Korean speech levels

Korean speech levels

1. Speech Levels

2. There are seven speech levels in Korean language and each level has its own unique set of verb endings which are used to indicate the level of formality of a situation.

3. It used to show respect towards a speaker's or writer's audience, or reflect the formality or informality of the situation. The names of the seven levels are derived from the non-honorific imperative form of the verb hada (하다; "to do") in each level, plus the suffix che (체, 體), which means "style".

4. Higher Levels

5. The first level: 1) Hasoseo -che Traditionally used when addressing a king, queen, or high official; now used only in historical dramas and religious text such as the Bible, the Koran.ect Formality Very high Politeness High Currency archaic ِ Example: 성은이 망극 하옵니다 I beg your majesty to take heed .

6. 2) Hapsyo-che Its called either the "formal" or the "formal polite. This is a common style of speaking . - It is used: Between strangers at the start of a conversation by TV announcers to customers Formality High Politeness High Currency Very Common Example: 만나서 반갑습니다 " Pleased to meet you"

7. Middle Levels The middle levels are used when there is some conflict or uncertainty about the social status.

8. 3) Haeyo-che informal, but polite speech. It’s the style of choice in most normal , everyday situations where politeness is expected. Common Korean phrases like Formality Low Politeness High Currency Common 고마워요 Thank You

9. 4) Hao-che It’s used to address people that are the same rank or lower and still maintains a moderate degree of respect. ( It shouldn’t be used when speaking to those ranked above you.) Formality Low Politeness Natural Currency Older Generation

10. 5) Hage -che It’s used in place of by middle-aged adults speaking to other adults with whom they are close to, but consider to be ranked lower socially . In contemporary Korea, someone in a higher-ranking position may speak to someone lower ( like a boss speaking to employees) Formality Natural Politeness Natural Currency Older Generation

11. Lower Levels The Hae -che and Haera -che styles are frequently mixed together in the same conversation , so much so that it can be hard to tell what verb endings belong to which style.

12. 6) Haera -che Its used with those who are the same rank or lower, but with no added degree of respect. Even though there’s no added respect ,it wouldn’t be considered disrespectful as long as it’s used appropriately. Formality High Politeness Low Currency Common

13. 7 ) Hae -che It’s used between : close friends and family. by adults to speak to children or minors. between children. by adults to speak to old friends For example, whether they were friends or not, high school classmates typically speak use Hae-che , and when they reunite 10 or 20 years later, they typically continue to use it again Formality Low Politeness Low Currency Common