How to speak in Korean using formal language?

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To speak Korean using formal language you can use the honorific system. Honorific system in Korean grammar based plays an important role in social interactions. There are three main levels in Korean used to respect others, and selecting the right level of politeness depends greatly on the relationship and situation.

Form The Politeness Level 1 ~ (으) 시

Not all countries have grammar with different levels of politeness like Korea has in English. This is quite difficult because the level of politeness in English is not as widespread as it is in Korean. Before you go into the specifics of when to add '~ (으) 시' to a sentence, let's recall when you should use a salutation for someone who is respected. 

When you are talking to someone who deserves respect, you must use polite language. Sentences that must be spoken politely are to parents, elders, boss, new people, guests, customers, etc... When you talk to older people, the sentences you use are as follows:

> 저는 음식 을 만들었 어요 / 만들었 습니다 

    I made food

However, if you talk to peers, you can use a lesser form of politeness:

> 나는 많이 먹었어

    I ate a lot

The suffix '~ 시' can be added to words that end with vowels, and '으시' to words that end in consonants. Once '~ (으) 시' is added, the verb/adjective is conjugated normally, as if the stem ended with '~ (으) 시.'

Let us take an example. If I am talking to a friend about their mother, then I should use politeness level 1. Thus, I cannot say the following:

오빠에게 그림을 그렸어?

(Did you draw your brother a picture??)

It is important to remember that when addressing an elderly person/more respect for the person, you should always use polite language. Therefore, you need to add ~ (으) 시 to the verbs when addressing a respectful person. This is especially true in this case:

어머님 은 너 에게 음식 을 만드 셨나요?

(Did your mom make your food?)

Also Read Related Topic: How Grammar Shapes Our Understanding of Time

드리다 and ~ 께

You should use the word 드리다 instead of the word 주다. When someone gives something to someone who is respected, such as a parent, a boss, and so on. In formal sentences, ~ 에게 / 한테 is ~ 께. Therefore, ~ 께 must be attached to the subject of getting something. Let's see an example:

할머니 께 입을 드리고 싶어요

(I want to give a blanket to my grandmother)

You can also end the sentence with an honorific if you are saying it to someone who deserves respect:

어머니 께 꽃 을 드리고 싶어요

(I want to give flowers to my mother)

말씀 하다

You should use 말씀 하다 instead of 말하다 when the person speaking deserves great respect. For example:

모든 사람들 은 강 호동이 말씀 하기 시작 하는 것을 기다렸다

(Everyone is waiting for Kang Ho Dong to start talking)

드시다

드시다 (들다 + 시다) is a way to say 먹다 (to eat) when the person referred to in a dialogue is an esteemed person. 들다 instead of 드시다 can also be used in this grammar, but 드시다 indicates higher respect.

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