Korean 반말

Korean 반말(informal casual speech style) is casual speech that is used among close friends, family, or people of the same age.

Unlike 존댓말 (formal polite speech style), 반말 removes honorifics, making it shorter, simpler, and more intimate.
To make this concept easy and fun for foreigners to understand, let’s use real-life examples,

When to Use 반말
1. Friends of the Same Age: If you're close friends or agreed to drop honorifics, 반말 is perfect.
   - Example: 야, 밥 먹었어? (Hey, did you eat?)
2. To Younger People: If they’re clearly younger than you and not from , 반말 is natural.
   - Example: 너 뭐해? (What are you doing?)

When you become an adult and meet someone in a social setting, even if the other person is younger than you, it’s common not to use casual speech (반말) at first. After spending some time together and becoming closer, you might start using casual speech. However, even if the person is younger, it’s better not to use casual speech if they hold a higher rank or position than you in the workplace or the military.

3. In Relaxed Situations: With family or people you’ve grown close to.
   - Example: “엄마, 나 밥 다 먹었어.” (Mom, I finished eating.)

But remember: Don’t use 반말 with strangers, elders, or in formal settings. It can sound rude!

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Real-Life 반말 Examples
Here’s how 존댓말 turns into 반말 with real-life situations:

1. Greeting a Friend
   - 존댓말: 안녕하세요? (Hello.)
   - 반말: 안녕? (Hi!)

2. Asking About Their Day
   - 존댓말: 오늘 뭐 하셨어요? (What did you do today?)
   - 반말: 오늘 뭐 했어? (What’d you do today?)

3. Saying Goodbye
   - 존댓말: “안녕히 가세요.” (Goodbye. [to someone leaving])
   - 반말: 잘 가! (Bye!)

4. Expressing Surprise
   - 존댓말: 진짜예요? (Is that true?)
   - 반말: 진짜? (Really?)

5. Making a Request
   - 존댓말: 도와주세요. (Please help me.)
   - 반말: 도와줘. (Help me.)

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Common 반말 Phrases for Daily Life
Let’s make 반말 even more useful with phrases foreigners might hear or say in daily life:

1. 어디 가? (Where are you going?)
   - Context: Casual way to ask a friend’s plan.
2. 뭐 먹을래? (What do you want to eat?)
   - Context: Asking your close friend or sibling what they’d like for dinner.
3. 내 말 들어봐. (Listen to me.)
   - Context: Lighthearted way to grab attention.
4. 빨리 와! (Hurry up!)
   - Context: When your friend is taking too long.
5. 너 진짜 대단해. (You’re amazing.)
   - Context: Praising a close friend’s accomplishment.

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Situation: You’re at a Korean BBQ with friends.
- 존댓말: 고기를 구워주실래요? (Could you grill the meat?)
- 반말: 고기 좀 구워줘! (Grill the meat!)

Or when someone takes the last piece of meat:
- 야, 그건 내 거야! (Hey, that’s mine!)
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How to Transition to 반말 (Politely!)
If you’re speaking 존댓말 and want to switch to 반말 with a friend, use this phrase:

- 우리 반말해도 돼? (Can we use casual speech?)
- If they agree, say: 좋아! 이제 반말하자. (Great! Let’s speak casually now.)

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Key Cultural Tips for Foreigners
1. Respect Comes First: Always start with 존댓말 until you’re sure it’s okay to use 반말.
2. Use 반말 Sparingly: Even with permission, don’t overuse it with someone who might feel uncomfortable.
3. Have Fun with It: Practicing 반말 can be a fun way to bond with Korean friends!
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Conclusion
반말 is more than just a casual speech level—it’s a way to express closeness and break down barriers in relationships. By mastering 반말, foreigners can not only communicate more naturally but also deepen their understanding of Korean culture and friendships. So, try it out with your Korean friends, and don’t forget: 야, 연습 좀 해봐! (Hey, practice a bit!)