Meaning
A polite way to inquire about someone's age, often for elders.
Cultural Background
Age is the 'social lubricant' of Korea. It determines everything from who picks up the chopsticks first to who pays for dinner. Asking '연세가 어떻게 되세요?' is seen as a sign that you want to treat the person with the correct level of respect. The concept of 'Hyo' (filial piety) means that elders are at the top of the social pyramid. Using honorifics like '연세' is a linguistic manifestation of this deep-seated moral value. While younger generations are becoming more casual, the '연세' inquiry remains strictly mandatory in professional and formal social settings. Even 'K-hipsters' will switch to this level of politeness when speaking to their elders. In June 2023, Korea officially adopted the international age system. However, many elders still prefer their 'Korean age'. When you ask this question, be prepared for them to give an age that might be 1 or 2 years older than their passport age.
The 'Become' Nuance
Remember that '되다' (to become) is used to make the question indirect. It's like asking 'How has your age come to be?' which is much softer than 'What is your age?'.
Self-Honorifics
Never, ever say '제 연세는...'. It's a classic learner mistake that sounds very funny to native speakers.
Meaning
A polite way to inquire about someone's age, often for elders.
The 'Become' Nuance
Remember that '되다' (to become) is used to make the question indirect. It's like asking 'How has your age come to be?' which is much softer than 'What is your age?'.
Self-Honorifics
Never, ever say '제 연세는...'. It's a classic learner mistake that sounds very funny to native speakers.
Complimenting Age
After asking this, it is very common to follow up with '정정하시네요' (You look very healthy/vigorous for your age).
The 'Man' Age
If an elder says '만으로... (Man-euro)', they are giving you their international age. If not, assume it's their Korean age.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing honorific noun for age.
할아버지, ______가 어떻게 되세요?
When addressing a grandfather (할아버지), you must use the honorific noun '연세'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview when asking about the CEO's age?
Choose the correct one:
This uses both the honorific noun '연세' and the polite '어떻게 되세요' ending.
Match the phrase to the person you are talking to.
Match: 1. 연세가 어떻게 되세요? 2. 나이가 어떻게 돼? 3. 몇 살이야?
Honorifics for elders, polite/casual for friends, and simple casual for children.
Complete the dialogue with the most respectful form.
A: 처음 뵙겠습니다. 실례지만... B: 아, 제 ______ 말씀이시군요. 예순 다섯입니다.
The context of '실례지만' (excuse me but) and the age '65' suggests '연세' is the topic.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Age Inquiry Hierarchy
Practice Bank
4 exercises할아버지, ______가 어떻게 되세요?
When addressing a grandfather (할아버지), you must use the honorific noun '연세'.
Choose the correct one:
This uses both the honorific noun '연세' and the polite '어떻게 되세요' ending.
Match: 1. 연세가 어떻게 되세요? 2. 나이가 어떻게 돼? 3. 몇 살이야?
Honorifics for elders, polite/casual for friends, and simple casual for children.
A: 처음 뵙겠습니다. 실례지만... B: 아, 제 ______ 말씀이시군요. 예순 다섯입니다.
The context of '실례지만' (excuse me but) and the age '65' suggests '연세' is the topic.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, if your boss is significantly older (e.g., in their 50s or 60s). If they are in their 30s, use '나이가 어떻게 되세요?'.
You should answer with '제 나이는... (My age is...)' or simply '...살입니다'. Never use '연세' for yourself.
Yes! Yonsei University (연세대학교) takes its name from the first characters of its predecessor schools, but the word '연세' itself means 'years of age'.
When in doubt, use '나이가 어떻게 되세요?'. It is polite enough for most adults without being overly formal.
In Korean, asking 'how' something 'becomes' is a polite way to ask for a specific value without being blunt.
Usually no. It might sound like you think they look much older than they are. Stick to '나이가 어떻게 되세요?'.
Not for this level of formality. Politeness in Korean usually requires longer sentences.
A slight head nod or a polite posture is recommended when asking an elder this question.
연세가 어떻게 되십니까? (Yeonse-ga eotteoke doesimnikka?)
Yes, if you are writing to an elderly person or asking about an elderly person in a formal report.
It is the honorific form of '되다' (to become). It functions as a polite 'is'.
Yes, though North Korean honorifics have some slight dialectal variations, '연세' is a standard term.
Related Phrases
춘추가 어떻게 되세요?
specialized formHow is your 'Spring and Autumn'?
나이가 어떻게 되세요?
similarHow old are you? (Polite)
성함이 어떻게 되세요?
similarWhat is your name? (Honorific)
진지가 어떻게 되세요?
contrastHow is your meal? (Honorific)
생신이 어떻게 되세요?
builds onWhen is your birthday? (Honorific)
