35. Korean Grammar: '~(으)시' - Honorifics

Korean Grammar: '~(으)시' - Honorifics

In Korean, honorifics are very important to show respect to others, especially when speaking to someone older, in a higher position, or in a formal context. The grammar ‘~(으)시’ is used to show respect and politeness when referring to someone's actions or state. This is mainly used with verbs and is attached to the verb stem.

---

1. Basic Meaning of '~(으)시'

The suffix ‘~(으)시’ is used with verbs to show respect or honorifics. It is used when you are talking about someone older or of higher status than you. For example:

• 가시다 (to go - honorific)
• 드시다 (to eat - honorific)
• 주시다 (to give - honorific)
• 자다 → 주무시다 (to sleep - honorific)
• 앉다 → 앉으시다 (to sit - honorific)

Note: You use ‘~(으)시’ when you are referring to someone’s actions directly. You do not use ‘~(으)시’ when referring to your own actions. In that case, use the regular verb form.

---

2. Special Honorific Expressions

Some verbs in Korean have special honorific forms. These are commonly used expressions that show respect and are used instead of the standard verbs. These expressions are typically used when referring to elders or respected individuals.

Here are some of the special honorific forms:

뵙다	To meet
드시다	To eat
주무시다	To sleep
모시다	To take (someone)
말씀하시다	To speak
주시다	To give
돌아가시다	To die (honorific)
편찮으시다	To be sick (honorific)
댁	House (honorific)
성함	Name (honorific)
연세	Age (honorific)

---

3. Using Honorifics in Sentences

Examples:

1. 어머니가 드세요.
   (My mother eats – honorific)
   When referring to your mother’s action of eating, you use ‘드시다’ to show respect.
2. 할머니께서 주무십니다.
   (My grandmother sleeps – honorific)
   When talking about your grandmother’s action of sleeping, you use ‘주무시다’.
3. 선생님이 가십니다.
   (The teacher is going – honorific)
   ‘가시다’ is used to show respect when talking about a teacher's action.
4. 아버지가 책을 보십니다.
   (My father is reading a book – honorific)
   ‘보시다’ is used instead of ‘보다’ for respect.
5. 사장님이 물을 주십니다.
   (The boss is giving water – honorific)
   ‘주시다’ shows respect when referring to the boss giving something.

---

4. Additional Honorific Vocabulary

• 드시다 = To eat (honorific)
• 주무시다 = To sleep (honorific)
• 돌아가시다 = To die (honorific)
• 편찮으시다 = To be sick (honorific)
• 댁 = House (honorific)
• 성함 = Name (honorific)
• 연세 = Age (honorific)

These special honorific expressions are used frequently in formal and respectful conversations, particularly with elders or people of higher status.

---

5. Quick Quiz (Test Your Understanding)

1️⃣ Fill in the blanks with the correct honorific verb form:

1. 아버지가 ________. (My father eats.)
2. 할머니께서 ________. (My grandmother sleeps.)
3. 선생님이 ________. (The teacher is going.)
4. 어머니가 ________. (My mother gives water.)
5. 사장님이 ________. (The boss is sick.)

2️⃣ Choose the correct honorific form:

1. What is the honorific form of "to eat"?
   a) 먹다
   b) 드시다
   c) 주시다
2. What is the honorific form of "to sleep"?
   a) 자다
   b) 주무시다
   c) 앉다
3. What is the honorific form of "to go"?
   a) 가다
   b) 가시다
   c) 주다
4. What is the honorific form of "house"?
   a) 집
   b) 성함
   c) 댁
5. What is the honorific form of "name"?
   a) 이름
   b) 성함
   c) 연세

3️⃣ Translate into Korean using honorifics:

1. My mother eats lunch.
2. The teacher sleeps early.
3. My father goes to work.
4. The boss is sick.
5. My grandmother gives me money.

---

Conclusion:

In this post, you have learned how to use '~(으)시' to show respect in Korean. Honorifics are important in Korean culture, and understanding them will help you sound more polite and respectful when speaking to others. Be sure to practice these expressions and use them in the right context!