명령 (myeong-ryeong, myeongryeong) · 청유 (cheong-yu, cheongyu) · 감탄 (gam-tan, gamtan)
명령 (myeongryeong) is an authoritative command, 청유 (cheongyu) is a suggestion to do something together, and 감탄 (gamtan) expresses emotion or admiration.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An authoritative expression telling someone to do something
When to use
Military orders, Boss commands, Emergency instructions
The nuance
Myeongryeong is used when an authority figure forcefully instructs a subordinate. Commands usually use the '-아/어라' form and do not ask for the listener's opinion.
An expression suggesting or inviting to do something together
When to use
Making plans with friends, Suggesting a meal together, Proposing a team project
The nuance
Cheongyu is a soft suggestion asking for agreement, using the '-자' form. Unlike commands, it respects the listener's will and implies doing something together.
Words expressing surprise, admiration, or emotion
When to use
Admiring scenery, Praising achievement, Expressing surprise
The nuance
Gamtan does not instruct or suggest but expresses emotions or reactions. Interjections like '와!', '대단하다!', '아!' are typical.
군인은 상관의 명령에 따라야 한다.
gun-in-eun sang-gwan-ui myeong-ryeong-e tta-ra-ya han-da., gun in eun sang gwan ui myeong ryeong e tta ra ya han da.
Myeongryeong fits because it expresses authoritative command in hierarchy.
친구야, 내일 같이 영화 보자.
chin-gu-ya, nae-il gat-i yeong-hwa bo-ja., chin gu ya, nae il gat i yeong hwa bo ja.
Cheongyu '-자' form is a natural soft suggestion here.
와, 이 경치는 정말 아름답다!
wa, i gyeong-chi-neun jeong-mal a-reum-dap-da!, wa, i gyeong chi neun jeong mal a reum dap da!
Gamtan expresses emotion and admiration appropriately.
상사가 직원에게 '회의에 참석하자'라고 말했다.
sang-sa-ga jik-won-e-ge 'hoe-ui-e cham-seok-ha-ja'ra-go mal-haess-da., sang sa ga jik won e ge 'hoe ui e cham seok ha ja'ra go mal haess da.
A boss should use command form, not cheongyu, when ordering.
엄마가 아이에게 '숙제 하자'라고 말했다.
eom-ma-ga a-i-e-ge 'suk-je ha-ja'ra-go mal-haess-da., eom ma ga a i e ge 'suk je ha ja'ra go mal haess da.
Cheongyu is a suggestion for joint action, unsuitable for authoritative parent commands.
친구가 '내일 일찍 일어나라'고 말했다.
chin-gu-ga 'nae-il il-jjik il-eo-na-ra'go mal-haess-da., chin gu ga 'nae il il jjik il eo na ra'go mal haess da.
A friend using command form sounds rude; cheongyu or other forms are better.
그는 '대단하다!'라고 감탄했다.
geu-neun 'dae-dan-ha-da!'ra-go gam-tan-haess-da., geu neun 'dae dan ha da!'ra go gam tan haess da.
Gamtan is correct as an emotional expression.
부장은 직원에게 '보고서를 제출하자'고 말했다.
bu-jang-eun jik-won-e-ge 'bo-go-seo-reul je-chul-ha-ja'go mal-haess-da., bu jang eun jik won e ge 'bo go seo reul je chul ha ja'go mal haess da.
Managers should use command form, not cheongyu, when ordering employees.
Which expression do you use to softly suggest eating lunch together to a friend?
What is the most appropriate expression when a boss commands a subordinate?
Which expression is used to admire beautiful scenery?
