The Korean language is renowned for its rich system of formality and politeness, deeply rooted in the country’s Confucian heritage. Mastering these speech levels is essential not only for speaking correctly but also for showing proper respect in social interactions. Whether you’re a language learner, a traveler, or a K-drama enthusiast, understanding how and when to use different Korean formalities can significantly enhance your communication skills.

Why Are Korean Speech Levels Important?

In Korean society, the way you speak to someone is influenced by their age, status, and your relationship with them. Speaking too casually to a superior can come off as disrespectful, while being overly formal with close friends may seem distant or awkward. Korean has seven levels of speech, but only three or four are commonly used in daily life.

1. Formal and Polite – 합쇼체 (Hapshoche)

Example:

“감사합니다” (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) – Thank you
“안녕하십니까?” (an-nyeong-ha-sim-ni-kka?) – Hello (formal)

This is the highest level of politeness still used in modern Korean. You’ll encounter it in news broadcasts, public speeches, job interviews, and in customer service. It’s respectful, professional, and emotionally distant.

When to Use:

• Talking to strangers in a formal setting
• Speaking to elders, officials, or customers
• Public announcements or formal speeches

2. Polite – 해요체 (Haeyoche)

Example:

“감사해요” (gam-sa-hae-yo) – Thank you
“안녕하세요?” (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo?) – Hello

This is the most commonly used level of politeness in everyday life. It’s still respectful but more relaxed than the formal level. It’s appropriate in most social situations unless you are speaking to someone of much higher status or age.

When to Use:

• Speaking to acquaintances, teachers, or coworkers
• First-time meetings in informal settings
• In many customer interactions

3. Casual – 해체 (Haeche)

Example:

“고마워” (go-ma-wo) – Thanks
“안녕?” (an-nyeong?) – Hi

This informal speech level is reserved for close relationships and people younger than you. It shows closeness and comfort, and is used among friends, family members, and sometimes romantic partners.

When to Use:

• Talking with close friends
• Speaking to younger siblings or children
• Messaging friends or peers

4. Intimate and Informal – 하게체 (Hageche) (Less Common Today)

Example:

“고맙네” (go-map-ne) – Thank you
“안녕하신가?” (an-nyeong-ha-sin-ga?) – Hello

This level sounds somewhat archaic and is used in historical dramas or between older adults in rural areas. It’s polite but more intimate, and less emotionally distant than the highest level.

When to Use:

• In period dramas or historical texts
• Elder to younger adults (especially men to juniors)
• In literature or traditional writing

5. Authoritative – 해라체 (Haerache) (Commanding and Plain)

Example:

“가라” (ga-ra) – Go
“한다” (han-da) – Do

This level is used in military, laws, academic writing, or to issue commands. It can come across as cold or impersonal, but it is often used in writing or narrative contexts.

When to Use:

• Writing reports or articles
• Military or hierarchical settings
• Narration in books and media

How to Choose the Right Speech Level

Korean learners often struggle with choosing the correct level of speech. Here are a few guiding principles:

• When in doubt, go polite. Using 해요체 is generally safe and respectful.
• Pay attention to how others speak to you. Mirror their level of formality.
• Be aware of context and setting. A conversation at work requires different language than chatting with friends.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Korean formalities takes time and practice, but understanding the basics of speech levels will help you navigate Korean culture more smoothly. By learning when and how to adjust your language, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments but also gain the respect of native speakers.

Whether you’re ordering at a restaurant, talking to your Korean in-laws, or simply watching your favourite K-drama, speech levels add rich context and meaning to every conversation. Keep practicing, and soon it’ll become second nature.