Polite speech: the -요 and -ㅂ니다/-습니다 endings

Korean verbs change their ending to show politeness. As a learner, start with these two polite styles.

1. The -요 style (해요체)

Friendly and polite. Used in everyday conversation.

• 먹어요 — (I/you/they) eat
• 가요 — go
• 좋아요 — (it is) good / I like it

2. The -ㅂ니다 / -습니다 style (합쇼체)

More formal. Used in announcements, presentations, news and business situations.

• 먹습니다 — eat
• 갑니다 — go
• 좋습니다 — is good

Which one should I use?

• Talking with a new acquaintance, a shop staff member or a teacher in daily life: -요
• Giving a presentation or speaking in a formal setting: -ㅂ니다/-습니다
• Close friends of the same age often use casual speech, but do not switch to it until the other person invites you to.

Quick pattern for -요

1. Take the verb stem (먹- from 먹다).
2. Add -아요 or -어요 depending on the last vowel (stems ending in ㅏ/ㅗ take -아요, most others take -어요).

There are irregular verbs too — we will cover them in later guides.