How to Use Korean Honorifics Naturally – Key Verbs and Expressions for Beginners

Korean is a language deeply rooted in respect. Whether you're speaking to your teacher, someone's grandmother, or your boss, using the right honorific expressions is more than just good manners — it’s essential for communication.

This guide will break down the key honorific verbs, particles, and structures in simple terms, with examples and tables. If you’re a beginner or confused about when to say 드시다 instead of 먹다 — you’re in the right place! Let’s make Korean honorifics feel natural. 👑 

1️⃣ Why Honorifics Matter in Korean

Honorifics are built into Korean grammar. It’s not just about using polite words — the whole sentence structure can change depending on who you're talking to. Koreans show respect through verbs, particles, and word choices.

 

For example, instead of saying “엄마가 먹어요” (Mom eats), it's better to say “어머니께서 드세요.” This version uses both an honorific subject particle (께서) and the honorific verb (드시다). Without these changes, the sentence may sound casual or even disrespectful.

 

Honorifics are especially important in formal settings, older generations, or hierarchical relationships (like teacher-student, boss-employee, etc). Even between strangers, starting a conversation with honorific speech shows social awareness.

 

Unlike English, Korean grammar forces you to constantly consider the listener’s status. That might seem difficult at first — but it makes conversations richer and more intentional. 🌸

 

🧭 Examples: Politeness vs Honorifics

Sentence	Polite	Honorific
Mom eats	엄마가 먹어요	어머니께서 드세요
Dad sleeps	아빠가 자요	아버지께서 주무세요

 

2️⃣ Basic Honorific Verbs You Must Know

Some Korean verbs have special honorific forms. You can’t just add “요” or “시” and call it honorific — some verbs completely change shape. These are the verbs that often come up in family, formal, or public situations.

 

Here are some of the most essential honorific verb pairs every learner should memorize:

🔑 Common Honorific Verb List

Base Verb	Honorific Verb	Meaning
먹다	드시다	to eat
자다	주무시다	to sleep
있다	계시다	to be (exist)
말하다	말씀하시다	to speak

 

Learning these honorific forms helps you sound both respectful and fluent. Use them when talking about or directly to elders, teachers, clients, or public figures.

 

3️⃣ Subject Markers and Honorific Particles

Honorifics don’t just change the verb — they also affect the subject and object markers. Using the wrong particle can make your sentence sound strange or even disrespectful. Let’s look at some key particles used in honorific speech.

 

The most common change is replacing 이/가 with 께서 for the subject. Likewise, 에게 becomes 께 when showing respect. These small changes add formality and honor to your sentence.

 

Also, when saying “to give” respectfully, you use 주시다 (to give honorifically) or even 드리다 (to give humbly) depending on direction. Understanding the context is key.

 

📌 Common Honorific Particles

Standard	Honorific	Used For
이/가	께서	Subject (honored person)
에게	께	To someone (honored)
한테	께	To someone (honored, casual context)

 

Make sure to match the verb and particle style together. Mixing “께서” with “먹어요” feels mismatched — aim for consistency like “께서 드세요.”

 

4️⃣ How to Use 시 (Honorific Suffix)

The suffix “시” is one of the most powerful honorific tools in Korean. It’s inserted into the verb to show respect to the subject. Think of it as “respect built into the verb” — and it works alongside polite endings like 요 or 습니다.

 

It typically appears after the verb stem, and before the ending. Example: “가다” (to go) becomes “가시어요” → “가세요”.

 

You’ll also see it in verbs like “계시다” (honorific of 있다) or “주무시다” (honorific of 자다). It's a core part of 존댓말 (respectful speech) in Korean.

🔧 How “시” Works in Verbs

Base Verb	Honorific Verb	With 시
가다	가시다	가세요 / 가십니다
오다	오시다	오세요 / 오십니다

 

The more you listen to native speakers, the more you’ll recognize this pattern. “시” is everywhere — you just didn’t notice it yet! 👂

 

5️⃣ When to Use or Avoid Honorifics

Honorifics are powerful, but overusing them can sound awkward. Just like wearing a tuxedo to a pizza shop — it’s respectful, but maybe not needed. So when should you use them?

 

Use honorifics when speaking to or about someone older, in a higher position, or in formal contexts. Avoid them with friends, younger people, or very casual settings. Even native speakers adjust levels constantly!

📍 When to Use or Skip Honorifics

Situation	Use Honorific?	Example
Talking to professor	Yes ✅	말씀하세요
Chatting with younger sibling	No ❌	말해

 

I think the best way to master this is through real exposure — dramas, YouTube, and Korean friends will teach you more than any textbook here.

 

6️⃣ Practice Table: Polite vs Honorific Forms

Let’s wrap it up with a comparison table! Here you can see how base verbs transform into polite and honorific forms. Try reading each one out loud. 👄

🔄 Polite vs Honorific Comparison

Base Verb	Polite (요)	Honorific
먹다	먹어요	드세요
자다	자요	주무세요
있다	있어요	계세요

 

Practice these regularly and try using them in context — your Korean will instantly sound more natural and respectful. 💬

 

7️⃣ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Are honorifics the same as polite speech in Korean?

A1. No! Polite speech uses 요 endings, while honorifics change the verb or structure to show respect to the subject.

Q2. When should I use 드시다 instead of 먹다?

A2. Use 드시다 when referring to someone older or in a formal situation. 먹다 is casual or neutral.

Q3. Is 시 always used in honorifics?

A3. Not always, but 시 is a key part of many honorific verb forms and must match the subject’s status.

Q4. Can I use 계시다 when talking about myself?

A4. No, 계시다 is only used to honor someone else. For yourself, use 있다.

Q5. What’s the honorific particle for “to someone”?

A5. Use 께 instead of 에게 or 한테.

Q6. Is it rude to not use honorifics with elders?

A6. Yes, especially in formal or first-time meetings. Always start with honorifics to be safe.

Q7. Do Korean kids use honorifics?

A7. Yes, they're taught early to use honorifics with parents, teachers, and elders.

Q8. Can I mix honorifics and casual speech?

A8. Not really. Mixing levels can confuse or offend the listener. Stay consistent within a sentence.

Q9. What’s the honorific of 자다?

A9. 주무시다 — and the honorific form is 주무세요.

Q10. Do honorifics apply to writing, too?

A10. Yes, especially in formal letters, applications, and official documents.

Q11. What’s the polite form of 주다?

A11. 주세요 (polite), 주시다 (honorific), 드리다 (humble).

Q12. Can I say “가세요” to my younger brother?

A12. You can, but it sounds overly formal. “가” is more natural between close siblings.

Q13. What’s the difference between 시 and 드리다?

A13. 시 is added to verbs to respect the subject. 드리다 is a humble way to talk about your own actions toward others.

Q14. What happens if I overuse honorifics?

A14. You may sound overly stiff, unnatural, or awkward, especially among friends or peers.

Q15. Are honorifics used in Korean dramas?

A15. Definitely! They often switch levels to reflect power, emotions, or relationships.

Q16. Should I always use honorifics in Korea?

A16. Always start polite. As relationships grow, you can adjust based on the situation and the other person's cues.

Q17. What if I forget to use them?

A17. That’s okay as a learner! Just politely apologize and keep improving. Koreans understand it's hard.

Q18. What’s the honorific of “있어요”?

A18. 계세요 — used to refer respectfully to someone’s presence.

Q19. What’s a good way to practice honorifics?

A19. Try shadowing K-dramas, repeating after speakers, and using apps or tutors that correct your tone.

Q20. Are there situations where honorifics sound sarcastic?

A20. Yes, sometimes overly polite forms can be used sarcastically — context and tone matter a lot!

 

📌 Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and general learning. Korean usage can vary depending on region, age, social setting, and relationship. Always adjust based on real context and speaker cues.