Korean Dictionary
How to say "Honorific speech" in Korean
“Honorific speech” in Korean is 존댓말 (pronounced "Jondaenmal").
존댓말
Jondaenmal
Usage & Context
The formal, respectful speech level in Korean used with elders, strangers, and social superiors. Contrasted with 반말 (banmal, informal speech) used with close friends or younger people. Using the appropriate speech level is crucial for social harmony. Mastering this distinction is key to Korean language fluency.
Example Sentence
처음 만나는 사람에게는 존댓말을 써야 해요.
You should use honorific speech with people you're meeting for the first time.
How to use 존댓말 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Honorific speech” is 존댓말, romanized as Jondaenmal.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 존댓말.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '존댓말' (jondaenmal) is pronounced 'jone-det-mahl'. '존' (jon) sounds like 'john' as in 'John Doe'. '댓' (daet) sounds like 'det' as in 'debt', but with a slightly harder 'd' sound. '말' (mal) sounds like 'mahl' as in 'mall'.
More Example Sentences
Stating a fundamental rule of Korean etiquette.
어른들께는 존댓말을 쓰는 것이 예의예요.
It's polite to use honorific speech with elders.
A common sentiment among Korean language learners.
한국어를 배울 때 존댓말이 가장 어려웠어요.
When learning Korean, honorific speech was the hardest part.
Observing speech patterns in K-dramas among peers.
드라마에서 친구들끼리 존댓말을 쓰는 경우는 거의 없어요.
In dramas, friends rarely use honorific speech with each other.
Cultural Context
존댓말 (jondaenmal) is the formal, respectful speech level in Korean, a cornerstone of social interaction. It's used when speaking to elders, superiors, strangers, or anyone you wish to show respect to. Its counterpart is 반말 (banmal), casual speech. Mastering the appropriate use of 존댓말 is crucial for social harmony and avoiding misunderstandings or perceived rudeness in Korea. K-dramas often highlight the awkwardness or tension that arises when these speech levels are misused.
Editorial note
We review entries like 존댓말 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
존댓말을 하다
to use honorific speech
존댓말 쓰세요
Please use honorific speech (polite request)
존댓말이 어려워요
Honorific speech is difficult
Related Expressions
반말
banmal
casual speech
높임말
nopimmal
honorifics (broader term including honorific verbs/nouns)
예의
yeui
etiquette/politeness
말투
maltu
way of speaking/tone
More Culture Words
Related Articles
Nice to Meet You in Korean: 만나서 반갑습니다 and What Comes Next
The phrase 만나서 반갑습니다 opens a Korean first meeting. The bow angle, the age question, and the address terms that follow are where the real introduction begins.
Be Careful in Korean: 조심해, 조심하세요 and How to Use Both
조심해 and 조심하세요 both translate to 'be careful,' but Koreans regularly reach for the polite form as a parting farewell, rather than a plain caution.
You're Welcome in Korean: What Koreans Say After 감사합니다
Koreans respond to thanks with deflection, not acceptance. Here's the full range of 'you're welcome' expressions in Korean, and when to use each one.
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Honorific speech and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
