What it means
존댓말 is the formal, respectful speech level in Korean — the default for speaking to strangers, elders, or in professional settings. Contrasts with 반말 (casual speech).
Nuance & when to use
Endings that mark 존댓말: -아/어요 (polite), -습니다/ㅂ니다 (formal). Korean society is hierarchical — age, job title, and relationship determine speech level. 존칭 = honorific title (like 씨, 님). 존댓말 shows respect; using it inappropriately (too formal with close friends) can also sound awkward.
⚠ Common mistake
Mixing 존댓말 and 반말 in the same sentence sounds wrong. Pick one level and stick to it until the relationship changes.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
Endings that mark 존댓말: -아/어요 (polite), -습니다/ㅂ니다 (formal). Korean society is hierarchical — age, job title, and relationship determine speech level. 존칭 = honorific title (like 씨, 님). 존댓말 shows respect; using it inappropriately (too formal with close friends) can also sound awkward.
What's a common mistake?
Mixing 존댓말 and 반말 in the same sentence sounds wrong. Pick one level and stick to it until the relationship changes.
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