Korean grammar · Upper intermediate (B2)
Formal and written Korean
The plain style in writing and news, formal Sino-Korean vocabulary, written connectors, phrases for formal letters and emails, and presentations.
The plain style in writing (한다체)
Newspapers, books, reports, essays and diaries use the plain style, (handache). It is neutral, not rude, because it isn't addressed to anyone in particular. Action verbs take -ㄴ/는다 in the present, descriptive verbs keep -다, and the past is -았/었다. The future or an intention is -(으)ㄹ 것이다 or -겠다. Written questions often use -는가 or -(으)ㄴ가: (mueosi munjeinga?), what is the problem?
Headlines shorten even more, often ending in a noun or a plain verb and using a comma for the topic: (jeongbu, cheongnyeon jiwon hwakdaehanda), government to expand support for young people.
| Form | Action verb | Descriptive verb | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| present | (ganda), (meongneunda) | (jota) | (haksaengida) |
| past | (gatda) | (joatda) | (haksaengieotda) |
| future, intention | (gal geosida) | (joeul geosida) | (haksaengil geosida) |
| negative | (gaji anneunda) | (jochi anta) | (haksaengi anida) |
- 이번 조치로 주민들의 불편이 줄어들 것으로 기대된다.Ibeon jochiro jumindeurui bulpyeoni jureodeul geoseuro gidaedoenda.The measure is expected to reduce inconvenience for residents.
- 최근 일회용품 사용이 크게 늘었다.Choegeun ilhoeyongpum sayongi keuge neureotda.The use of disposable products has risen sharply recently.
Everyday words and formal words
Many ideas can be said with a native Korean word or with a Sino-Korean word (from Chinese characters) + . The native word is the everyday choice; the Sino-Korean word sounds formal and is standard in news, official letters and reports. Using the right one is a big part of sounding natural in each register.
| Everyday | Formal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| (allida) | (balpyohada) | to announce |
| (dopda) | (jiwonhada) | to help, support |
| (neullida) | (hwakdaehada) | to increase, expand |
| (jurida) | (chuksohada) | to reduce |
| (gochida) | (surihada) | to repair |
| (mutda) | (munuihada) | to ask, enquire |
| (bakkuda) | (byeongyeonghada) | to change |
| (bonaeda) | (balsonghada) | to send |
| (bap) | (siksa) | meal |
Written connectors
Written Korean links ideas with words and endings that are rare in conversation. Use them in reports, essays and formal emails; in speech they can sound stiff.
| Written | Meaning | Spoken equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| (geureona) | however | , |
| (ttaraseo) | therefore | |
| (ttohan) | also, moreover | , |
| (mit) | and (between nouns) | 하고, 와/과 |
| -(으)며 | and (joins clauses) | -고 |
| -(으)므로 | since, because | -아/어서, -(으)니까 |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에) | whereas | -지만 |
- 비용이 많이 들므로 신중하게 검토해야 한다.Biyongi mani deulmeuro sinjunghage geomtohaeya handa.Since it is costly, it must be reviewed carefully.
- 신청서 및 신분증을 제출하십시오.Sincheongseo mit sinbunjeungeul jechulhasipsio.Please submit the application form and your ID.
- 이 제품은 가벼우며 가격도 저렴하다.I jepumeun gabyeoumyeo gagyeokdo jeoryeomhada.This product is light and also inexpensive.
Formal letters and emails
Formal letters and emails use the formal (hamnidache) with honorifics. They open with (annyeonghasimnikka) and the addressee + (nimkke), give the purpose with -고자 합니다 (I would like to), make requests with -아/어 주시기 바랍니다 or -(으)면 감사하겠습니다, and close with the sender's name + (deurim). (ollim) is even more respectful, for a superior or an older person.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (minwon damdangjanimkke) | Dear Sir or Madam (to the person handling complaints) |
| (Garodeung gojanggwa gwallyeonhayeo munuideurimnida.) | I am writing about a broken streetlight. |
| (Daeumgwa gachi yocheonghagoja hamnida.) | I would like to request the following. |
| (Ppareun jochireul chwihae jusigi baramnida.) | Please take prompt action. |
| (Dapbyeon jusimyeon gamsahagetseumnida.) | I would be grateful for a reply. |
| (Cheombu paireul hwaginhae jusipsio.) | Please see the attached file. |
| (Lim Hana deurim) | Yours sincerely, Lim Hana |
Speaking formally: presentations
Presentations and speeches use the formal style with humble (malsseumdeurida) and clear signposts. Use (yeoreobun), everyone, to address the audience.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (Oneureun idong doseogwane daehae malsseumdeurigetseumnida.) | Today I'll talk about the mobile library. |
| (meonjeo), (daeumeuro), (majimageuro) | first, next, finally |
| (bosidasipi) | as you can see |
| (jeongnihajamyeon) | to sum up |
| (Joeun jilmun gamsahamnida.) | Thank you for a good question. |
| (Hwagin hue dapbyeondeurigetseumnida.) | I'll check and get back to you. |