Translate English to Korean — Free Online Honorific Translator(Polite, Casual, Formal, Tattoo)

Why "Translate English to Korean" Isn't as Simple as It Looks

Most people think translating English to Korean is just a matter of swapping words. But Korean has a built-in hierarchy system called speech levels, and getting them wrong can make your message feel rude, robotic, overly intimate, or culturally tone-deaf.

This is the subtlety most translation tools fail to catch when people blindly search "translate English to Korean" and copy–paste the first result.

The Hidden Challenge — Korean Honorifics

Korean doesn't have just one "polite" level. It has:

• Casual (반말) — For close friends, lovers, people younger than you
• Polite (존댓말) — Safe default for strangers, coworkers, acquaintances
• Extra Formal (격식체) — For bosses, clients, speeches, corporate messages

For example, the simple English sentence: "Have you eaten?" can become:

• 밥 먹었어? (casual, to close friend)
• 식사하셨어요? (polite, to coworker)
• 식사하셨습니까? (extra formal, to boss)

Most translation apps give you only one version, and usually the wrong one for your situation. We fix that.

How This Translator Is Different

1. You choose who you're speaking to

Instead of guessing, you select the scenario:

• Polite (Stranger / Work)
• Casual (Friend / Same Age)
• Extra Formal (Boss / Client)
• Tattoo Style (Short, Poetic Korean)

Every time you translate English to Korean on this site, the output adapts to the tone you choose.

2. Natural Korean — not textbook Korean

This website focuses on how Koreans actually speak, not rigid dictionary forms. The goal is not just to "translate English to Korean" literally, but to produce natural, native-sounding Korean that fits real conversations.

3. Built for real everyday situations

Not just generic translations — but nuanced outputs for:

• Texting a Korean friend
• Messaging your boss
• Emailing coworkers
• Writing a tattoo phrase
• Sending a fan letter
• Translating your English name

4. Privacy-friendly

Your text is not stored. Everything is processed securely on the server. You can translate English to Korean here without worrying about your messages being logged.

5. 100-word limit for now (to keep it free)

We currently limit input length to 100 words to stay within free translation usage. A sincere, focused site that helps you translate English to Korean correctly, especially with honorifics.

Understanding Korean Honorifics (존댓말) — The Key to Accurate Translation

Honorifics are the heart of Korean culture. If you don't understand them, your translation will never feel right.

Casual Korean (반말) — For Close Friends

Use this when speaking to: friends, younger people, romantic partners, people you're very close to.

Example: "Are you coming?" → 오고 있어?

If you send this to a stranger, it's considered rude.

Polite Korean (존댓말) — Safe Default for Strangers

Use this with: strangers, coworkers, acquaintances, service staff.

Example: "Are you coming?" → 오고 있어요?

This is the safest all-purpose form when you translate English to Korean and aren't sure about the relationship yet.

Extra Formal Korean (격식체) — For Bosses and VIPs

Used in: workplace hierarchy, professional emails, corporate communication, speeches.

Example: "Are you coming?" → 오고 계십니까?

This level shows deep respect.

Real Situations Where Honorifics Matter

Talking to Your Boss

English: "I will send the file soon."

• Casual Korean: 파일 곧 보낼게.
• Polite Korean: 곧 파일 보내드릴게요.
• Extra Formal Korean: 곧 파일 전달드리겠습니다.

Only one is acceptable in a professional setting — and most generic "translate English to Korean" tools don't help you choose correctly.

Talking to a Friend

English: "What are you doing?"

Friend-level Korean: 뭐 해?

Generic translators often output: 뭐 해요? (too polite for a close friend).

Writing a Tattoo Phrase

English: "Free spirit"

Natural Korean tattoo: 자유혼 or 자유로운 영혼

A direct translation might produce something awkward like: 무료 영혼 ("no-cost soul"), which is totally wrong.

Sending a K-pop Fan Letter

Fans must use polite or extra-polite tone. Many translators accidentally give casual tone — which is extremely inappropriate to an idol you don't know personally.

Translating English Names

Names must sound natural in Korean phonetics:

• David → 데이비드
• Sarah → 사라
• Michael → 마이클
• Jenny → 제니

What You Can Translate Here

Everyday Messages

• "Did you sleep well?"
• "Let's meet tomorrow."
• "Thank you for your help."

Work & Business

• "I attached the file below."
• "Please let me know when you're free."

Tattoos & Art Phrases

• "Stay strong."
• "Inner peace."
• "Faith."

Fan Letters

• "Your music inspires me."
• "I hope you stay healthy and happy."
• "I will always support you."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this translator better than Google Translate?

For honorifics, yes. Google doesn't know your relationship with the listener — it just guesses. Here, every time you translate English to Korean, you choose the tone first.

Can I use these translations for tattoos?

Yes. We have a special "Tattoo Style" option that gives short, poetic Korean phrases instead of long, robotic sentences.

Do you store my text?

No. Your input is processed securely and not saved.

Is this site really free?

Yes — for now. To keep it free, we currently limit input to 100 words per request.

Related Guides

To go deeper into each scenario, we've created separate guides:

• Honorific Levels in Korean — When to Use Which Tone
• How to Translate English Tattoo Ideas Into Korean Safely
• How to Write Polite K-pop Fan Letters in Korean
• How to Translate English Names to Korean Correctly