Speech Levels

Korean has multiple speech levels. The two most common are: 해요체 (Polite): Used with strangers, older people, formal situations • Add 요 at the end: 가요, 먹어요, 해요 해체 (Casual): Used with close friends, younger people • Remove 요: 가, 먹어, 해 IMPORTANT: Always default to polite speech! Only use casual speech with: • Close friends of similar age • Children • People who explicitly say it's okay The pronoun "I" also changes: • 저 (polite) - use with strangers, elders • 나 (casual) - use with friends