Korean workplace culture is built on respect, hierarchy, and harmony. That’s why learning how to speak politely is not just a matter of grammar—it's a professional necessity. Whether you're chatting with coworkers or reporting to a manager, using formal Korean (존댓말, jondaetmal) shows maturity and professionalism.
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Knowing how to speak politely in Korean can help you avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and leave a positive impression. Even if you’re not fluent yet, using polite phrases in the right context proves your willingness to learn and adapt.
This post will guide you through the must-know formal expressions for various workplace scenarios in Korea—complete with examples, pronunciation (romanization), and cultural tips.
Whether you're working at a Korean company or just preparing for an internship or business meeting, this guide will give you the tools you need to communicate respectfully and effectively at work. Let’s begin!
📌 Why Formal Language Matters at Work
In Korean workplaces, the way you speak is just as important as what you say. Formal language, known as 존댓말 (jondaetmal), plays a major role in creating respectful and harmonious communication. Using polite forms reflects not only your attitude but also your understanding of social structure and workplace culture.
Korean companies often have a strict hierarchy. Employees are expected to speak differently depending on who they are talking to. For example, speaking to a manager, director, or even a slightly older coworker requires different levels of politeness. Ignoring this can be seen as disrespectful or immature.
Even if you’re a foreigner, people expect you to at least try to use basic formal expressions. Saying "Hi" in English instead of 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka) may sound casual or even rude in a business setting. First impressions matter, and your language is the first thing people notice.
Formal Korean shows professionalism, emotional intelligence, and respect for Korean culture. It’s not about speaking like a native—it’s about effort, tone, and proper form.
For example, saying 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) instead of just "thanks" shows that you understand the setting. Saying 수고 많으셨습니다 (sugo maneusyeotseumnida) to a team after a big project recognizes their effort and shows you're part of the culture.
I’ve noticed that when I use 존댓말 correctly, coworkers open up more and are more willing to help. It creates a sense of trust, even if my grammar isn’t perfect. This small effort bridges cultural gaps in surprising ways.
Another reason why formal language is critical is written communication. In work emails and internal chats, using polite sentence endings like -습니다 (-seumnida) or -십시오 (-sipshio) shows clarity and respect. Without them, your messages may come across as blunt or dismissive.
Learning how to balance friendliness with respect is key. Using formal Korean doesn’t make you sound distant—it makes you sound capable and culturally aware.
Even in casual team settings, it's safer to use polite speech until you’re clearly invited to speak more casually. In fact, many Korean employees continue using polite speech with coworkers even after years of working together.
If you’re new to the Korean workplace or collaborating with Korean professionals, starting with polite expressions is the safest and most effective way to build rapport. It helps avoid miscommunication and prevents unintended offense.
Here’s a quick reference table with essential reasons why formal Korean matters at work:
💼 Why Use Formal Korean at Work
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 존댓말 | jondaetmal | Formal speech |
| 안녕하십니까 | annyeonghasimnikka | Hello (formal) |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you |
| 수고 많으셨습니다 | sugo maneusyeotseumnida | Thank you for your effort |
Now that you know why formality is important, let’s dive into the actual expressions you can start using with coworkers every day.
Coming up next: daily greetings and workplace phrases in polite Korean!
👋 Polite Greetings and Daily Expressions
When working in a Korean office, daily greetings and simple polite phrases are incredibly important. They help set the tone for respectful relationships, especially when you're still building rapport with coworkers. Starting the day with a warm and respectful greeting can go a long way in creating a positive work environment.
The most formal way to say hello in a professional setting is 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka). This phrase is used especially when addressing a superior, or when meeting someone for the first time. It’s polite, professional, and neutral enough for any situation.
If you're greeting someone more familiar, like a peer or team member, you can use 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo). It’s still polite and widely accepted in most workplace contexts, but a bit more relaxed than 안녕하십니까.
Throughout the workday, you’ll hear and use phrases like 수고하셨습니다 (sugo hasyeotseumnida) and 고생하셨습니다 (gosaeng hasyeotseumnida) often. These are said to express gratitude and acknowledgment for others’ effort. They're especially useful after meetings or completing team tasks.
When leaving work or ending a conversation, phrases like 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) or 수고하세요 (sugo haseyo) are polite ways to part. They show respect while keeping the tone friendly.
One commonly overlooked but appreciated phrase is 좋은 하루 되세요 (joeun haru doeseyo), meaning “Have a good day.” It’s a thoughtful way to end a conversation, especially over email or in passing by a colleague.
In Korean office life, these short but formal greetings build daily social bridges. Without them, you may appear distant or indifferent, even if that’s not your intention. That’s why memorizing and using these expressions correctly is essential for smooth communication at work.
Another tip: always accompany greetings with a slight bow and a friendly tone. Even a small change in intonation can make your greeting sound more sincere.
If you're ever unsure which greeting to use, it's safest to go with the more formal option. Most Koreans will appreciate the extra effort and won’t expect perfection from non-native speakers.
Here’s a quick table of must-know polite greetings and daily expressions used in Korean workplaces:
🗨️ Common Workplace Greetings
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하십니까 | annyeonghasimnikka | Hello (very formal) |
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Hello (polite) |
| 수고하셨습니다 | sugo hasyeotseumnida | Thank you for your effort |
| 좋은 하루 되세요 | joeun haru doeseyo | Have a nice day |
In the next section, we’ll explore how to make polite requests without sounding demanding. You’ll learn how to ask for help, assign tasks, and suggest ideas respectfully. Let’s keep going!
🙋♂️ Making Requests Politely
In Korean office culture, how you ask for something matters just as much as what you're asking for. Direct commands are often avoided, especially when speaking to someone higher in the hierarchy or even to coworkers. Instead, Korean uses indirect, polite phrasing to keep communication respectful and non-confrontational.
To request something in a professional setting, expressions using -주시겠어요? (-jusigesseoyo?) or -해주실 수 있을까요? (-haejusil su isseulkkayo?) are commonly used. These endings turn a request into a soft and respectful question.
For example, instead of saying “Send me the file,” you would say: 파일을 보내주실 수 있을까요? (pailureul bonaejusil su isseulkkayo?) This shows both politeness and professional tone. Even if you're speaking to someone of equal rank, it's the norm to maintain this level of indirectness.
When requesting help or clarification, using phrases like 도와주실 수 있으실까요? (dowajusil su isseusilkkayo?) or 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다 (allyeojusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida) is appreciated. These phrases soften your request and express gratitude at the same time.
Another useful expression is 잠시 시간 괜찮으실까요? (jamshi shigan gwaenchanheusilkkayo?), which means “Do you have a moment?” before asking a question or bringing up a topic. This shows that you're respecting their time.
Koreans often avoid saying “no” directly, so when you're asking for something, it's important to give them room to decline without pressure. Using conditional or open-ended phrasing makes that possible.
Phrases like 가능하시면 부탁드립니다 (ganeunghasimyeon butagdeurimnida) or 시간 되시면 확인 부탁드립니다 (shigan doesimyeon hwagin butagdeurimnida) are formal ways to ask for something while giving the listener flexibility.
These polite forms may feel long, but they prevent miscommunication and maintain workplace harmony. They also reflect your professionalism, especially in written communication like emails or messaging apps.
Even short messages can be polite. For example, instead of just writing “Check this,” you can write: 확인 부탁드립니다 (hwagin butagdeurimnida). It’s direct, yet polite—perfect for quick communication.
Here's a useful table of polite request phrases commonly used in Korean offices:
📄 Common Polite Requests
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 도와주실 수 있으실까요? | dowajusil su isseusilkkayo? | Could you please help me? |
| 파일을 보내주실 수 있을까요? | pailureul bonaejusil su isseulkkayo? | Could you send the file? |
| 시간 되시면 확인 부탁드립니다 | shigan doesimyeon hwagin butagdeurimnida | Please check if you have time |
| 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다 | allyeojusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida | I’d appreciate it if you let me know |
Mastering these expressions will help you avoid sounding too demanding and ensure smoother, more respectful workplace interactions.
In the next section, we’ll look at how to apologize and correct mistakes the polite way in Korean.
🙏 Apologizing and Correcting Mistakes
Mistakes happen—even in the most professional environments. But in Korean workplace culture, how you handle mistakes matters a lot more than the mistake itself. Offering a sincere and respectful apology is considered a sign of maturity and professionalism.
The most common and safest phrase to use is 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida), which means "I'm sorry" in a formal and humble tone. This is appropriate for superiors, clients, or any formal situation. Avoid using 미안해요 (mianhaeyo) unless you're speaking with someone you know well in an informal setting.
When your mistake caused inconvenience to others, a stronger version is 불편을 드려 죄송합니다 (bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida), meaning "I'm sorry for causing inconvenience." Adding detail shows accountability and respect.
If you need to correct yourself during a conversation or in writing, you can say 정정하겠습니다 (jeongjeonghagetseumnida) meaning “Let me correct that.” It sounds professional and avoids sounding defensive.
Sometimes, you'll need to apologize in writing—such as in an email after missing a deadline. A great phrase to include is 실수로 인해 불편을 드려 죄송합니다 (silsuro inhae bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida), which means "I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by my mistake."
Korean work culture values humility over excuses. Rather than defending your actions, it’s better to accept responsibility politely and explain your plan to fix the problem. This builds trust and shows that you're reliable even when things go wrong.
After apologizing, it's common to add 다음부터는 주의하겠습니다 (daeumbuteoneun juuihagetseumnida)—"I will be more careful next time." This phrase signals that you’ve learned from your mistake, which is often more important than the mistake itself.
Avoid over-apologizing or using casual phrases when sincerity is needed. Even if you're not fluent, showing your intent clearly and politely goes a long way in maintaining respect.
Here’s a helpful table summarizing common polite apology and correction phrases:
😔 Common Apologies and Corrections
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 죄송합니다 | joesonghamnida | I'm sorry (formal) |
| 불편을 드려 죄송합니다 | bulpyeoneul deuryeo joesonghamnida | Sorry for the inconvenience |
| 정정하겠습니다 | jeongjeonghagetseumnida | Let me correct that |
| 다음부터는 주의하겠습니다 | daeumbuteoneun juuihagetseumnida | I'll be more careful next time |
Now that you know how to apologize politely, we’ll move on to formal writing in emails and office chat apps—a crucial skill in digital workspaces. Let’s keep going!
📧 Formal Email and Chat Etiquette
In Korean workplaces, digital communication—especially through email and messaging platforms like KakaoTalk or Slack—is expected to be professional, polite, and structured. Unlike in many Western contexts where casual tones are acceptable, Korean business writing requires more formality, even in quick messages.
Emails generally start with a polite greeting, often using 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) or even 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka) for very formal cases. You should also include a short line that acknowledges the recipient’s time or effort, such as 항상 수고 많으십니다 (hangsang sugo maneusimnida).
When writing the body of the message, it’s common to use formal endings like -습니다 (-seumnida) or -겠습니다 (-getseumnida). These endings show a high level of respect and make your writing appear more professional.
For example, instead of saying “Please see the attached file,” you would write: 첨부 파일을 확인 부탁드립니다 (cheombu pailureul hwagin butagdeurimnida). It’s short, polite, and to the point.
Korean emails also often end with a phrase like 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 잘 부탁드립니다 (jal butagdeurimnida). These expressions leave a positive impression and are expected closing lines in professional settings.
Even in chat apps, formality is usually preserved unless explicitly told otherwise. A quick Slack message like “Got it” would be phrased as 확인했습니다 (hwagin haetseumnida) or 알겠습니다 (algetseumnida). Avoid using emojis or overly casual language unless the group dynamic allows it.
Tone and structure are key. A well-written email not only conveys information but also shows your respect for the recipient’s role and time. This kind of communication helps build trust, especially when you're new to the organization or a foreign colleague.
Don’t forget to include your job title and name at the end of your email. For example: 마케팅팀 김지훈 드림 (maketingtim Kim Jihoon deurim), which means "From Kim Jihoon, Marketing Team."
If you're writing to a client or someone much higher in the hierarchy, adding extra respect phrases like 항상 건강하시길 바랍니다 (hangsang geonganghasigil baramnida) can help build rapport.
Here is a reference table with essential formal phrases for email and messaging:
💬 Common Phrases in Email & Chat
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 확인 부탁드립니다 | hwagin butagdeurimnida | Please confirm |
| 항상 수고 많으십니다 | hangsang sugo maneusimnida | Thank you for your hard work |
| 알겠습니다 | algetseumnida | Understood |
| 김지훈 드림 | Kim Jihoon deurim | From Kim Jihoon |
With these phrases, you’ll be able to write respectful and culturally appropriate emails and messages in Korean workplaces.
Up next, we’ll focus on expressions specifically used when speaking with your boss. Let's continue!
🧑💼 Phrases for Speaking to Your Boss
Speaking to your boss in Korean requires an extra layer of politeness. Even if your boss is friendly and casual, using formal expressions is not just polite—it’s expected. Respectful speech protects you from sounding unprofessional and helps maintain a proper workplace hierarchy.
When addressing your boss, always use full sentence endings like -습니다 (-seumnida) or -시겠습니까? (-shigesseumnikka?) to show high respect. Avoid using casual endings like -요 (-yo) unless you’ve been explicitly told it’s okay.
To begin a conversation, a good opening is 말씀드릴 게 있습니다 (malsseum deuril ge itseumnida), which means "I have something to tell you." This signals that you're initiating respectfully.
If you need to ask for approval or suggest something, use phrases like 검토 부탁드립니다 (geomto butagdeurimnida) or 확인해 주시면 감사하겠습니다 (hwagin hae jusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida). These expressions soften your tone while maintaining clarity.
In meetings, it's polite to say 말씀 잘 들었습니다 (malsseum jal deureotseumnida) after your boss speaks. This acknowledges their authority and shows you’re paying attention.
If you're receiving instructions, responding with 알겠습니다 (algetseumnida) or 명심하겠습니다 (myeongshim hagetseumnida) confirms that you understand and will follow through. These responses are more appropriate than simply saying “Okay.”
When giving updates or results, using 보고드립니다 (bogodeurimnida) instead of just “Here’s what happened” sounds professional and respectful. For example: 업무 진행 상황을 보고드립니다 (eobmu jinhaeng sanghwang-eul bogodeurimnida).
Never interrupt your boss during a meeting. Instead, wait and say: 추가로 말씀드려도 될까요? (chugaro malsseum deuryeodo doelkkayo?) This means “May I add something?” and shows both politeness and confidence.
Your tone, posture, and choice of words should always reflect hierarchy awareness in Korean workplaces. Even small phrases like 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) said with the right tone can leave a strong impression.
Here’s a helpful table with key expressions to use when talking to your boss:
🎙️ Polite Phrases for Speaking to Your Boss
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 말씀드릴 게 있습니다 | malsseum deuril ge itseumnida | I have something to tell you |
| 검토 부탁드립니다 | geomto butagdeurimnida | Please review this |
| 보고드립니다 | bogodeurimnida | I am reporting |
| 명심하겠습니다 | myeongshim hagetseumnida | I will keep that in mind |
By mastering these expressions, you’ll not only sound respectful but also build trust and credibility in your workplace.
Up next: a mega FAQ section to answer common questions learners have!
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most formal way to say “hello” to my boss in Korean?
A1. You can say 안녕하십니까 (annyeonghasimnikka), which is the most respectful greeting in professional settings.
Q2. Is it okay to say “안녕하세요” to coworkers?
A2. Yes! 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) is polite and appropriate for colleagues.
Q3. How do I politely ask someone to send a file?
A3. Say 파일을 보내주실 수 있을까요? (pailureul bonaejusil su isseulkkayo?).
Q4. What is the standard email closing in Korean?
A4. Use 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida) or 잘 부탁드립니다 (jal butagdeurimnida).
Q5. How can I report work progress politely?
A5. Use 보고드립니다 (bogodeurimnida), as in 업무 상황을 보고드립니다.
Q6. How do I say “I’m sorry” in a formal way?
A6. Say 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida).
Q7. What’s the polite way to say “thank you for your effort”?
A7. You can say 수고하셨습니다 (sugo hasyeotseumnida).
Q8. Can I use casual language in chat messages at work?
A8. Not unless told otherwise. Stick with formal phrases like 확인했습니다 (hwagin haetseumnida).
Q9. How do I request a favor professionally?
A9. Say 부탁드립니다 (butagdeurimnida) or 가능하시면 부탁드립니다 (ganeunghasimyeon butagdeurimnida).
Q10. Is “알겠습니다” polite?
A10. Yes, 알겠습니다 (algetseumnida) is a formal and polite way to say “Understood.”
Q11. How do I apologize for an email mistake?
A11. Say 이메일 실수에 대해 죄송합니다 (imeil silsue daehae joesonghamnida).
Q12. Can I say “미안해요” at work?
A12. It’s better to avoid 미안해요 and use 죄송합니다 in professional settings.
Q13. How do I politely interrupt a meeting?
A13. Ask 말씀 중에 죄송하지만 (malsseum junge joesonghajiman)... before speaking.
Q14. How do I say “Have a good day” professionally?
A14. Say 좋은 하루 되세요 (joeun haru doeseyo).
Q15. What’s a polite way to say “Can I ask something”?
A15. Try 질문드려도 될까요? (jilmun deuryeodo doelkkayo?).
Q16. How do I say “Thank you for your response”?
A16. Use 답변 감사드립니다 (dapbyeon gamsadeurimnida).
Q17. What if I don’t know what to say?
A17. Say 잠시만 생각해보겠습니다 (jamsiman saenggakhaebogetseumnida).
Q18. How do I say “I’ll be careful next time”?
A18. Say 다음부터는 주의하겠습니다 (daeumbuteoneun juuihagetseumnida).
Q19. How do I end a call politely?
A19. Say 전화 주셔서 감사합니다 (jeonhwa jusyeoseo gamsahamnida).
Q20. What is a good way to say “Nice to meet you”?
A20. Say 처음 뵙겠습니다 (cheoeum boepgetseumnida).
Q21. How do I say “Please let me know” in Korean?
A21. Say 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다 (allyeojusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida).
Q22. Can I use emojis in work emails?
A22. It’s best to avoid emojis unless you're sure they’re acceptable in your company culture.
Q23. What’s a polite way to ask for a deadline?
A23. Try 마감일을 여쭤봐도 될까요? (magamil-eul yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?).
Q24. How do I say “I made a mistake” formally?
A24. Say 실수를 했습니다 (silsureul haetseumnida).
Q25. How do I say “Let’s discuss it” professionally?
A25. Use 논의해보겠습니다 (non-uihaebogetseumnida) or 논의드리겠습니다 (non-uideurigetseumnida).
Q26. How do I say “Sorry for the delay”?
A26. Say 늦어서 죄송합니다 (neujeoseo joesonghamnida).
Q27. What’s a polite way to remind someone?
A27. Use 다시 한 번 확인 부탁드립니다 (dasi han beon hwagin butagdeurimnida).
Q28. How do I say “I’ll take care of it”?
A28. Say 제가 처리하겠습니다 (jega cheorihagetseumnida).
Q29. How do I confirm receipt of an email?
A29. Use 이메일 잘 받았습니다 (imeil jal badasseumnida).
Q30. How do I say “Let me know if you need anything”?
A30. Say 필요하신 것 있으시면 말씀해주세요 (pilyohasin geot isseusimyeon malsseumhae juseyo).
🛡️ Disclaimer
All expressions introduced in this article are intended for educational purposes only. Specific language use may vary by company, region, or professional context. Always consider your workplace's communication style and consult native speakers when possible.
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