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Korean language has different levels of speech, and 존댓말 (jondaetmal) is one of them. 존댓말 (jondaetmal) refers to the polite or formal speech level in Korean. It’s used to show respect, especially when speaking to someone older, of higher status, or someone you’re not familiar with. In Korean, the level of politeness in speech can change based on the relationship between speakers, and 존댓말 is an important part of that. It typically involves using honorifics and more respectful language, like adding 요 (yo) to the end of sentences or using specific verbs and phrases that show politeness.
For example:
- 가다 (gada) means “to go” in plain form, but in 존댓말, you might say 가세요 (gaseyo) to make it more polite.
- 먹다 (meokda) means “to eat,” but in 존댓말, you might say 먹어요 (meogeoyo).
Using 존댓말 is important in Korean culture as it reflects the speaker’s respect for the listener.
