Korean Vocabulary #3 – Polite vs Casual Speech: Essential Style Differences
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
1️⃣ Introduction
In Korean, how you speak changes depending on who you are talking to.
This is called “존댓말 (polite speech)” and “반말 (casual speech).”
Understanding when and how to use them is one of the most important parts of Korean communication.
2️⃣ Vocabulary List
# | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
1 | 존댓말 | jon-daen-mal | Polite speech |
2 | 반말 | ban-mal | Casual speech |
3 | 안녕하세요 | an-nyeong-ha-se-yo | Hello (polite) |
4 | 안녕 | an-nyeong | Hi / Bye (casual) |
5 | 감사합니다 | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you (polite) |
6 | 고마워 | go-ma-wo | Thanks (casual) |
7 | 뭐 하세요? | mwo ha-se-yo? | What are you doing? (polite) |
8 | 뭐 해? | mwo hae? | What are you doing? (casual) |
9 | 잘 지내세요? | jal ji-nae-se-yo? | How have you been? (polite) |
10 | 잘 지내? | jal ji-nae? | How have you been? (casual) |
Example Sentences
1️⃣ 선생님, 안녕하세요. 잘 지내세요?
(seon-saeng-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. jal ji-nae-se-yo?)
→ Hello, teacher. How have you been?
2️⃣ 친구야, 안녕! 오늘 뭐 해?
(chin-gu-ya, an-nyeong! o-neul mwo hae?)
→ Hi, friend! What are you doing today?
3️⃣ 감사합니다, 다음에 또 봬요.
(gam-sa-ham-ni-da, da-eum-e tto bwae-yo.)
→ Thank you. See you again next time.
4️⃣ 고마워! 진짜 도움 됐어.
(go-ma-wo! jin-jja do-um dwae-sseo.)
→ Thanks! That really helped.
3️⃣ Expression Tips & Cultural Notes
When to use 존댓말 (Polite Speech)
To people older than you
To strangers
In formal places (school, work, store, restaurant)
When to use 반말 (Casual Speech)
With close friends
With younger people
In relaxed, private settings
Important:Even if someone talks to you casually, don’t switch to 반말 first.
In Korea, politeness keeps relationships comfortable.
Polite endings usually end with “요” or “-니다.”
Example: “가요”, “먹어요”, “감사합니다.”
Casual endings are shorter: “가”, “먹어”, “고마워.”
Cultural tip:Using 존댓말 shows respect — it’s not “cold” but considerate.
Koreans often stay in 존댓말 for months until they mutually agree to speak casually.
3️⃣ Mini Practice
Fill in the blanks.
Choose whether the sentence should be polite (존댓말) or casual (반말).
1️⃣ To your teacher: ______
2️⃣ To your close friend: ______
3️⃣ To a shop employee: ______
4️⃣ To your younger sibling:______
5️⃣ To a coworker you don’t know well:______
6️⃣ To your best friend: ______
Answers
1️⃣ 존댓말 → Used with teachers or elders.
2️⃣ 반말 → Used between close friends.
3️⃣ 존댓말 → Required in stores or formal service.
4️⃣ 반말 → Natural for family or younger siblings.
5️⃣ 존댓말 → Shows respect to unfamiliar coworkers.
6️⃣ 반말 → Friendly, casual tone between friends.
You can make almost any Korean sentence polite by adding “요” or using -습니다 / -니다 endings.
📂 Download Practice File
📥 Download your “Polite vs Casual Korean” Worksheet
Practice converting sentences between 존댓말 and 반말.
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