Korean Honorifics: Subject, Object, and Addressee Honorifics

Korean Honorifics: Subject, Object, and Addressee HonorificsThis document provides a comprehensive explanation of the three types of Korean honorifics: Subject Honorifics (주체 높임), Object Honorifics (객체 높임), and Addressee Honorifics (상대 높임).
1. Subject Honorifics (주체 높임)Subject honorifics are used to show respect to the subject of a sentence, who is the person performing the action. This reflects the importance of respect in Korean culture.

How are Subject Honorifics Formed?1. Adding the suffix '-시-' to verbs
   - Example: 가다 (to go) → 가시다
   - Example: 오다 (to come) → 오시다
2. Using special honorific verbs
   - Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 드시다 / 잡수시다
   - Example: 자다 (to sleep) → 주무시다

Examples in Sentences1. 할머니께서 집에 가세요. (Grandmother is going home.)
2. 선생님께서 점심을 드시고 계십니다. (The teacher is eating lunch.)

When to Use Subject Honorifics1. When referring to elders or seniors
   - Example: 할머니께서 주무세요. (Grandmother is sleeping.)
2. When addressing superiors
   - Example: 사장님께서 오셨습니다. (The boss has arrived.)

Practice ExerciseConvert these sentences into honorific forms:
1. 아버지가 밥을 먹는다.
   - Answer: 아버지께서 밥을 드십니다.
2. 선생님이 학교에 간다.
   - Answer: 선생님께서 학교에 가십니다.
2. Object Honorifics (객체 높임)Object honorifics are used to show respect to the object or recipient of an action. This form of honorific is essential when referring to respected individuals, such as parents, teachers, or elders.

How are Object Honorifics Formed?1. Using specific particles
   - Example: 에게 (to someone) → 께
2. Replacing regular verbs with honorific verbs
   - Example: 주다 (to give) → 드리다
   - Example: 묻다 (to ask) → 여쭙다

Examples in Sentences1. 선생님께 책을 드렸습니다. (I gave the book to the teacher.)
2. 부모님께 안부를 전해 드리겠습니다. (I will convey regards to my parents.)
When to Use Object Honorifics1. When the object of the sentence is a respected person
   - Example: 선생님께 질문을 드렸습니다. (I asked the teacher a question.)
2. In formal or professional settings
   - Example: 사장님께 메일을 보내 드렸습니다. (I sent an email to the CEO.)

Practice ExerciseConvert these sentences into honorific forms:
1. 나는 할아버지에게 책을 주었다.
   - Answer: 저는 할아버지께 책을 드렸습니다.
2. 동생이 선생님에게 질문을 했다.
   - Answer: 동생이 선생님께 질문을 드렸습니다.
3. Addressee Honorifics (상대 높임)Addressee honorifics are used to show respect to the listener or audience in a conversation. This helps maintain politeness and formality depending on the context.

Levels of Addressee Honorifics1. Formal Speech (격식체)
   - Example: 합니다, 하십니다
   - 오늘 날씨가 참 좋습니다. (The weather is very nice today.)
2. Informal Polite Speech (비격식체)
   - Example: 해요, 하네요
   - 오늘 날씨가 참 좋아요. (The weather is really nice today.)
3. Casual Speech (반말)
   - Example: 한다, 해
   - 오늘 날씨가 참 좋아. (The weather is really nice today.)
How to Form Addressee Honorifics1. Formal Speech Endings
   - Example: 먹다 → 먹습니다 (I am eating a meal.)
2. Informal Polite Speech Endings
   - Example: 먹다 → 먹어요 (I am eating a meal.)
3. Casual Speech Endings
   - Example: 먹다 → 먹어 (I am eating a meal.)

Practice ExerciseConvert these sentences into different levels of addressee honorifics:
1. 나는 집에 간다.
   - Formal: 저는 집에 갑니다.
   - Informal Polite: 저는 집에 가요.
   - Casual: 나는 집에 가.
2. 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋다.
   - Formal: 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋습니다.
   - Informal Polite: 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋아요.
   - Casual: 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋아.