How to say polite speech in Korean

Meaning

In Korean, 존댓말 is the polite way to talk to someone. People use this style with teachers, older people, customers, or people they do not know well. At school, students usually speak this way to teachers and staff.

Example sentences

1. 학교에서는 선생님께 존댓말을 써요.

   At school, we use polite speech with teachers.

2. 처음 만난 사람에게는 존댓말을 해요.

   I use polite speech with people I meet for the first time.

3. 가게에서 직원에게 존댓말로 말했어요.

   I spoke politely to the store clerk.

4. 친구의 엄마에게는 존댓말을 해요.

   I use polite speech with my friend's mom.

5. 여행 중에 할머니께 존댓말을 했어요.

   I used polite speech with an elderly woman during a trip.