Korean Politeness Levels
A close friend your age
UseCasual (banmal)-아 / -어
Why
Close friends born in the same year talk in banmal, the casual style. Using haeyo with a close friend would feel distant, almost like you're upset.
Say it like this
- 밥 먹었어?bap meogeosseo? · Casual (banmal)Did you eat? (a common way to say hi)
- 내일 뭐 해?naeil mwo hae? · Casual (banmal)What are you doing tomorrow?
- 고마워!gomawo! · Casual (banmal)Thanks!
Common mistake
Switching to haeyo when you're annoyed. Friends hear the sudden politeness as a cold shoulder.