Verb indicating basic existence or location
When to use
object existence, location, informal speech, everyday narration
The nuance
Used for people, things, and places in non-honorific contexts.
있다 (iss-da, issda) · 계시다 (gye-si-da, gyesida)
있다 expresses basic existence, while 계시다 is the honorific form used mainly to respectfully indicate a person's presence.

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Verb indicating basic existence or location
When to use
object existence, location, informal speech, everyday narration
The nuance
Used for people, things, and places in non-honorific contexts.
Honorific verb used to respectfully indicate a person's presence
When to use
honorific speech, respecting listener, respecting third party, formal situations
The nuance
Used only for people to show respect towards the listener or a third party.
책상이 방에 있다.
chaek-sang-i bang-e iss-da., chaek sang i bang e iss da.
Indicates location of an object, so '있다' is correct.
책상이 방에 계시다.
chaek-sang-i bang-e gye-si-da., chaek sang i bang e gye si da.
Using honorific for an object is inappropriate.
할아버지께서 집에 계세요.
hal-a-beo-ji-kke-seo jip-e gye-se-yo., hal a beo ji kke seo jip e gye se yo.
Honorific form for a person’s presence is correct.
할아버지께서 집에 있어요.
hal-a-beo-ji-kke-seo jip-e iss-eo-yo., hal a beo ji kke seo jip e iss eo yo.
In informal or less respectful contexts, '있다' is acceptable.
할아버지께서 집에 있다.
hal-a-beo-ji-kke-seo jip-e iss-da., hal a beo ji kke seo jip e iss da.
Using basic form '있다' for a person in honorific context is rude.
친구가 학교에 계세요.
chin-gu-ga hak-gyo-e gye-se-yo., chin gu ga hak gyo e gye se yo.
Use '계시다' to honor a friend in polite speech.
사장이 사무실에 있다.
sa-jang-i sa-mu-sil-e iss-da., sa jang i sa mu sil e iss da.
Using '있다' for a person in honorific context is rude.
When should you use '계시다'?
Which sentence correctly uses '있다'?
Which of the following sentences is incorrect?