Talking to a Korean?
Hello! This might be a stupid question and i'm too awkward to ask this from my Korean friends. But why wen peoples talk to Korean:
''You need to say this to older person''
''You need to say this to Younger person''
''You can say this to your closer friend''
And many more... Like why can't peoples just say 1 thing to everybody?

+ Does any other countries use this?

Question

Talking to a Korean?
Hello! This might be a stupid question and i'm too awkward to ask this from my Korean friends. But why wen peoples talk to Korean:
''You need to say this to older person''
''You need to say this to Younger person''
''You can say this to your closer friend''
And many more... Like why can't peoples just say 1 thing to everybody?

+ Does any other countries use this?

Answer

I think the English languages has this too:

Example,
 To your boss it will be better to say "Hello Sir", rather than "Hi Sir"

Answer

The Korean language has an honorifics system, with a mandatory formal speech and an informal speech. Japan has a similar system, with a mandatory honorifics system. It's sort of like how in English, we have Mr/Mrs, your highness, etc. This is partially influenced by Confucian teaching to respect your elders, honorifics are highly important both culturally and linguistically. It's hard for people to wrap their head around at first, but you'll get used to it.

Answers · 3

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