topik upgrade · topik, verbs, speech
Speaking verbs: TOPIK I → II in Korean
Want to sound more formal in Korean? Upgrade your speaking verbs for TOPIK II! 👇 🔴 말하다 [malhada] - say
How these words work together
This chart shows pairs of Korean speaking verbs that help you upgrade your language skills from TOPIK I to TOPIK II. Each pair includes a basic verb used in everyday conversation and a more formal or advanced verb suitable for higher-level speaking. Learning these pairs helps you sound more natural and polite when speaking Korean in different situations.
Words in this chart
| Korean | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 말하다 | malhada | say (TOPIK I) |
| 말씀하다 | malsseumhada | say (TOPIK II) |
| 이야기하다 | iyagihada | talk about (TOPIK I) |
| 논의하다 | nonuihada | talk about (TOPIK II) |
| 물어보다 | mureoboda | ask (TOPIK I) |
| 문의하다 | munuihada | ask (TOPIK II) |
| 대답하다 | daedaphada | answer (TOPIK I) |
| 답변하다 | dapbyeonhada | answer (TOPIK II) |
| 설명하다 | seolmyeonghada | explain (TOPIK I) |
| 해명하다 | haemyeonghada | explain (TOPIK II) |
| 알려 주다 | allyeo juda | tell / inform (TOPIK I) |
| 통보하다 | tongbohada | tell / inform (TOPIK II) |
| 소개하다 | sogaehada | introduce (TOPIK I) |
| 소개해 드리다 | sogaehae deurida | introduce (TOPIK II) |
| 약속하다 | yaksokhada | promise (TOPIK I) |
| 약속드리다 | yaksokdeurida | promise (TOPIK II) |
Example sentences
선생님께 말씀하세요.
Please speak to the teacher (formal).
친구와 이야기를 했어요.
I talked with my friend.
고객님께 문의하실 수 있습니다.
You can ask the customer (formal).
Practice these words in context? Open the vocab quiz · Browse how-to-say word guides.