존댓말
jondaenmal
Formal/polite speech
반말
banmal
Casual/informal speech
존댓말 vs 반말: Formal vs Casual Speech in Korean
존댓말 (jondaenmal) is Korean formal/polite speech used with elders, strangers, and in professional settings. 반말 (banmal) is casual speech used with close friends, younger people, and children. Choosing the wrong one can cause serious social misunderstandings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 존댓말 (jondaenmal) | 반말 (banmal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Endings | -요 / -습니다 / -세요 | -아/어 / -야 / -지 |
| Pronouns | 저 (I), 저희 (we) | 나 (I), 우리 (we) |
| Used With | Elders, strangers, bosses, customers | Close friends, younger people, children |
| Social Risk | None — always safe | Can be rude if used inappropriately |
| Switching | Default starting point | Only after mutual agreement (말 놓자) |
Examples in Context
Asking a stranger for directions — using 존댓말
실례합니다, 역이 어디에 있어요?
Excuse me, where is the station?
Chatting with your best friend — using 반말
밥 먹었어? 뭐 먹을까?
Did you eat? What should we eat?
Speaking to your team at work — using 존댓말
회의 자료 준비했습니다.
I have prepared the meeting materials.
Talking to your younger sibling — using 반말
빨리 와. 늦겠다.
Come quickly. We'll be late.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Speaking 반말 to someone you just met — in Korean culture, you must use 존댓말 until the relationship is established
- ✗Thinking age alone determines speech level — context matters too; coworkers of the same age might still use 존댓말 at work
- ✗Not knowing how to ask to switch to 반말 — the phrase is 말 놓을까요? (shall we speak casually?) or 반말해도 돼요? (is it okay to use 반말?)
- ✗Mixing 존댓말 and 반말 in the same sentence — pick one and stay consistent within a conversation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 존댓말 and 반말?
존댓말 (jondaenmal) is the polite/formal speech register in Korean, characterized by -요 and -습니다 endings. 반말 (banmal, literally 'half speech') is the casual register with plain endings like -아/어. Korean has these distinct levels because respect and social hierarchy are deeply embedded in the language.
How do I know when it's okay to use 반말?
Generally, you can use 반말 with: (1) close friends of the same age, (2) people clearly younger than you (though starting with 존댓말 is still polite), (3) children, and (4) anyone who explicitly suggests switching to 반말. When in doubt, use 존댓말.
What happens if I accidentally use 반말 with an elder?
It can be seen as very rude. However, most Koreans will be understanding with foreigners. If it happens, apologize with 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) and switch to 존댓말. Koreans appreciate the effort to use proper speech levels.
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