American Journal Of Philological Sciences
176
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue 03 2025
PAGE NO.
176-179
10.37547/ajps/Volume05Issue03-45
Politeness levels in the Korean language
Alimova Dilbar
Teacher, Samarkand state, Institute of Foreign Languages, Uzbekistan
Received:
28 January 2025;
Accepted:
28 February 2025;
Published:
31 March 2025
Abstract
:
This article examines the category of politeness in the Korean language as a unique linguistic and cultural
phenomenon that reflects Confucian traditions, social values, and hierarchical relations characteristic of Korean
society. The main focus is on the analysis of the main levels of speech etiquette, such as formal-polite, informal-
polite, and informal speech, as well as the grammatical and lexical means that provide their expression.
The article describes in detail the use of formal and informal grammatical endings, honorific verbs, polite nouns
and pronouns, and special expressions to indicate respect. The features of the use of the suffix (
으
)
시
, honorific
forms of verbs and nouns, as well as the nuances of choosing speech levels depending on social status, age, and
context of communication are revealed.
Keywords:
Korean language, category of politeness, speech etiquette, formal speech, informal speech, honorific
forms, grammatical endings, social hierarchy, intercultural communication, Confucian traditions, Korean culture.
Introduction:
The Korean language is one of the
languages in which the categories of politeness play a
significant role in communication. These categories
form the foundation of interactions between people,
determining how one should address a conversation
partner depending on their age, social status, and the
closeness between the speaker and the addressee. This
article explores the main aspects of politeness in the
Korean language, including the system of speech levels,
the peculiarities of address, and the cultural context.
Speech Levels (
높임법
)
The Korean language has 7 categories of politeness,
which reflect the degree of respect or closeness
between speakers. Each category has unique verb
endings characteristic of that particular level. The
degree of politeness in each category can further be
expressed with the polite form by adding the respectful
suffix
시
. The names of the categories in Korean are
derived from the verb
하다
(to do) + verb-ending suffix
of the respective category + suffix
체
, meaning “style.”
Some of these styles are gradually disappearing from
colloquial Korean and are mainly used in historical films
or novels.
Formal-Polite Speech (
합쇼체
)
This is the modern conversational formal-polite style. It
is also called the formal polite style. It is the most
common style when interacting with strangers and is
generally used at the beginning of a conversation,
gradually transitioning to less formal styles. It is
characterized by verb endings such as -
ㅂ니다
/-
습니다
.
Used:
Between strangers during the first meeting.
Often between male colleagues.
By television hosts.
When addressing customers.
In some set expressions, e.g.,
만나서
반갑습니다
("Nice to meet you").
Example:
•
가십니까
? (Are you going?)
Informal-Polite Speech (
해요체
)
This style is used more frequently in everyday
communication with peers or colleagues. The endings -
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
요
give speech a friendly and respectful tone.
Used:
In phrasebooks for foreigners.
Between strangers, especially of the older generation.
Often between female colleagues.
Between younger strangers, as an alternative to
formal-polite speech.
As a less formal polite style between strangers or
acquaintances (not close).
Example:
•
가요
. (I am going.)
Official-Neutral Speech (
하오체
)
This level is rarely used and is associated with
traditional or literary speech. It is a semi-formal or
"middle" style. Initially, it was a poetic style and was
used in unclear social situations. However, due to its
excessive use by authorities during the dictatorship, it
acquired a negative connotation. Therefore, it is almost
never used by the generation that grew up after the
democratization of Korea. It is mainly used by the older
generation (over 60).
Used: Occasionally between older people, civil
servants, police officers, middle managers, and those
temporarily in charge of people of higher status.
In written form, especially by men, mostly on the
internet.
In historical dramas to give dialogues an archaic tone.
Present:
하오
Present Honorific:
하쇼
/
하시오
Informal-Neutral Speech (
해체
)
This is a widely used conversational style. It is used
between close friends, family members, or younger
people.
Example:
•
가
. (Go.)
Haera-style. Officially Familiar Style
This is a simple conversational style used in written
speech when the narration is in the third person. It is
used in impersonal written language, such as
instructions, manuals, etc. This style is common in
conversation with younger people or peers.
Used:
When addressing close friends or relatives of roughly
the same age and adults when speaking with children.
In impersonal written language (in books, newspapers,
magazines, etc.).
In certain exclamations.
Present:
한다
Present Honorific:
하신다
Hage-style. Neutral Style
A middle-familiar style of communication. It is not used
with children and never in communication between
blood relatives. It is not very common in
communication and is mostly used by the older
generation (over 60).
Used:
By older people when addressing youth, friends, or
non-blood relatives (e.g., son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
father-in-law, mother-in-law) in a friendly manner.
Occasionally between male friends.
In novels.
Present:
하네
Present Honorific:
하시네
Hasoseo-style. Highly Formal Officially-Polite Style
This style is traditionally used when addressing the
king, queen, or high-ranking officials. It belongs to
archaic styles and is used exclusively in historical
dramas and the Bible.
Present:
하나이다
Present Honorific:
하시나이다
.
이다
–
이나이다
-
이오
–
이네
이다
Honorific Suffix
시
–
이시나이다
-
이시오
/
이쇼
–
이시네
있다
–
있으나이다
/
있나이다
-
있오
–
있네
/
있으네
가다
–
가나이다
-
가오
–
가네
가다
Honorific Suffix
시
-
가시나이다
-
가시오
–
가시네
먹다
–
먹나이다
–
먹오
-
먹네
읽다
-
읽나이다
/
읽으나이다
-
읽오
–
읽네
/
읽으네
돕다
-
돕나이다
/
도우나이다
-
도오
/
도오
–
돕네
/
도우네
쉽다
-
쉽나이다
/
쉬우나이다
-
쉬오
/
쉬우오
–
쉽네
/
쉬우네
듣다
-
듣나이다
/
들으나이다
-
들오
-
듣네
/
들으네
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN
–
2771-2273)
빠르다
–
빠르나이다
-
빠르오
-
빠르네
하얗다
–
하얗나이다
/
하야나이다
-
하야오
-
하얗네
/
하야네
잇다
-
잇나이다
/
이으나이다
-
이오
–
잇네
/
이으네
만들다
-
만드나이다
-
만들오
–
만드네
Addressing and Respectful Forms
One of the key characteristics of the Korean language is
the use of respectful forms (
존댓말
) and special
suffixes that emphasize the social status of the
addressee. For example:
•
씨
(ssi)
–
added to a name to show politeness.
Example:
김민수
씨
(Mr. Kim Min-su).
•
선생님
(seonsaengnim)
–
used when addressing
teachers or specialists.
There is also a system of respectful verbs such as:
•
먹다
(to eat) →
드시다
(respectful form).
•
자다
(to sleep) →
주무시다
(respectful form).
The Influence of Context on the Choice of Speech Style
The choice of speech style is determined not only by
the status of the interlocutor but also by the situation.
For example:
•
At work, colleagues use formal-polite or informal-
polite speech.
•
In the family, informal speech is more common.
Cultural
concepts
of
hierarchy
(hierarchical
relationships based on age and status) have a strong
influence on the language. For example, younger
people are always expected to address older people
with respect.
Cultural Aspects of Politeness
Politeness in the Korean language is closely tied to
Confucian philosophy, which has shaped social norms
in Korea for centuries. Respect for elders,
subordination, and harmony are key elements of this
philosophy. These elements manifest in both language
and everyday behavior.
The category of politeness in Korean is not just a
grammatical or lexical feature, but a reflection of deep
cultural values. It shows how important respect for
others
—
based on their age, social status, and
position
—
is in Korean society. This aspect of the
language has been shaped over centuries and
continues to be one of the key elements of Korean
speech today.
Studying the category of politeness is not just about
learning grammar and vocabulary, but also about
immersing oneself in a unique philosophy of
communication. In Korean culture, language is not just
a means of transmitting information, but also a way to
express respect and acknowledge hierarchy. Even
casual conversations require the speaker to pay
attention to details: who they are speaking to, the
context, and the goals they are pursuing.
For foreigners learning Korean, the category of
politeness often becomes a real challenge. A mistake in
choosing the correct level of speech can be perceived
as impoliteness, even if the intentions are good. For
example, if a student addresses a teacher informally, it
may be seen as rude. Conversely, excessive use of
formal forms among friends may create a sense of
artificiality and detachment.
However, mastering polite forms is not only a step
toward improving language skills but also a way to
understand Korean society. The deeper a person
masters these subtleties, the better they understand
the mentality and values of Koreans: respect for elders,
attention to detail, and a desire for harmony in
communication.
It is important to note that the category of politeness is
not static. Modern Korean is gradually changing,
adapting to the realities of the new era. Young people
are increasingly using less formal levels of speech,
especially on social media or among peers. However,
the core principles of politeness remain unchanged,
especially in professional settings and family
relationships.
The Korean language is not just a means of
communication; it is a way of expressing cultural
values. The category of politeness reminds us that
respect and attention to others are the foundation of a
harmonious society. By learning Korean, a person
learns not only to speak but also to think with respect,
making this experience invaluable for both language
development and personal growth.
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