Lesson 13 · Elementary

Polite vs. Casual Korean

존댓말과 반말

Korean changes depending on who you talk to. Polite speech (존댓말) is for strangers and elders, while casual speech (반말) is for close friends and family. Understanding the difference will help you speak naturally — and understand K-dramas and K-pop songs, which use casual speech constantly.

Key phrases

  • 안녕

    annyeong

    Hi / Bye (casual)

  • 고마워

    gomawo

    Thanks (casual)

  • 미안해

    mianhae

    Sorry (casual)

  • 사랑해

    saranghae

    I love you (casual)

  • 응 / 아니

    eung / ani

    yeah / nah (casual yes and no)

  • 뭐 해?

    mwo hae?

    What are you doing?

  • 밥 먹었어?

    bap meogeosseo?

    Did you eat? (a caring greeting)

  • 잘 자

    jal ja

    Good night (casual)

  • 보고 싶어

    bogo sipeo

    I miss you

  • 말 놓아도 돼요?

    mal noado dwaeyo?

    May I speak casually with you?

  • 존댓말 / 반말

    jondaenmal / banmal

    polite speech / casual speech

Dialogue

A

민호야, 뭐 해?

minhoya, mwo hae?

Minho, what are you doing?

B

그냥 집에 있어. 너는?

geunyang jibe isseo. neoneun?

Just at home. You?

A

나 지금 배고파. 밥 먹었어?

na jigeum baegopa. bap meogeosseo?

I'm hungry. Did you eat?

B

아니, 아직. 같이 먹을래?

ani, ajik. gachi meogeullae?

No, not yet. Want to eat together?

A

응, 좋아! 고마워.

eung, joa! gomawo.

Yeah, great! Thanks.

B

고맙긴! 이따 봐.

gomapgin! itta bwa.

No need to thank me! See you later.

Quick quiz

Choose the correct meaning.

Practice these with flashcards