Grammar · Politeness

-습니다 / -ㅂ니다, the formal style

Pattern

[stem] + 습니다 / ㅂ니다 · question: 습니까 / ㅂ니까?

This is the formal polite level heard in news, announcements, presentations and first meetings at work. After a consonant add 습니다 (먹습니다), after a vowel ㅂ니다 (갑니다), and questions end in -습니까? or -ㅂ니까?. Several set phrases you already know are in this style: 감사합니다, 처음 뵙겠습니다.

The mistake to avoid

Do not use it for everything. In shops, cafés and everyday conversation -아요/-어요 is the natural choice, and -습니다 all day sounds stiff.

Examples

Romanisation help

저는 영국에서 왔습니다.

jeoneun yeonggugeseo watseumnida.

I am from the UK.

회의는 세 시에 시작합니다.

hoeuineun se sie sijakamnida.

The meeting starts at three.

질문이 있습니까?

jilmuni itseumnikka?

Are there any questions?

만나서 반갑습니다.

mannaseo bangapseumnida.

Pleased to meet you.