Korean Politeness Levels
A child
UseCasual (banmal)-아 / -어
Why
Adults normally talk to children in banmal, even strangers' kids. Children answer adults in haeyo — learning when to switch is part of growing up.
Say it like this
- 이름이 뭐야?ireumi mwoya? · Casual (banmal)What's your name?
- 몇 살이야?myeot sariya? · Casual (banmal)How old are you?
- 잘했어!jalhaesseo! · Casual (banmal)Well done!
Common mistake
Using stiff hapsyo with a small child. It sounds odd — warm banmal is what kids expect from adults.