Translate English to Korean — Understanding Korean Honorifics (존댓말 vs 반말 vs 격식체)

Korean honorifics are one of the most misunderstood parts of the language. If you're trying to translate English to Korean, choosing the wrong speech level can completely change the meaning of your message — or even offend the person you're talking to.

This guide explains Korean honorifics in simple, practical terms so you can choose the correct tone every time.

For instant translations using the correct tone, you can use the tool on the homepage: translateenglishtokorean.com

What Honorifics Actually Are in Korean

Honorifics are not "extra polite words."

They are the foundation of how Koreans show:

• Respect
• Social hierarchy
• Emotional closeness
• Professional boundaries

Korean doesn't just "translate words." It translates relationships.

That's why English → Korean translation requires choosing the correct speech level.

There are three major levels you must understand:

1. Casual Korean (반말)

When to use it

• Close friends
• People younger than you
• Siblings
• Romantic partners
• Anyone you're emotionally close to

Why English speakers misuse it

Most machine translators default to polite forms, but sometimes they output casual forms — which feels rude if used incorrectly.

Examples

English → Casual Korean:

• "What are you doing?" → 뭐 해?
• "Are you coming?" → 오고 있어?
• "Text me later." → 나중에 문자해.

If you use this with a stranger — It sounds disrespectful or childish.

2. Polite Korean (존댓말)

This is the safe default for 90% of situations.

When to use it

• Strangers
• Coworkers
• Service staff
• Basic business communication
• Messaging someone you don't know well

Examples

• "What are you doing?" → 뭐 하고 있어요?
• "I appreciate your help." → 도와주셔서 감사해요.
• "I'll send it soon." → 곧 보내드릴게요.

Why it's important

If you choose the wrong tone, a simple sentence can sound unprofessional or overly intimate. This is the level most learners should default to, but don't always get right.

3. Extra Formal Korean (격식체)

When to use it

• Emails to important clients
• Writing to a professor
• Speaking to someone significantly older/respected
• Job interviews
• Public announcements

Examples

• "Are you available tomorrow?" → 내일 가능하십니까?
• "I will send the document shortly." → 곧 문서를 전달드리겠습니다.

Why it matters

Using polite Korean (요 form) with a CEO can seem too casual; using extra formal Korean with a close coworker can feel stiff or cold.

Why Honorifics Make English → Korean Translation Hard

English does not change based on:

• Age
• Social hierarchy
• Formality
• Emotional distance

Korean always does.

This means:

A single English sentence often has three correct Korean translations depending on tone.

That's why generic translation tools often give:

• Casual when you needed polite
• Polite when you needed formal
• Formal when you needed casual

This website solves that by letting you choose tone before translation.

Example: One English Sentence, Three Korean Forms

English: "Have you eaten?"

This is why "context-free" translation is risky.

When in Doubt, Use This Rule: "Go Polite"

If you aren't sure which tone to use:

→ Choose Polite Korean (존댓말)

It is the safest and most culturally appropriate.

But if you know exactly who you're talking to, use the tone selector in the translator for best results.

Try Translating with Correct Honorifics

Translate English to Korean now with proper honorific levels: