Meaning
To pay attention to what someone is saying, often advice.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Hyo' (filial piety) is central. Listening to parents is considered the highest virtue, and the phrase is often used in moral education. In the workplace, '말씀을 듣다' is a way to show loyalty. Even if an employee disagrees, they might say this to acknowledge the boss's authority before presenting a different view. Teachers are highly respected. A 'good student' is often defined as one who '말씀을 잘 듣는다'. This can sometimes lead to a lack of critical questioning in classrooms. Younger generations are starting to use '말을 듣다' more casually, but '말씀' remains the standard for formal situations or when showing genuine respect.
The 'Yes' Response
When a superior gives you an order, saying '말씀하신 대로 하겠습니다' (I will do as you said) is the ultimate polite response.
Don't Over-Honorify
Don't use '말씀' for your own words when talking to a child. It sounds weirdly formal and out of place.
Meaning
To pay attention to what someone is saying, often advice.
The 'Yes' Response
When a superior gives you an order, saying '말씀하신 대로 하겠습니다' (I will do as you said) is the ultimate polite response.
Don't Over-Honorify
Don't use '말씀' for your own words when talking to a child. It sounds weirdly formal and out of place.
The 'Nunchi' Connection
Listening to '말씀' often involves reading between the lines. In Korea, what is NOT said is sometimes as important as the words themselves.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '듣다'.
부모님 말씀을 잘 (____).
The ㄷ-irregularity changes '듣-' to '들-' before the vowel '-어요'.
Which sentence is the most respectful way to say 'I listened to the teacher'?
Choose the correct sentence:
'말씀' is the honorific for '말', and '들었어요' is the polite past tense.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 왜 갑자기 공부를 열심히 해? B: 어제 (____) 말씀을 듣고 깨달은 게 많았거든.
Since the speaker uses '말씀', the subject must be someone they respect, like a professor.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say '말씀을 새겨듣겠습니다'?
'새겨듣다' means to listen deeply and remember, which is appropriate for important advice from a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
말 vs 말씀
Practice Bank
4 exercises부모님 말씀을 잘 (____).
The ㄷ-irregularity changes '듣-' to '들-' before the vowel '-어요'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'말씀' is the honorific for '말', and '들었어요' is the polite past tense.
A: 왜 갑자기 공부를 열심히 해? B: 어제 (____) 말씀을 듣고 깨달은 게 많았거든.
Since the speaker uses '말씀', the subject must be someone they respect, like a professor.
When would you say '말씀을 새겨듣겠습니다'?
'새겨듣다' means to listen deeply and remember, which is appropriate for important advice from a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that would be too formal. Use '말을 듣다' instead.
Yes, but it can also be 'humble' when you refer to your own words to a superior (e.g., '제가 드릴 말씀이 있습니다').
'듣다' is general, while '경청하다' is a formal hanja word meaning 'to listen with a tilted ear' (very focused).
No, for a machine not working, use '말을 안 듣다'. You wouldn't respect a machine with '말씀'.
Say '네, 말씀하세요. 듣고 있습니다.'
It's slightly direct but acceptable if you have something important to share. Adding '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry but...) makes it softer.
Not always, but in 90% of contexts involving elders/bosses, it implies following their lead.
It is '들었어요' (polite) or '들었습니다' (formal).
Yes, it's very common in KakaoTalk messages to bosses or teachers.
Not really for '말씀', but for '말을 듣다', people might say '말빨이 안 먹히다' (my words aren't working/being listened to).
Related Phrases
말을 잘 듣다
similarTo be obedient/well-behaved.
귀를 기울이다
similarTo lean one's ear; to listen carefully.
말씀을 어기다
contrastTo go against/disobey someone's words.
말씀을 나누다
builds onTo have a conversation (honorific).
