합니다체 (hap-ni-da-che, hapnidache) · 해요체 (hae-yo-che, haeyoche)
합니다체 is formal and used in official contexts, while 해요체 is polite but softer and suited for everyday conversation.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A polite speech style used in formal and official situations
When to use
official announcements, company reports, news broadcasts, lectures
The nuance
합니다체 is used in formal settings like official announcements, company reports, lectures, and news broadcasts.
A polite speech style that is soft and everyday, friendly yet respectful
When to use
talking with friends, casual work conversations, customer service interactions, everyday conversation
The nuance
해요체 is suitable for everyday conversations and friendly relationships when showing respect without being too formal.
오늘 회의는 오후 3시에 시작합니다.
o-neul hoe-ui-neun o-hu 3si-e si-jak-hap-ni-da., o neul hoe ui neun o hu 3si e si jak hap ni da.
This sentence uses 합니다체, suitable for official announcements or work reports.
오늘 회의는 오후 3시에 시작해요.
o-neul hoe-ui-neun o-hu 3si-e si-jak-hae-yo., o neul hoe ui neun o hu 3si e si jak hae yo.
Using 해요체 in an official work report is too casual; 합니다체 should be used instead.
저는 한국어를 공부합니다.
jeo-neun han-guk-eo-reul gong-bu-hap-ni-da., jeo neun han guk eo reul gong bu hap ni da.
This is appropriate 합니다체 for formal self-introductions or presentations.
저는 한국어를 공부해요.
jeo-neun han-guk-eo-reul gong-bu-hae-yo., jeo neun han guk eo reul gong bu hae yo.
This 해요체 sentence fits everyday conversation with friends or teachers.
뉴스에서 이렇게 말합니다.
nyu-seu-e-seo i-reoh-ge mal-hap-ni-da., nyu seu e seo i reoh ge mal hap ni da.
News broadcasts require formal 합니다체.
뉴스에서 이렇게 말해요.
nyu-seu-e-seo i-reoh-ge mal-hae-yo., nyu seu e seo i reoh ge mal hae yo.
해요체 is too casual for news broadcasts.
고객님, 주문하신 상품이 도착했습니다.
go-gaek-nim, ju-mun-ha-sin sang-pum-i do-chak-haess-seup-ni-da., go gaek nim, ju mun ha sin sang pum i do chak haess seup ni da.
합니다체 is suitable for formal customer service.
고객님, 주문하신 상품이 도착했어요.
go-gaek-nim, ju-mun-ha-sin sang-pum-i do-chak-haess-eo-yo., go gaek nim, ju mun ha sin sang pum i do chak haess eo yo.
해요체 is natural in friendly service settings or small shops.
Which speech style suits official announcements?
Which speech style is natural when talking with friends?
Which sentence is incorrect for news broadcasts?
