Grammar · Politeness

-(으)시-, the honorific

Pattern

[stem] + 시 / 으시 + ending

-(으)시- goes inside the verb to show respect to the person doing the action. With the -요 ending it becomes -(으)세요 (가세요), in the past -(으)셨어요 (가셨어요), and in the future -(으)실 거예요. Use it about older people, strangers, customers and anyone senior to you.

The mistake to avoid

Never use it about yourself. 저는 가세요 is wrong; respect goes to the other person, so you say 저는 가요.

Examples

Romanisation help

어머니가 한국에 오셨어요.

eomeoniga hanguge osyeosseoyo.

My mother has come to Korea.

선생님은 지금 사무실에 계세요.

seonsaengnimeun jigeum samusire gyeseyo.

The teacher is in the office now.

어디에 사세요?

eodie saseyo?

Where do you live?

아버지는 은행에서 일하세요.

abeojineun eunhaengeseo ilhaseyo.

My father works at a bank.