합쇼체 (hap-syo-che, hapsyoche) · 하십시오체 (ha-sip-si-o-che, hasipsioche)
Both 합쇼체 (hapsyoche) and 하십시오체 (hasipsyoche) are polite speech levels, but 합쇼체 is for formal, official contexts, while 하십시오체 suits everyday respectful communication.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Formal polite speech used in official, formal situations
When to use
Official presentation, News broadcast, Formal speech
The nuance
합쇼체 is mainly used in official events, presentations, news broadcasts, and very formal occasions. It has a written-like tone and sounds stiff and highly respectful.
Polite speech used in everyday respectful communication
When to use
Work conversations, Customer service, Everyday polite speech
The nuance
하십시오체 is used in everyday conversations, talking to superiors at work, customer service, etc. It is softer and more natural than 합쇼체.
오늘 회의는 오후 3시에 합쇼체로 진행됩니다.
o-neul hoe-ui-neun o-hu 3si-e hap-syo-che-ro jin-haeng-doep-ni-da., o neul hoe ui neun o hu 3si e hap syo che ro jin haeng doep ni da.
Using 합쇼체 in an official announcement is appropriate.
선생님, 오늘 수업은 하십시오체로 진행됩니다.
seon-saeng-nim, o-neul su-eop-eun ha-sip-si-o-che-ro jin-haeng-doep-ni-da., seon saeng nim, o neul su eop eun ha sip si o che ro jin haeng doep ni da.
Specifying '하십시오체' for class style is unnatural; usually '합쇼체' is used.
고객님, 문의 사항이 있으시면 말씀하십시오.
go-gaek-nim, mun-ui sa-hang-i iss-eu-si-myeon mal-sseum-ha-sip-si-o., go gaek nim, mun ui sa hang i iss eu si myeon mal sseum ha sip si o.
Using 하십시오체 in customer service is natural and polite.
고객님, 문의 사항이 있으시면 말씀합쇼체.
go-gaek-nim, mun-ui sa-hang-i iss-eu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hap-syo-che., go gaek nim, mun ui sa hang i iss eu si myeon mal sseum hap syo che.
'말씀합쇼체' is grammatically incorrect; 하십시오체 should be used.
뉴스 앵커는 합쇼체를 사용하여 뉴스를 전달합니다.
nyu-seu aeng-keo-neun hap-syo-che-reul sa-yong-ha-yeo nyu-seu-reul jeon-dal-hap-ni-da., nyu seu aeng keo neun hap syo che reul sa yong ha yeo nyu seu reul jeon dal hap ni da.
News broadcasts use formal, stiff 합쇼체.
뉴스 앵커는 하십시오체로 뉴스를 전달합니다.
nyu-seu aeng-keo-neun ha-sip-si-o-che-ro nyu-seu-reul jeon-dal-hap-ni-da., nyu seu aeng keo neun ha sip si o che ro nyu seu reul jeon dal hap ni da.
Hasipsyoche is too casual and inappropriate for news broadcasts.
사장님께 하십시오체로 말씀드리는 것이 예의입니다.
sa-jang-nim-kke ha-sip-si-o-che-ro mal-sseum-deu-ri-neun geos-i ye-ui-ip-ni-da., sa jang nim kke ha sip si o che ro mal sseum deu ri neun geos i ye ui ip ni da.
Using 하십시오체 with superiors at work is natural and respectful.
사장님께 합쇼체로 말씀드리세요.
sa-jang-nim-kke hap-syo-che-ro mal-sseum-deu-ri-se-yo., sa jang nim kke hap syo che ro mal sseum deu ri se yo.
합쇼체 is too stiff and unnatural for everyday work conversations.
Which polite speech is mainly used in official presentations?
Which polite speech is natural when talking to a boss at work?
What speech level do news anchors use?
