격식 (gyeok-sik, gyeoksik) · 반격식 (ban-gyeok-sik, bangyeoksik) · 친근함 (chin-geun-ham, chingeunham)
격식 refers to formal and stiff expressions, 반격식 is a semi-formal style that is friendly yet polite, and 친근함 denotes casual and relaxed expressions.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Formal and stiff style of speech or expression
When to use
official events, business meetings, talking with superiors
The nuance
Formal expressions are used in official settings, business, or hierarchical relationships, always including honorifics and polite vocabulary.
A semi-formal style that adds friendliness without losing formality
When to use
talking with close colleagues, seminar presentations, consulting with clients
The nuance
Semi-formal style maintains polite speech but uses less stiff expressions suitable for friendly atmospheres.
Casual and relaxed style with little to no formality
When to use
talking with friends, family gatherings, informal meetings
The nuance
Casual expressions are mainly used among friends, family, or peers, typically involving informal speech or 반말.
안녕하십니까? 오늘 회의에 참석해 주셔서 감사합니다.
an-nyeong-ha-sip-ni-kka? o-neul hoe-ui-e cham-seok-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-hap-ni-da., an nyeong ha sip ni kka? o neul hoe ui e cham seok hae ju syeo seo gam sa hap ni da.
A formal official greeting suitable for superiors or clients.
안녕? 오늘 회의에 와줘서 고마워!
an-nyeong? o-neul hoe-ui-e wa-jwo-seo go-ma-wo!, an nyeong? o neul hoe ui e wa jwo seo go ma wo!
Casual expression inappropriate for a formal setting.
회의 시작하겠습니다. 모두 집중해 주세요.
hoe-ui si-jak-ha-gess-seup-ni-da. mo-du jip-jung-hae ju-se-yo., hoe ui si jak ha gess seup ni da. mo du jip jung hae ju se yo.
Formal and commanding but polite, suitable for official meetings.
회의 시작할게요. 다들 집중해 줘.
hoe-ui si-jak-hal-ge-yo. da-deul jip-jung-hae jwo., hoe ui si jak hal ge yo. da deul jip jung hae jwo.
Semi-formal style, friendly yet polite.
회의 시작할게. 다들 집중해.
hoe-ui si-jak-hal-ge. da-deul jip-jung-hae., hoe ui si jak hal ge. da deul jip jung hae.
Casual 반말 inappropriate for official settings.
고객님, 문의 주셔서 감사합니다. 어떻게 도와드릴까요?
go-gaek-nim, mun-ui ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-hap-ni-da. eo-tteoh-ge do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?, go gaek nim, mun ui ju syeo seo gam sa hap ni da. eo tteoh ge do wa deu ril kka yo?
Formal customer service expression.
고객님, 뭐 도와줄까요?
go-gaek-nim, mwo do-wa-jul-kka-yo?, go gaek nim, mwo do wa jul kka yo?
Too casual for customer service.
친구야, 오늘 저녁에 같이 밥 먹자!
chin-gu-ya, o-neul jeo-nyeok-e gat-i bap meok-ja!, chin gu ya, o neul jeo nyeok e gat i bap meok ja!
Casual 반말 natural among friends.
Which expression is appropriate for greeting a friend casually?
Which expression is correct for a business meeting?
When is it appropriate to use 반격식?
