저 (jeo)
'저' is a humble or polite pronoun in Korean, commonly used in everyday and business contexts.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
'저' is a first-person pronoun used by the speaker to humbly refer to themselves, mainly in polite or formal contexts.
Nuances
When to use
Everyday conversation, Business meeting, Formal presentation
In context
'저' is a humble first-person pronoun used as the subject, rarely used in informal or casual speech. It shows respect and politeness toward the listener.
저는 학생입니다.
jeo-neun hak-saeng-ip-ni-da., jeo neun hak saeng ip ni da.
'저' is correctly used as a humble first-person subject.
나는 학생입니다.
na-neun hak-saeng-ip-ni-da., na neun hak saeng ip ni da.
'나' is also correct as first-person subject but less humble than '저'.
저는 밥 먹었어.
jeo-neun bap meok-eoss-eo., jeo neun bap meok eoss eo.
'저' is formal, so it does not fit with informal ending '먹었어'.
나는 밥 먹었어.
na-neun bap meok-eoss-eo., na neun bap meok eoss eo.
'나' fits well with informal speech ending in casual situations.
저희 회사는 서울에 있습니다.
jeo-hui hoe-sa-neun seo-ul-e iss-seup-ni-da., jeo hui hoe sa neun seo ul e iss seup ni da.
'저희' is the humble plural form of '저', used for groups or organizations.
나희 회사는 서울에 있습니다.
na-hui hoe-sa-neun seo-ul-e iss-seup-ni-da., na hui hoe sa neun seo ul e iss seup ni da.
'나희' is incorrect; use '저희' instead.
In which situation is '저' mainly used?
Which word is closest in meaning to '저'?
Which of the following sentences is correct?
