말하다 (mal-ha-da, malhada) · 말씀하다 (mal-sseum-ha-da, malsseumhada)
말하다 is the general verb for 'to speak,' while 말씀하다 is the honorific form used for someone respected or higher in status.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To speak or say, used generally for oneself or peers
When to use
casual conversation, expressing own opinion, talking with friends
The nuance
말하다 is used in everyday, informal, or neutral contexts. It expresses the act of speaking directly, including when talking to someone or about oneself.
Honorific form used when a respected or higher-status person speaks
When to use
respecting superior's speech, formal occasions, honoring interlocutor's speech
The nuance
말씀하다 is an honorific verb used to elevate the speech act of a respected or senior person. It must be used politely when referring to the speech of the other person or a superior.
친구가 나에게 말을 했어요.
chin-gu-ga na-e-ge mal-eul haess-eo-yo., chin gu ga na e ge mal eul haess eo yo.
When referring to a friend speaking, the general verb '말하다' is appropriate.
선생님께서 말씀을 하셨어요.
seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo mal-sseum-eul ha-syeoss-eo-yo., seon saeng nim kke seo mal sseum eul ha syeoss eo yo.
For a superior like a teacher speaking, the honorific '말씀하다' must be used.
아버지가 말을 하셨어요.
a-beo-ji-ga mal-eul ha-syeoss-eo-yo., a beo ji ga mal eul ha syeoss eo yo.
Since father is a respected person, '말씀하다' should be used. '말하다' can sound rude.
나는 선생님께 말씀했어요.
na-neun seon-saeng-nim-kke mal-sseum-haess-eo-yo., na neun seon saeng nim kke mal sseum haess eo yo.
When talking about one's own speech, use '말하다.' '말씀하다' is honorific for the other person's speech.
할머니께서 말씀하셨어요.
hal-meo-ni-kke-seo mal-sseum-ha-syeoss-eo-yo., hal meo ni kke seo mal sseum ha syeoss eo yo.
Grandmother is a respected elder, so '말씀하다' is used to show respect.
나는 친구에게 말씀했어.
na-neun chin-gu-e-ge mal-sseum-haess-eo., na neun chin gu e ge mal sseum haess eo.
When speaking to friends, use '말하다.' '말씀하다' is reserved for superiors.
부장님께서 중요한 말씀을 하셨어요.
bu-jang-nim-kke-seo jung-yo-han mal-sseum-eul ha-syeoss-eo-yo., bu jang nim kke seo jung yo han mal sseum eul ha syeoss eo yo.
Manager is a superior, so the honorific '말씀하다' must be used.
나는 부장님께 말을 했어요.
na-neun bu-jang-nim-kke mal-eul haess-eo-yo., na neun bu jang nim kke mal eul haess eo yo.
When speaking to a superior, use '말씀하다.' Using '말하다' is disrespectful.
Which expression should be used when a superior speaks?
Which expression is appropriate when you talk to a friend?
Is the sentence '아버지가 말씀하셨어요' correct?
Which expression can be used to elevate one's own speech?
What does it mean?
