Lesson 20 · Beginner 2 · A2
Polite vs. Casual Korean
존댓말과 반말
Korean changes depending on who you talk to. Polite speech (존댓말) is for strangers and elders, while casual speech (반말) is for close friends and family. Understanding the difference will help you speak naturally — and understand K-dramas and K-pop songs, which use casual speech constantly.
🎯 Learning goals
After this lesson you will be able to:
- Choose between polite and casual speech
- Talk casually with close friends
💬 Key phrases
안녕
annyeong
Hi / Bye (casual)
고마워
gomawo
Thanks (casual)
미안해
mianhae
Sorry (casual)
사랑해
saranghae
I love you (casual)
응 / 아니
eung / ani
yeah / nah (casual yes and no)
뭐 해?
mwo hae?
What are you doing?
밥 먹었어?
bap meogeosseo?
Did you eat? (a caring greeting)
잘 자
jal ja
Good night (casual)
보고 싶어
bogo sipeo
I miss you
말 놓아도 돼요?
mal noado dwaeyo?
May I speak casually with you?
존댓말 / 반말
jondaenmal / banmal
polite speech / casual speech
📐 Grammar
반말: -아/어, N(이)야
casual speech endings
Drop -요 from the -아요/어요 form: 고마워요 → 고마워, 먹었어요 → 먹었어. For nouns, 이에요/예요 become 이야 after a consonant and 야 after a vowel: 학생이야, 친구야. "Yes" and "no" become 응 and 아니.
| Base form | 반말: -아/어, N(이)야 |
|---|---|
| 고마워요 | 고마워 |
| 먹었어요 | 먹었어 |
| 학생이에요 | 학생이야 |
| 친구예요 | 친구야 |
Example
나는 대학생이야.
naneun daehaksaengiya.
I'm a college student.
우리는 친구야.
urineun chinguya.
We're friends.
내일 시간 있어?
naeil sigan isseo?
Do you have time tomorrow?
🗣 Dialogue
민호야, 뭐 해?
minhoya, mwo hae?
Minho, what are you doing?
그냥 집에 있어. 너는?
geunyang jibe isseo. neoneun?
Just at home. You?
나 지금 배고파. 밥 먹었어?
na jigeum baegopa. bap meogeosseo?
I'm hungry. Did you eat?
아니, 아직. 같이 먹을래?
ani, ajik. gachi meogeullae?
No, not yet. Want to eat together?
응, 좋아! 고마워.
eung, joa! gomawo.
Yeah, great! Thanks.
고맙긴! 이따 봐.
gomapgin! itta bwa.
No need to thank me! See you later.
✏️ Grammar practice
Choose the word that completes each sentence.
✅ Quick quiz
Choose the correct meaning.
Updated: November 2026