someone or use a highly formal title for them in your native language, you should strongly consider using -(으)시- when speaking about them in Korean.

When Not To Use It

Misapplying -(으)시- can be as awkward as not using it when appropriate. There are specific contexts where its use is incorrect or even offensive.
  • Self-Honorification: Never use -(으)시- for yourself. This implies that you are showing respect to yourself, which is considered arrogant and highly unnatural in Korean culture.
  • Incorrect: 저는 한국어를 공부하세요. (I study Korean.) – This sounds like you are honoring yourself.
  • Correct: 저는 한국어를 공부해요. (I study Korean.)
  • Referring to Inferiors/Younger Individuals: Using -(으)시- for someone younger than you or of significantly lower social standing is typically inappropriate. It can sound sarcastic, patronizing, or simply strange. The only exception might be in very specific, highly formal contexts where an older person is showing extreme politeness to a younger individual, but this is rare.
  • Incorrect (to a child): 아이가 밥을 드세요. (The child is eating rice.)
  • Correct: 아이가 밥을 먹어요. (The child is eating rice.)
  • Inanimate Objects or Abstract Concepts: Korean honorifics are reserved exclusively for sentient beings, specifically people. Objects, animals, or abstract ideas do not receive honorific treatment. Attaching -(으)시- to them is a common, yet fundamental, error for learners.
  • Incorrect: 커피가 나오셨습니다. (The coffee has come out.) – The coffee is not a person.
  • Correct: 커피가 나왔습니다. (The coffee has come out.)
  • Incorrect: 이것은 비싸세요. (This is expensive.) – 이것 (this thing) is not a person.
  • Correct: 이것은 비싸요. (This is expensive.)
  • When the Respected Person is the Listener (and not the subject): While you use -(으)시- for the subject, you should not confuse it with politeness towards the listener. If you are talking about a respected person to a casual friend, you might use -(으)시- for the respected person, but your speech ending will be casual. The subject honorific is about the subject, not the direct interaction.
Understanding these boundaries prevents linguistic missteps and ensures your Korean sounds natural and respectful.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter pitfalls when applying -(으)시-. Recognizing these common errors and understanding the underlying reasons is key to developing fluency and social appropriateness.
  • Confusing Subject Honorifics with Speech Level Endings: The most pervasive mistake. Learners often believe -(으)시- is a politeness ending. Remember, -(으)시- respects the subject of the sentence, while endings like -아요/어요 or -습니다 respect the listener.
  • 사장님께서 가요. (The CEO goes.) – Grammatically odd. 가- doesn't have -(으)시-, but 가요 is informal polite to the listener. If the CEO is the subject, 가세요 or 가십니다 is expected.
  • Correction: 사장님께서 가세요. (The CEO goes - honorific for subject, informal polite to listener) or 사장님께서 가십니다. (The CEO goes - honorific for subject, formal polite to listener).
  • Over-Honorifying (Respecting Inanimate Objects): As mentioned, extending -(으)시- to non-human entities is a significant error. This stems from a misunderstanding of what honorifics signify.
  • Incorrect: 신발이 크세요. (The shoes are big.)
  • Correct: 신발이 커요. (The shoes are big.)
  • Self-Honorification: Accidentally using -(으)시- for actions performed by oneself. This is a direct violation of the honorific system and can be perceived as highly impolite or self-aggrandizing.
  • Incorrect: 저는 밥을 먹으세요. (I eat rice.)
  • Correct: 저는 밥을 먹어요. (I eat rice.)
  • Ignoring Special Honorific Verbs: Using regular verbs with -(으)시- when a special honorific verb exists for high-status individuals is incorrect.
  • Incorrect: 할머니께서 주무시지 않고 계세요. (Grandma isn't sleeping.) – Should use 주무시다.
  • Correction: 할머니께서 주무시고 계세요. (Grandma is sleeping.) (Note: the structure V-고 계시다 is for continuous action, and 계시다 is the honorific for 있다)
  • Incorrect: 사장님께서 김치를 먹으세요. (The CEO eats kimchi.)
  • Correction: 사장님께서 김치를 드세요. (The CEO eats kimchi.)
  • Forgetting Honorific Subject Particles (께서): While -(으)시- is the primary marker, often the subject particle 이/가 should change to 께서 to complete the honorific expression. Omitting 께서 can make the sentence sound incomplete in its deference.
  • Less natural: 선생님이 가세요.
  • More natural: 선생님께서 가세요.
  • Incorrect ㄹ Irregular Conjugation: Misapplying the ㄹ drop rule.
  • Incorrect: 만들으세요 (from 만들다)
  • Correct: 만드세요 (drop ㄹ, then add 시, then 어요)

Memory Trick

To remember the core function of -(으)시-, think of it as the **

Honorific Conjugation Table

Base Verb Stem Honorific Stem Polite Form (-어요)
가다
가
가시
가세요
먹다
먹
먹으시
먹으세요
보다
보
보시
보세요
읽다
읽
읽으시
읽으세요
만들다
만들
만드시
만드세요
듣다
듣
들으시
들으세요

Meanings

The honorific suffix (으)시 is used to indicate respect for the subject of the sentence. It is essential when speaking to or about elders, superiors, or people of higher social status.

1

Subject Honorific

Showing respect to the person performing the action.

“할머니께서 주무십니다.”

“사장님께서 오셨어요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Stem + (으)시 + -ㅂ니다
가십니다
Negative
Stem + (으)시 + -지 않다
가지 않으십니다
Question
Stem + (으)시 + -ㅂ니까?
가십니까?
Past
Stem + (으)시 + -었/았-
가셨습니다
Future
Stem + (으)시 + -겠-
가시겠습니다
Polite Request
Stem + (으)시 + -세요
가세요

Formality Spectrum

Formal
선생님께서 가십니다.

선생님께서 가십니다. (School)

Neutral
선생님께서 가세요.

선생님께서 가세요. (School)

Informal
선생님께서 가셔.

선생님께서 가셔. (School)

Slang
쌤 가셔.

쌤 가셔. (School)

Honorific Subject Map

Subject

Respect

  • 선생님 Teacher
  • 부모님 Parents

Action

  • 가시다 Go
  • 드시다 Eat
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Examples by Level

1

선생님이 가요.

The teacher goes.

2

할머니가 먹어요.

Grandma eats.

3

아버지가 와요.

Father comes.

4

사장님이 봐요.

The boss looks.

1

선생님께서 가십니다.

The teacher goes.

2

할머니께서 드세요.

Grandma eats.

3

어머니께서 읽으세요.

Mother reads.

4

사장님께서 오셨어요.

The boss came.

1

교수님께서 수업을 시작하십니다.

The professor starts the class.

2

부모님께서 여행을 가셨어요.

My parents went on a trip.

3

손님께서 무엇을 주문하시겠어요?

What would you like to order?

4

할아버지께서 신문을 읽으십니다.

Grandfather is reading the newspaper.

1

저희 어머니께서 직접 만드신 음식입니다.

This is food my mother made herself.

2

사장님께서 회의에 참석하시겠다고 하셨습니다.

The boss said he would attend the meeting.

3

선생님께서 말씀하신 내용을 기억하세요.

Remember what the teacher said.

4

할머니께서 편찮으셔서 병원에 가셨어요.

Grandmother is sick, so she went to the hospital.

1

부장님께서 이번 프로젝트를 총괄하시기로 결정하셨습니다.

The manager decided to oversee this project.

2

어르신께서 말씀하시기를, 건강이 제일 중요하다고 하셨습니다.

The elder said that health is the most important thing.

3

교수님께서 연구 결과를 발표하시는 모습이 인상적이었습니다.

The professor's presentation of the research results was impressive.

4

사장님께서 직접 방문하시어 상황을 확인하셨습니다.

The boss visited in person to check the situation.

1

선생님께서 평소에 강조하시던 가르침을 실천하고자 합니다.

I intend to put into practice the teachings the teacher always emphasized.

2

할머니께서 고향을 그리워하시며 옛날이야기를 들려주셨습니다.

Grandmother missed her hometown and told me stories of the past.

3

부모님께서 저희의 앞날을 위해 늘 기도해주십니다.

My parents always pray for our future.

4

사장님께서 이번 성과에 대해 매우 만족해하셨습니다.

The boss was very satisfied with this performance.

Easily Confused

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시 vs Honorific vs. Polite

Learners think -아요/어요 is the same as (으)시.

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시 vs Honorific vs. Humble

Learners use (으)시 for themselves.

Respecting the Subject: Using (으)시 vs Particle 께서 vs. 이/가

Learners use 이/가 with honorific verbs.

Common Mistakes

✗

내가 가십니다.

✓

내가 갑니다.

Never use honorifics for yourself.
✗

선생님이 가십니다.

✓

선생님께서 가십니다.

Must use honorific particle 께서.
✗

선생님 가다.

✓

선생님께서 가십니다.

Missing honorific suffix.
✗

할머니가 먹으십니다.

✓

할머니께서 드십니다.

Need honorific vocabulary for 'eat'.
✗

사장님이 오셨습니까?

✓

사장님께서 오셨습니까?

Incorrect particle.
✗

어머니가 읽으셨어요.

✓

어머니께서 읽으셨어요.

Incorrect particle.
✗

선생님께서 먹으셨어요.

✓

선생님께서 드셨어요.

Need honorific verb.
✗

저희 사장님께서 가시겠다고 하셨습니다.

✓

저희 사장님께서 가시겠다고 하셨습니다 (Correct, but watch context).

Sometimes honorifics are too formal for internal company talk.
✗

선생님께서 하셨어요.

✓

선생님께서 하셨습니다.

Register mismatch.
✗

할머니께서 주무셨어요.

✓

할머니께서 주무셨습니다.

Register mismatch.
✗

손님께서 주문하시겠습니까?

✓

주문하시겠습니까? (Subject omitted)

Overusing honorifics can sound robotic.
✗

선생님께서 오시겠다고 하셨습니다.

✓

선생님께서 오시겠다고 하셨습니다 (Correct).

Ensure consistency.
✗

사장님께서 결정하셨습니다.

✓

사장님께서 결정하셨습니다 (Correct).

Ensure consistency.

Sentence Patterns

___께서 ___하십니다.

___께서 ___을/를 하셨습니다.

___께서 ___하시겠습니까?

___께서 ___하시며 ___하셨습니다.

Real World Usage

Classroom constant

선생님께서 수업을 시작하십니다.

Family Dinner very common

할머니께서 드세요.

Job Interview constant

사장님께서 질문하셨습니다.

Texting Professor common

교수님께서 읽으셨어요.

Ordering Food common

주문하시겠어요?

Social Media occasional

어머니께서 사진을 올리셨어요.

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💡

Check the Subject

Always identify the subject before conjugating. If it's someone you respect, add (으)시.
⚠️

No Self-Honorifics

Never use (으)시 for yourself. It makes you sound arrogant.
🎯

Use 께서

Pair (으)시 with 께서 for a perfect honorific sentence.
💬

Age Matters

In Korea, age is the primary factor for using honorifics.

Smart Tips

Always add (으)시.

선생님이 가요. → 선생님께서 가십니다.

Use honorific verbs.

사장님이 먹어요. → 사장님께서 드십니다.

Use honorifics consistently.

선생님, 감사합니다. → 선생님, 가르쳐 주셔서 감사합니다.

Use honorifics.

할머니가 와요. → 할머니께서 오십니다.

Pronunciation

si (like 'see')

Sibilant sound

The 'si' sound should be crisp and clear.

Rising at end

가십니까? ↑

Polite question intonation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Si' as 'Sir'. If you're talking about a 'Sir' (or Madam), add 'Si' to the verb.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny crown appearing on the verb whenever you add 'Si'. The crown represents the respect you are giving to the subject.

Rhyme

When the subject is grand, add 'Si' to the hand (the verb).

Story

Imagine you are at a royal banquet. You see the King. You want to say he is eating. You can't just say '먹다'. You add the royal 'Si' to make it '드시다'. Now the King is happy.

Word Web

선생님부모님사장님가시다읽으시다오시다주무시다

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your teacher or boss using (으)시 today.

Cultural Notes

Honorifics are mandatory for elders. It is a sign of respect for the social order.

Similar usage, but often used for political leaders as well.

Usage varies; some families maintain strict honorifics, while others are more relaxed.

The honorific system evolved from ancient Korean social structures.

Conversation Starters

“

선생님께서 무엇을 하십니까?

“

할머니께서 건강하십니까?

“

사장님께서 회의에 참석하셨습니까?

“

부모님께서 여행을 가셨습니까?

Journal Prompts

Write about your teacher's daily routine.
Describe a meal you had with your grandparents.
Write a formal report about your boss's recent decision.
Reflect on the importance of respect in Korean culture.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct honorific form.

선생님께서 학교에 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Teacher is the subject, so use honorific.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Must use 께서 with honorific verb.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

어머니가 읽으십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Must use 께서.
Transform to honorific. Sentence Transformation

사장님이 오다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Honorific verb and particle.
Match the verb to its honorific form. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
먹다 becomes 드시다.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

선생님 / 읽다 / 책

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle and suffix.
Conjugate '보다' in honorific. Conjugation Drill

보다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
보 + 시 + ㅂ니다.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 선생님은 어디에 계세요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Honorific for teacher.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct honorific form.

선생님께서 학교에 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Teacher is the subject, so use honorific.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Must use 께서 with honorific verb.
Correct the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

어머니가 읽으십니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Must use 께서.
Transform to honorific. Sentence Transformation

사장님이 오다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Honorific verb and particle.
Match the verb to its honorific form. Match Pairs

먹다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
먹다 becomes 드시다.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

선생님 / 읽다 / 책

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct particle and suffix.
Conjugate '보다' in honorific. Conjugation Drill

보다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
보 + 시 + ㅂ니다.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 선생님은 어디에 계세요? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Honorific for teacher.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Match the plain verb with its honorific counterpart. Match Pairs

Match the pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹다:드시다, 자다:주무시다, 있다:계시다, 말하다:말씀하시다
Reorder the words to make a correct honorific sentence. Sentence Reorder

지금 / 계세요 / 어디에 / 선생님께서 / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 지금 어디에 계세요?
Which sentence is correctly using honorifics for a boss? Multiple Choice

Talking to your boss about their schedule:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사장님, 언제 오세요?
Fill in the blank with the honorific form of '만들다'. Fill in the Blank

어머니께서 케이크를 ____. (makes)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 만드세요
Translate: 'Grandmother is sleeping.' Translation

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 할머니께서 주무세요.
Fix the sentence: '선생님이 책을 읽어요.' (Make it more respectful) Error Correction

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 선생님께서 책을 읽으세요.
Choose the correct past tense honorific for '보다' (to see/watch). Multiple Choice

The professor watched the movie.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보셨어요
Fill in the blank: 'Did the guest arrive?' Fill in the Blank

손님께서 ____?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오셨어요
Reorder: 'My father is working.' Sentence Reorder

일하세요 / 아버지는 / 지금 / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 아버지는 지금 일하세요.
Match the stem to the correct attachment. Match Pairs

Conjugation match

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가-:시, 읽-:으시, 만들-:시 (after dropping ㄹ), 공부하-:시

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Only if you are being sarcastic or if your friend is significantly older/higher status.

Some verbs have special honorific forms like '먹다' → '드시다'.

Yes, it is used in formal writing, letters, and reports.

It might sound rude or disrespectful to the person you are talking about.

Yes, '가셨습니다' (went).

No, it is strictly for polite/formal speech.

No, it adds respect to the subject.

Vowel stem = -시-, Consonant stem = -으시-.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

3

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4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Japanese high

Sonkeigo (尊敬語)

Japanese uses different verb stems entirely, while Korean uses a suffix.

German low

Sie (formal pronoun)

Korean conjugates the verb itself.

French low

Vous (formal pronoun)

Korean changes the verb structure.

Spanish low

Usted (formal pronoun)

Korean uses verb suffixes.

Chinese low

您 (nín - formal 'you')

Korean uses verb suffixes.

Arabic low

Honorific titles

Korean uses verb suffixes.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Present Tense: The Polite 'Yo' Style (아/어/여요)

Overview Korean verbal conjugation might initially seem complex due to its multiple politeness levels and shifting endin...

Continue With

A2 Builds On

Honorific Eating: 드시다 & 잡수시다

Overview Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchical respect, a principle that permeates its language, especially ev...
A2 Builds On

Special Honorific Verb: To Sleep (주무시다)

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

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

Overview Korean, like many East Asian languages, embeds a rich system of honorifics within its grammar, reflecting the s...
B1 Builds On

Respectful VIP Verbs (계시다, 드시다)

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

Speaking to Superiors: Special Verb (말씀하시다)

Overview Korean language embodies a deeply ingrained system of social hierarchy and respect, which is explicitly reflect...
B1 Builds On

Respectful Vocabulary: Honorific Nouns (Jip vs. Daek)

Overview Korean society is deeply rooted in hierarchical respect, a principle profoundly reflected in its language. Whil...
B1 Builds On

Honorific Noun: Home/Residence (`댁`)

Overview In the intricate landscape of Korean linguistics, **honorifics** play a paramount role, deeply embedded in the...
B1 Builds On

Honorific Nouns: 말씀 (Words/Speech)

Overview Korean society places significant emphasis on hierarchy and social relationships, which are inherently reflecte...
B1 Builds On

Polite 'Name': Using Seongham (성함)

Overview Korean social interaction is profoundly shaped by **honorifics**, a system of language designed to show respect...
B1 Builds On

Honorific Age: 연세 vs 나이

Overview In Korean culture, age is a fundamental aspect of social interaction, dictating speech levels, body language, a...
B1 Builds On

Honorific 'Meal': Respecting Elders (진지)

Overview Korean is a language where social relationships are intricately woven into the grammar itself. Beyond polite ve...
B1 Requires

Subject Honorifics -(eu)si: The "VIP" Verb Endings

Overview The Korean language is built on a complex and nuanced system of respect, and one of its most fundamental pilla...
B1 Builds On

Humble Verbs: Giving to Superiors (드리다)

Overview Korean society places significant emphasis on **honorifics (높임말, nop-im-mal)**, a sophisticated system of li...
B1 Builds On

Humble Verbs: Taking & Serving Superiors (모시다)

Overview Korean, much like its East Asian linguistic relatives, is a language where social context dictates expression....
B1 Builds On

Humble Asking: How to use `여쭙다` and `여쭤보다`

Overview In the Korean language, the act of asking a question is governed by more than just conveying a need for inform...
C1 Builds On

Dramatic & Archaic Honorific (-op-)

Overview Korean speech levels are complex, and while modern communication primarily uses polite and deferential forms, h...

Related Grammar Rules

A2

Irregular ㅎ Verbs: Colors & 'Like that' (파랗다, 그렇다)

Overview The `ㅎ` irregular (히읗 불규칙 동사) rule governs a specific set of Korean descriptive verbs, primarily those...
A2

The ㅂ Melting Rule: Hot & Cold Verbs (chupda/chuwoyo)

Overview The Korean `ㅂ` irregular rule, often dubbed the "Hot & Cold Verbs," is a crucial phonological phenomenon that...
A2

Irregular Verbs (ㄷ → ㄹ): Walking, Hearing, Asking

Overview In Korean, verb conjugation often follows predictable patterns. However, certain verbs undergo systematic chang...
A2

The 'Eu' Drop Pattern: Why 으 Disappears

Overview The Korean '으' (eu) drop pattern is a fundamental phonological rule governing the conjugation of many verbs an...
A2

Korean Honorific Infix: Respecting the Subject (-(으)시)

Overview The Korean honorific infix `-(으)시` (\[-(eu)si]) serves a fundamental role in expressing **subject honorificat...
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