At work (직장)
To your boss (상사)부장님, 보고서 확인해 주시겠습니까?Director, could you please check the report? (합쇼체)
To a senior colleague (선배)선배님, 이거 확인해 주실 수 있어요?Senior, could you check this? (해요체)
To same-level colleague (동기)야, 이거 봐봐Hey, look at this (반말 — only if close)
In a meeting (회의)제 의견을 말씀드리겠습니다I would like to share my opinion (formal)
With family (가족)
To parents (부모님)엄마, 밥 먹었어요?Mom, have you eaten? (해요체 — polite to parents)
To grandparents (조부모님)할머니, 진지 드셨어요?Grandma, have you had your meal? (존경어 — 진지 instead of 밥)
To younger sibling (동생)야, 밥 먹어Hey, eat (반말)
To in-laws (시부모/장인)어머님, 식사하셨어요?Mother-in-law, have you eaten? (높임말 — extra respectful)
Dating (연애)
First date저 이거 좋아해요I like this (해요체 — keep it polite)
After becoming a couple나 이거 좋아해 / 자기야~I like this / Honey~ (반말 — couples switch)
Meeting their parents처음 뵙겠습니다It's an honor to meet you (합쇼체 MAX)
The BIGGEST mistake: using the same level with your partner AND their parents. Your boyfriend is 반말. His mom is 합쇼체. If you mix them up — disaster. Korean dramas have entire plot points around this. 처음 뵙겠습니다 (it's an honor to meet you) is your survival phrase when meeting the parents.
Quick Quiz