반말 (ban-mal, banmal) · 낮춤말 (naj-chum-mal, najchummal) · 편말 (pyeon-mal, pyeonmal)
Banmal, najchummal, and pyeonmal all reduce formality to express familiarity or lessen respect, but they differ subtly depending on context and audience.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Informal speech used with friends or younger people without honorifics
When to use
Among friends, Talking to younger people, Casual family talk
The nuance
Banmal is used with close friends or younger people and is inappropriate in formal or respectful situations.
Speech that lowers honorifics, less formal than polite speech but still respectful
When to use
Talking with coworkers, Speaking to familiar elders, Informal situations
The nuance
Najchummal maintains respect but is less formal, suitable for coworkers or familiar elders.
Casual and natural speech, friendlier than najchummal but more polite than banmal
When to use
Gentle talk with close friends, Friendly yet respectful among close people, Casual and natural conversation
The nuance
Pyeonmal expresses friendliness while keeping minimal politeness, suitable for close relationships with gentle tone.
친구한테 반말을 쓰는 게 자연스러워요.
chin-gu-han-te ban-mal-eul sseu-neun ge ja-yeon-seu-reo-wo-yo., chin gu han te ban mal eul sseu neun ge ja yeon seu reo wo yo.
Using banmal among friends is natural and appropriate.
상사에게 반말을 하는 것은 무례해요.
sang-sa-e-ge ban-mal-eul ha-neun geos-eun mu-rye-hae-yo., sang sa e ge ban mal eul ha neun geos eun mu rye hae yo.
You must use honorific speech with a boss; banmal is rude.
직장 동료에게 낮춤말을 쓰면 적절해요.
jik-jang dong-ryo-e-ge naj-chum-mal-eul sseu-myeon jeok-jeol-hae-yo., jik jang dong ryo e ge naj chum mal eul sseu myeon jeok jeol hae yo.
Najchummal suits coworkers as it is less formal but respectful.
어른에게 편말을 쓰는 것은 존중이 부족해 보여요.
eo-reun-e-ge pyeon-mal-eul sseu-neun geos-eun jon-jung-i bu-jok-hae bo-yeo-yo., eo reun e ge pyeon mal eul sseu neun geos eun jon jung i bu jok hae bo yeo yo.
You should use at least najchummal or honorifics with elders; pyeonmal is insufficient.
가족끼리 편말로 편안하게 대화해요.
ga-jok-kki-ri pyeon-mal-ro pyeon-an-ha-ge dae-hwa-hae-yo., ga jok kki ri pyeon mal ro pyeon an ha ge dae hwa hae yo.
Pyeonmal is friendly and polite enough for family conversations.
낮춤말은 친구 사이에서 너무 딱딱해 보여요.
naj-chum-mal-eun chin-gu sa-i-e-seo neo-mu ttak-ttak-hae bo-yeo-yo., naj chum mal eun chin gu sa i e seo neo mu ttak ttak hae bo yeo yo.
Najchummal is too formal among friends; banmal or pyeonmal fits better.
반말은 공식 회의에서 쓰면 안 돼요.
ban-mal-eun gong-sik hoe-ui-e-seo sseu-myeon an dwae-yo., ban mal eun gong sik hoe ui e seo sseu myeon an dwae yo.
Banmal is inappropriate in official settings requiring respect.
편말은 너무 무례해서 상사에게 쓰면 안 돼요.
pyeon-mal-eun neo-mu mu-rye-hae-seo sang-sa-e-ge sseu-myeon an dwae-yo., pyeon mal eun neo mu mu rye hae seo sang sa e ge sseu myeon an dwae yo.
Use najchummal or honorifics with bosses; pyeonmal is too casual.
Which speech style is appropriate for a boss?
Which speech style is used for comfortable talk with friends?
Which style expresses friendliness with minimal politeness among close people?
