높임법 (nop-im-beop, nopimbeop) · 격식체 (gyeok-sik-che, gyeoksikche)
높임법 expresses politeness towards the listener, while 격식체 refers to a formal style of speech or writing.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Polite or honorific language forms expressing respect or politeness toward the listener or subject
When to use
Talking to elders vs friends, Reporting to a boss, Official event speech, Mentioning respected figures
The nuance
높임법 is used to show respect or politeness toward the listener or subject, often by adding honorific suffixes or verb endings.
A formal style of speech or writing used in official or formal contexts, often more structured and polite
When to use
Writing official documents, Company formal meetings, News reporting, Academic presentations
The nuance
격식체 is used in formal contexts with polite and structured sentences; it often coexists with honorifics but emphasizes a formal style.
선생님께서 오셨습니다.
seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo o-syeoss-seup-ni-da., seon saeng nim kke seo o syeoss seup ni da.
Uses honorifics to show respect to the teacher.
선생님이 오셨어요.
seon-saeng-nim-i o-syeoss-eo-yo., seon saeng nim i o syeoss eo yo.
Proper polite speech with honorifics, no mixing of informal speech.
선생님이 왔어요.
seon-saeng-nim-i wass-eo-yo., seon saeng nim i wass eo yo.
Lacks honorifics, so it does not show sufficient respect.
보고서를 제출합니다.
bo-go-seo-reul je-chul-hap-ni-da., bo go seo reul je chul hap ni da.
Formal style appropriate for official report submission.
보고서 제출해요.
bo-go-seo je-chul-hae-yo., bo go seo je chul hae yo.
Informal style inappropriate for formal contexts.
회의는 오후 3시에 시작됩니다.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 3si-e si-jak-doep-ni-da., hoe ui neun o hu 3si e si jak doep ni da.
Formal style suitable for official meeting announcements.
회의는 오후 3시에 시작해요.
hoe-ui-neun o-hu 3si-e si-jak-hae-yo., hoe ui neun o hu 3si e si jak hae yo.
Not formal style; inappropriate for official announcements.
Which is mainly used when reporting to a boss?
Which style is appropriate for writing official documents?
Which is usually used when talking with friends?
