Middle School - Grade 6
Lesson 1: Formal vs. Informal Polite Speech
Why Change How You Speak?
In English, we say "you" to everyone (your friend, your boss, your grandmother). In Korean, the *ending* of your verb changes depending on who you're talking to.
This lesson covers the two most common polite speech levels. You already know one of them!
The Two Polite Levels
1. Informal Polite (해요체)
-아요 / -어요 / -해요
You already know this! This is the standard, everyday polite form.
When to use:
- Daily conversation
- Friends, family
- Store clerks, taxi drivers
2. Formal Polite (합니다체)
-(스)ㅂ니다
This is new! This is a more formal, respectful, and "public" style.
When to use:
- News broadcasts
- Business presentations
- Public announcements
- The military
How to Conjugate: The Formal `-(스)ㅂ니다`
The rules are even simpler than `-아요/어요`!
Rule 1: Stem ends in a VOWEL
Add -ㅂ니다 to the stem.
가다 가 + ㅂ니다 갑니다 (I go)
Rule 2: Stem ends in a CONSONANT
Add -습니다 to the stem.
먹다 먹 + 습니다 먹습니다 (I eat)
Note: Irregular verbs are REGULAR!
This ending starts with a consonant (`ㅅ`), so irregular verbs are not triggered!
춥다 춥 + 습니다 춥습니다 (It is cold)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dictionary Form | Informal Polite (Daily) | Formal Polite (Public) |
|---|---|---|
| 이다 (to be) | 이에요 / 예요 | 입니다 |
| 가다 (to go) | 가요 | 갑니다 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹어요 | 먹습니다 |
| 춥다 (to be cold) | 추워요 (Irregular) | 춥습니다 (Regular) |
| 듣다 (to listen) | 들어요 (Irregular) | 듣습니다 (Regular) |