A discovery: 세요, the ending you've been using since Lesson 5, is not just a command form — it's Korean's honorific marker. Today you'll use it to talk respectfully about anyone, not just give instructions.
세요 doesn't mean "please" by itself — it marks respect for the person you're talking about. Context decides whether that reads as a command or a statement.
Same batchim rule as always. Used about a respected third person: "선생님이 가세요" — the teacher is leaving (not a command — a statement of respect).
A handful of very common words don't just add -시-; they're replaced by a completely different, irregular honorific word. These have to be memorized individually.
Honorific nouns, the honorific subject particle, and family terms.
🔊 Uses your browser's built-in Korean voice — no download needed.
Pick a verb and flip between present and past — 께서 replaces 이/가 for the honored subject.
These four are used constantly and don't follow the regular -시- rule — the whole word changes.
A short exchange about grandparents — honorifics in natural use.
10 questions on honorific forms and vocabulary.