Korean Conversation · Level 164
15 words
Korean word
높임말
Pronunciation
Romanizationnopimmal
Meaning
- nounhonorific language
Example
어린 학생에게는 높임말을 써야 해요.eo rin hak ssaeng e ge neun no pim ma reul sseo ya hae yo
You should use honorific language with younger students.
More examples
처음 만난 사람에게는 높임말을 쓰는 것이 좋아요.cheo eum man nan sa ra me ge neun no pim ma reul sseu neun keo si cho a yo
It is best to use honorific language with people you meet for the first time.
Core concept
Respectful speech that adjusts language to the listener and situation.
Common phrases
높임말을 쓰다no pim ma reul sseu da
use honorific language
높임말을 배우다no pim ma reul pae u da
learn honorific language
높임말을 사용하다no pim ma reul sa yong ha da
use honorific language
Similar words
반말panmal: A relaxed way of speaking with familiar people that avoids formal forms.
존댓말chondaenmal: A polite way of speaking that signals courtesy through its wording and endings.
Definition in Korean
대상이나 상황에 맞추어 상대를 높이거나 공손하게 말하는 말투나 표현.tae sang i na sang hwang e mat chu eo sang dae reul no pi geo na kong son ha ge mal ha neun mal tu na pyo hyeon
Word origin
The noun is formed from 높임 (nopim, "showing respect") and 말 (mal, "speech"), so its parts point to speech used to honor someone.
Usage tips
- Unlike English, Korean politeness often changes the ending or form of a sentence, not just the words for please and thank you.