Korean Formal vs Informal Speech: 요 vs -습니다 vs 반말 (A2)

Ever hear K‑drama characters switch between “안녕?” and “안녕하세요?” That’s Korean speech levels in action. In this post, you’ll learn when to use informal (반말), polite (‑요), and formal (‑습니다) speech—plus what to say in everyday situations like meeting someone, ordering coffee, or texting a friend.

The big picture: three useful levels

반말 (casual): with close friends, younger people, family. Example: 안녕? 가?
‑요 (polite): safe default with strangers, coworkers, service staff. Example: 안녕하세요? 가요.
‑(스)ㅂ니다 (formal): announcements, presentations, very respectful settings. Example: 안녕하십니까? 갑니다.

If you’re unsure, use the polite ‑요 style. It’s friendly and respectful without being too stiff.

Korean

지금 집에 가요.

I’m going home now.

Korean

저는 학생이에요.

I am a student.

🧠 Choose the right level

Practice: switch politely without stress

Try turning basic ideas into polite ‑요 sentences.

저는 학생.

오늘 날씨가 좋.

Korean

물 좀 주세요.

Please give me some water.

Korean

지금 발표를 시작합니다.

We will begin the presentation now.

🔠 Put the words in order

Start with 제 (my) for a natural order

When to use which?

With strangers, service staff, coworkers you don’t know well → ‑요 style
At work in formal settings (presentations), announcements, interviews → ‑(스)ㅂ니다
With close friends, younger people, family → 반말

Politeness also depends on age and hierarchy in Korea. When in doubt, level up (be more polite). You can always relax later.

존댓말 jeondaetmal

polite/honorific speech

명사

처음 만날 때는 보통 존댓말을 써요.

When we meet for the first time, we usually use polite speech.

반말 banmal

casual speech (informal)

명사

친한 친구와는 반말을 해요.

I speak informally with close friends.

씨 ssi

Mr./Ms. (attached to first names)

접미사

민수 씨, 맞아요?

Are you Minsu?

선생님 seonsaengnim

teacher; respectful title

명사

김 선생님, 안녕하세요?

Hello, Mr./Ms. Kim.

💬 At the cafe (polite)

Notice the polite ‑요 forms in a service interaction. This is the safest style with people you don’t know.

🧠 Greetings and address forms

저는 학생이에요입니다. → 저는 학생입니다. Don’t mix ‑이에요 and ‑입니다. Choose one level. 김 선생님씨, 감사합니다. → 김 선생님, 감사합니다. Never attach 씨 to titles like 선생님. Use either 이름+씨 or a title+님. 안녕하십니까요? → 안녕하십니까? Avoid stacking ‑요 on formal ‑(스)ㅂ니다 endings.

존대 respect/honor 말 speech/language

Handy pairs: casual vs polite vs formal

Casual: 나 학생이야. / Polite: 저는 학생이에요. / Formal: 저는 학생입니다.
Casual: 어디 가? / Polite: 어디 가요? / Formal: 어디 갑니까?
Casual: 고마워. / Polite: 고마워요. / Formal: 감사합니다.

Tip: 감사합니다 is a set formal phrase; in polite speech, many people still say 감사합니다 in everyday life. 고마워요 is also common and friendly.

정말 고맙.

Korean

죄송해요. 늦었어요.

I’m sorry. I’m late.

Quick summary

Safe default: ‑요 with most adults and new people.
Formal events: ‑(스)ㅂ니다 for strong respect.
Friends/family/younger people: 반말.
Names: 이름+씨 or titles+님 (선생님, 교수님). Avoid 너 with adults you don’t know.

Keep listening for ‑요 and ‑(스)ㅂ니다 in shows, podcasts, and everyday conversations. With a little practice, you’ll switch levels smoothly—and sound naturally respectful.

You’ve got this! Next time you order coffee, try the polite version out loud. Then text a friend in 반말. Your brain will learn the switch quickly.