만나다 (man-na-da, mannada) · 뵙다 (boep-da, boepda)
만나다 is used for general meetings, while 뵙다 expresses respect and is used for superiors or formal situations.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To meet someone in a general, everyday context.
When to use
Meeting friends, Family gatherings, Informal appointments, Meetings with colleagues
The nuance
Used with friends, family, colleagues, or anyone in informal or neutral contexts; not necessarily formal.
A humble expression used when meeting someone respected or a superior.
When to use
Meeting a superior, Meeting elders for the first time, Greeting at official events, First meeting with a client
The nuance
Used to show respect to the other person, in formal or official situations requiring politeness.
친구를 만나서 점심을 먹었어요.
chin-gu-reul man-na-seo jeom-sim-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu reul man na seo jeom sim eul meok eoss eo yo.
Meeting a friend is informal, so '만나다' is appropriate.
친구를 뵙고 점심을 먹었어요.
chin-gu-reul boep-go jeom-sim-eul meok-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu reul boep go jeom sim eul meok eoss eo yo.
'뵙다' is too formal for friends; '만나다' should be used.
어른을 뵈러 집에 갔습니다.
eo-reun-eul boe-reo jip-e gass-seup-ni-da., eo reun eul boe reo jip e gass seup ni da.
When meeting respected elders, the humble form '뵙다' is correct.
어른을 만나러 집에 갔습니다.
eo-reun-eul man-na-reo jip-e gass-seup-ni-da., eo reun eul man na reo jip e gass seup ni da.
'만나다' lacks the respectful nuance needed for elders here.
고객을 만나서 계약을 체결했습니다.
go-gaek-eul man-na-seo gye-yak-eul che-gyeol-haess-seup-ni-da., go gaek eul man na seo gye yak eul che gyeol haess seup ni da.
In business but less formal contexts, '만나다' is acceptable.
고객을 뵙고 계약을 체결했습니다.
go-gaek-eul boep-go gye-yak-eul che-gyeol-haess-seup-ni-da., go gaek eul boep go gye yak eul che gyeol haess seup ni da.
In formal business settings showing respect, '뵙다' is appropriate.
선생님을 만나서 질문을 했어요.
seon-saeng-nim-eul man-na-seo jil-mun-eul haess-eo-yo., seon saeng nim eul man na seo jil mun eul haess eo yo.
In everyday school contexts, '만나다' is natural.
선생님을 뵈어서 질문을 했어요.
seon-saeng-nim-eul boe-eo-seo jil-mun-eul haess-eo-yo., seon saeng nim eul boe eo seo jil mun eul haess eo yo.
When showing respect to a teacher formally, '뵙다' is correct.
Which is appropriate when meeting a superior?
Which verb do you use when meeting a friend?
What is appropriate when meeting an elder for the first time at an official event?
