Korean Politeness Levels

Korean changes the end of every sentence depending on who you're talking to. Three styles cover almost everything in daily life; each card shows which one fits a situation and why.

• Formal (hapsyo-che) -습니다 / -ㅂ니다News anchors, presentations, reports to a boss, set greetings. Respectful and a bit stiff.
• Polite (haeyo-che) -아요 / -어요The everyday polite style: shops, strangers, older people you know. Warm and safe.
• Casual (banmal) -아 / -어Close friends your age, younger people once you're close, kids, family. Rude if used too early.