Formal vs Informal Korean
Formal vs Informal Korean: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things you’ll notice when learning Korean – or watching K-dramas – is that people speak differently depending on who they’re talking to. That’s because Korean has different speech levels, especially formal (존댓말) and informal (반말) styles. In this post, we’ll explain the difference and show you when and how to use each form like a native.
🔹 What Is Formal Korean (존댓말)?
Formal Korean is used to show respect. It’s commonly used when:
- Talking to older people
- Speaking to strangers
- In professional settings (work, school, interviews)
Example: 감사합니다. (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) - Thank you. / 안녕하세요. (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) -Hello.
🔸 What Is Informal Korean (반말)?
Informal Korean is used with close friends, younger people, or in casual settings. It’s friendly and relaxed, but can sound rude if used at the wrong time.
Example: 고마워. (go-ma-wo) - Thanks. / 안녕. (an-nyeong) - Hi.
📊 Comparison Table
| English | Formal Korean | Informal Korean |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) | 안녕(an-nyeong) |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) | 고마워 (go-ma-wo) |
| I'm sorry | 죄송합니다 (joe-song-ham-ni-da) | 미안해 (mi-an-hae) |
| Yes | 네 (ne) | 응 (eung) |
| No | 아니요 (a-ni-yo) | 아니 (a-ni) |
🎬 K-Drama Moment: When Speech Style Changes
At first, characters use formal speech:
A: 안녕하세요. 처음 뵙겠습니다. (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da)
B: 저도요. 반갑습니다. (jeo-do-yo. ban-gap-seum-ni-da)
Later, when they become close:
A: 이제 우리 말 편하게 해도 돼? (i-je u-ri mal pyeon-ha-ge hae-do dwae?)
B: 응! 좋아! (eung! jo-a!)
Switching from formal to informal means they’re becoming friends!
💡 When to Use Each Style
- Use formal Korean when in doubt – it’s always safe!
- Ask before using informal speech: “말 놓아도 돼요?” (Can I speak casually?)
- Never use 반말 with teachers, elders, or bosses.
🗣 Practice Sentences
Formal: 저는 미국에서 왔어요. 만나서 반갑습니다.
Informal: 나 미국에서 왔어. 반가워!
✅ Quick Tip
If a sentence ends with “-요 (yo)” or “-습니다 (seupnida)”, it’s formal.
If it ends in “-아/어 (a / eoh)”, it’s probably informal.
Next Lesson: Top 20 Polite Korean Phrases You Should Memorize!