Basic politeness levels: 해요체 (polite informal) and 합니다체 (polite formal)
I can use 해요체 and 합니다체 appropriately in different social contexts
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
감사합니다.
Thank you. (formal)
고마워요.
Thanks. (polite informal)
어디에 가십니까?
Where are you going? (very formal)
저는 학생이에요.
I am a student. (polite)
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Korean has multiple speech levels (존댓말 = polite language, 반말 = casual language). At A1, focus on two polite levels:
| Level | Name | Ending | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polite informal | 해요체 | -아/어요 | Most daily conversations |
| Polite formal | 합니다체 | -ㅂ니다/습니다 | News, presentations, business, interviews |
| Verb | 해요체 | 합니다체 |
|---|---|---|
| 가다 (go) | 가요 | 갑니다 |
| 먹다 (eat) | 먹어요 | 먹습니다 |
| 하다 (do) | 해요 | 합니다 |
| 이다 (be) | 이에요/예요 | 입니다 |
합니다체 formation:
Questions: 해요체: rising intonation. 합니다체: change 다 to 까 → 갑니까?, 먹습니까?
Rule of thumb: Use 해요체 as your default — it's safe in almost all situations. Switch to 합니다체 for formal contexts.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesMix 해요체 and 합니다체 in one sentence. Use casual speech with strangers.
Mixed 해요체 and 합니다체 in the same utterance
Stay consistent within one sentence. 해요체 for casual polite, 합니다체 for formal
Used 반말 (casual) in a formal context
Always use at least 해요체 with strangers, elders, and in professional settings
감사합니다.
Thank you. (formal)
합니다체 — the most common formal expression. 감사하다 → 감사합니다.
고마워요.
Thanks. (polite informal)
해요체 — polite but less formal than 감사합니다. 고맙다 → 고마워요.
어디에 가십니까?
Where are you going? (very formal)
합니다체 question: -ㅂ니까. 가다 → 가 + 시 (honorific) + ㅂ니까 = 가십니까.
저는 학생이에요.
I am a student. (polite)
해요체 with 이다: after consonant → 이에요, after vowel → 예요. 학생 ends in ㅇ → 이에요.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises