Skip to content

반말

"casual speech / informal speech"

Korean word for casual speech / informal speech

🙇Honorifics

Korean honorific expressions and politeness levels

Pronunciation Guide

반말[banmal]

English Translation

casual speech / informal speech

Meaning & Usage

Informal speech without honorific markers, used among friends, younger people, or close relationships. Using 반말 with strangers or elders is considered very rude. The phrase '말을 놓다' means to switch to casual speech.

Learning Tips

  • 💡This is a common beginner-level word. Practice using it in daily conversations!
  • 💡Nouns are often followed by particles (은/는, 이/가, 을/를) to indicate their role.
  • 💡Korean honorific expressions and politeness levels
Difficulty:Beginner (TOPIK 1-2)

Example Sentences

Beginner
You say "반말" to a teacher.
Intermediate
You should use "반말" when meeting someone for the first time.
Advanced
"반말" is an essential expression for showing politeness in Korea.
Master
Understanding the nuance of "반말" helps balance formality and familiarity appropriately.
Loading...

Need to review this word?