Learning Korean pronouns is one of the best places to start as a beginner. Unlike English, Korean pronouns change depending on formality and social context. If you use the wrong one, you might sound too casual—or overly formal. Let’s go through them one by one.
Why Pronouns Matter in Korean
Korean is a hierarchy- and respect-based language. The way you refer to yourself and others depends on:
- Formality: informal vs. polite vs. honorific
- Relationship: speaking to a friend, a stranger, or your boss
- Age and status: younger, same age, or older
Because of this, Koreans often drop pronouns completely when the subject is clear. But when you do use them, it really counts.
“I” in Korean
There are two main ways to say “I”:
| Pronoun | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 나 (na) | Casual, informal. Used with friends or younger people. | 나는 학생이야. (I am a student.) |
| 저 (jeo) | Polite and humble. Used in most situations, especially with strangers or superiors. | 저는 학생이에요. (I am a student.) |
Rule of thumb: use 저 unless you’re speaking with close friends or someone younger.
“You” in Korean
This is where it gets tricky. Koreans don’t use “you” directly very often, especially in polite situations. Instead, they use:
- The person’s name + suffix (like -씨, -님)
- Titles (like 선생님 “teacher” or 사장님 “boss”)
- Or they simply omit the subject altogether
Still, here are some common pronouns for “you”:
| Pronoun | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 너 (neo) | Casual “you.” Only with very close friends or someone younger. | 너는 누구야? (Who are you?) |
| 당신 (dangsin) | Polite “you,” but mostly used between spouses or in writing. Rare in daily speech. | 당신을 사랑해요. (I love you.) |
| 그쪽 (geujjok) | Polite, indirect “you.” Common in formal speech. | 그쪽은 어디에서 오셨어요? (Where are you from?) |
Good practice: Avoid using “you” directly—use names or titles instead.
Other Useful Pronouns
| Pronoun | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 우리 (uri) | We / our | Often inclusive (e.g., 우리 집 = “my/our house”). |
| 그 (geu) | He | Usually replaced by the person’s name in speech. |
| 그녀 (geunyeo) | She | Mostly used in writing, less in conversation. |
| 그들 (geudeul) | They | Common in written Korean, less in spoken. |
Quick Tips to Sound Natural
-
Drop pronouns when the subject is clear.
Example: Instead of 저는 학생이에요, simply say 학생이에요. -
Replace “you” with names or titles.
Example: 민수 씨, 어디 가요? (Minsu, where are you going?) instead of 너 어디 가? -
Choose the right formality level.
Use 저/당신 in polite or formal contexts, 나/너 with friends.
Wrap-Up
Korean pronouns become much simpler once you understand the cultural context. Remember:
- Use 저 for “I” in polite situations.
- Avoid direct “you”—use names or titles instead.
- Leave pronouns out when they’re not needed.
Mastering these basics will help you sound more natural and respectful when speaking Korean.
