Welcome to Lesson 9 of the Korean language course from the Latinum Institute. This lesson focuses on the Korean pronouns for "you" - primarily 당신 (dangsin) and 너 (neo), along with other forms used in different social contexts. Understanding how to properly address others is fundamental to Korean communication and reflects the language's complex honorific system.
For more lessons and the complete course index, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
Definition: In Korean, "you" has multiple forms depending on the relationship between speakers, their relative ages, social status, and the formality of the situation. The most common forms are: -
당신 (dangsin) - formal/literary "you" (often avoided in spoken Korean) -
너 (neo) - informal "you" (used with close friends or younger people) -
Various honorific forms and titles used instead of direct pronouns
FAQ Schema Q: What does "you" mean in Korean? A: "You" in Korean has several translations depending on formality and relationship: 당신 (dangsin) for formal/written contexts, 너 (neo) for informal situations with friends or younger people, and often titles or names are used instead of pronouns in polite conversation.
How This Topic Word Will Be Used In this lesson, we'll explore 15 varied examples showing different forms of "you" in natural Korean sentences. You'll learn when to use each form and how Korean speakers often avoid direct pronouns entirely, preferring titles or implied subjects.
Educational Schema Subject: Korean Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Second Person Pronouns Type: Language Learning Material Format: Structured Reading Lesson with Interlinear Glossing Institution: Latinum Institute
Key Takeaways -
Korean has multiple forms for "you" based on social hierarchy -
Direct use of "you" is often avoided in polite conversation -
Context and relationship determine which form to use -
Understanding honorifics is essential for proper Korean communication
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9.1 당신은 (dang-sin-eun) you-TOPIC 언제 (eon-je) when 집에 (jib-e) home-TO 가십니까? (ga-sim-ni-kka) go-HON-Q
9.2 너 (neo) you 이거 (i-geo) this-thing 봤어? (bwass-eo) saw-INFORMAL-Q
9.3 선생님은 (seon-saeng-nim-eun) teacher-HON-TOPIC 어디에 (eo-di-e) where-TO 가세요? (ga-se-yo) go-HON-POL
9.4 내가 (nae-ga) I-SUBJ 너를 (neo-reul) you-OBJ 도와줄게 (do-wa-jul-ge) help-will-PROMISE
9.5 어머님께서는 (eo-meo-nim-kke-seo-neun) mother-HON-SUBJ-TOPIC 뭐 (mwo) what 드시겠어요? (deu-si-gess-eo-yo) eat-HON-will-POL-Q
9.6 자네가 (ja-ne-ga) you(mid-formal)-SUBJ 이 (i) this 책을 (chaek-eul) book-OBJ 읽었나? (ilg-eoss-na) read-PAST-Q
9.7 너희들은 (neo-hui-deul-eun) you(plural)-TOPIC 숙제를 (suk-je-reul) homework-OBJ 다 (da) all 했니? (haess-ni) did-Q
9.8 과장님 (gwa-jang-nim) section-chief-HON 오늘 (o-neul) today 회의에 (hoe-ui-e) meeting-TO 참석하십니까? (cham-seok-ha-sim-ni-kka) attend-do-HON-Q
9.9 그대는 (geu-dae-neun) you(poetic)-TOPIC 나의 (na-ui) my 마음을 (ma-eum-eul) heart-OBJ 아는가? (a-neun-ga) know-Q
9.10 언니 (eon-ni) older-sister 어제 (eo-je) yesterday 어디 (eo-di) where 갔어? (gass-eo) went-INFORMAL-Q
9.11 할아버지 (hal-a-beo-ji) grandfather 진지 (jin-ji) meal-HON 드셨어요? (deu-syeoss-eo-yo) ate-HON-PAST-POL-Q
9.12 네가 (ne-ga) you-SUBJ 말한 (mal-han) said-REL 것이 (geos-i) thing-SUBJ 맞아 (maj-a) correct-INFORMAL
9.13 여러분은 (yeo-reo-bun-eun) you(plural-formal)-TOPIC 한국어를 (han-gug-eo-reul) Korean-language-OBJ 얼마나 (eol-ma-na) how-much 공부했습니까? (gong-bu-haess-seum-ni-kka) studied-FORMAL-Q
9.14 님께서 (nim-kke-seo) you(HON)-SUBJ 보내신 (bo-nae-sin) sent-HON-REL 편지를 (pyeon-ji-reul) letter-OBJ 받았습니다 (bad-ass-seum-ni-da) received-FORMAL
9.15 당신이 (dang-sin-i) you-SUBJ 없으면 (eobs-eu-myeon) not-exist-if 나는 (na-neun) I-TOPIC 살 (sal) live 수 (su) ability 없어 (eobs-eo) not-exist-INFORMAL
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9.1 당신은 언제 집에 가십니까? When are you going home?
9.2 너 이거 봤어? Did you see this?
9.3 선생님은 어디에 가세요? Where are you going, teacher?
9.4 내가 너를 도와줄게. I will help you.
9.5 어머님께서는 뭐 드시겠어요? What would you like to eat, mother?
9.6 자네가 이 책을 읽었나? Did you read this book?
9.7 너희들은 숙제를 다 했니? Did you all finish your homework?
9.8 과장님 오늘 회의에 참석하십니까? Are you attending today's meeting, section chief?
9.9 그대는 나의 마음을 아는가? Do you know my heart?
9.10 언니 어제 어디 갔어? Where did you go yesterday, older sister?
9.11 할아버지 진지 드셨어요? Have you eaten, grandfather?
9.12 네가 말한 것이 맞아. What you said is correct.
9.13 여러분은 한국어를 얼마나 공부했습니까? How long have you all studied Korean?
9.14 님께서 보내신 편지를 받았습니다. I received the letter you sent.
9.15 당신이 없으면 나는 살 수 없어. I cannot live without you.
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9.1 당신은 언제 집에 가십니까?
9.2 너 이거 봤어?
9.3 선생님은 어디에 가세요?
9.4 내가 너를 도와줄게.
9.5 어머님께서는 뭐 드시겠어요?
9.6 자네가 이 책을 읽었나?
9.7 너희들은 숙제를 다 했니?
9.8 과장님 오늘 회의에 참석하십니까?
9.9 그대는 나의 마음을 아는가?
9.10 언니 어제 어디 갔어?
9.11 할아버지 진지 드셨어요?
9.12 네가 말한 것이 맞아.
9.13 여러분은 한국어를 얼마나 공부했습니까?
9.14 님께서 보내신 편지를 받았습니다.
9.15 당신이 없으면 나는 살 수 없어.
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Korean second-person pronouns are complex and culturally significant. Unlike English, which primarily uses "you" regardless of social context, Korean has multiple forms that reflect social hierarchy, age differences, and formality levels.
Main Forms of "You": -
너 (neo) - Informal, used with: -
Close friends of similar age -
Younger people -
Family members in casual settings -
Subject form: 네가 (ne-ga), often pronounced 니가 (ni-ga) -
Object form: 너를 (neo-reul) -
당신 (dangsin) - Complex usage: -
Between married couples -
In arguments (can be confrontational) -
In literature and songs -
Generally avoided in polite conversation -
자네 (jane) - Mid-level formality: -
Used by older people to younger adults -
Common in historical dramas -
Less common in modern usage -
그대 (geudae) - Poetic/literary: -
Found in poetry and songs -
Romantic contexts -
Not used in daily conversation -
Titles and Names - Most common polite form: -
선생님 (seonsaengnim) - teacher/Mr./Ms. -
Job titles + 님 (nim) -
Family relationship terms -
Person's name + 씨 (ssi)
Common Mistakes: -
Overusing 당신 - English speakers often think 당신 is the polite "you," but it's rarely used in spoken Korean and can sound rude or confrontational. -
Using 너 with strangers or elders - This is extremely rude and can cause serious offense. -
Direct translation - Trying to translate "you" directly in every sentence. Korean often omits the subject when it's understood from context. -
Ignoring honorific markers - Not adjusting verb endings to match the formality level of the person being addressed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Form: -
Assess the relationship: -
Are they older/younger? -
What's their social status? -
How close are you? -
Choose the appropriate form: -
Stranger/elder → Use title or name -
Close friend (same age) → 너 -
Formal written → 당신 (sparingly) -
Group → 여러분 -
Match verb endings: -
너 → informal endings (-아/어) -
Titles/formal → polite endings (-요) or formal (-습니다)
Subject/Object Forms: -
너 → 네가/니가 (subject), 너를 (object) -
당신 → 당신이 (subject), 당신을 (object) -
With titles → -은/는 (topic), -이/가 (subject), -을/를 (object)
Plural Forms: -
너희 (neo-hui) - informal plural -
너희들 (neo-hui-deul) - informal plural (emphatic) -
여러분 (yeo-reo-bun) - formal plural -
당신들 (dangsin-deul) - formal plural (rarely used)
Comparison with English: English uses "you" universally, while Korean requires constant social calculation. Where English might say "Did you eat?" Korean might say: -
밥 먹었어? (informal, with 너 implied) -
식사하셨어요? (polite, no pronoun needed) -
진지 드셨습니까? (very formal/honorific)
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Understanding Korean pronouns for "you" requires deep cultural awareness. Korean society is built on Confucian principles of hierarchy, respect for elders, and social harmony. This is directly reflected in the language's pronoun system.
The Avoidance Principle Koreans often avoid using second-person pronouns entirely, especially in formal situations. Instead of saying "you," Koreans prefer: -
Using the person's title (선생님, 사장님, 과장님) -
Using family relationship terms (언니, 오빠, 형, 누나) -
Omitting the subject when context is clear -
Using the person's name with appropriate suffix
Age and Social Hierarchy Age is paramount in Korean society. Even a one-year age difference can determine which pronouns and speech levels to use. Koreans often ask each other's age early in acquaintance to establish the appropriate language level.
The Danger of 당신 While textbooks often teach 당신 as "you," its actual use is limited and potentially problematic: -
Between spouses (though even this is becoming less common) -
In confrontational situations (similar to "you!" in English arguments) -
In translated materials and songs -
In written formal documents (sparingly)
Professional Contexts In business settings, job titles replace pronouns: -
김 과장님 (Manager Kim) instead of "you" -
박 대리님 (Assistant Manager Park) -
Professional titles show respect and maintain hierarchy
Regional and Generational Differences -
Younger generations are slightly more flexible with pronoun use -
Seoul dialect tends to be more formal than regional dialects -
Some regions have unique second-person pronouns
The Safety of Titles When in doubt, using someone's title or name with 님 is always safe. This shows respect and avoids the complex calculations required for pronoun selection.
Impact on Language Learning For English speakers, this system can be challenging because: -
English has lost its formal "you" (thou/thee vs. you) -
Western cultures generally value equality over hierarchy in language -
The concept of constantly calculating social relationships through language is foreign
Understanding these cultural contexts is essential for successful communication in Korean, as using the wrong form of "you" can damage relationships and cause social embarrassment.
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From the poem "진달래꽃" (Azaleas) by 김소월 (Kim Sowol), 1925:
나 (na) I 보기가 (bo-gi-ga) seeing-SUBJ 역겨워 (yeok-gyeo-wo) disgusting 가실 (ga-sil) go-HON 때에는 (ttae-e-neun) time-AT-TOPIC 말없이 (mal-eobs-i) word-without 고이 (go-i) gently 보내 (bo-nae) send 드리우리다 (deu-ri-u-ri-da) give-HON-will-FORMAL
영변에 (Yeong-byeon-e) Yeongbyeon-AT 약산 (Yak-san) Yaksan 진달래꽃 (jin-dal-lae-kkot) azalea-flowers 아름 (a-reum) armful 따다 (tta-da) picking 가실 (ga-sil) go-HON 길에 (gil-e) road-ON 뿌리우리다 (ppu-ri-u-ri-da) scatter-will-FORMAL
가시는 (ga-si-neun) go-HON-REL 걸음걸음 (geol-eum-geol-eum) step-step 놓인 (noh-in) placed-REL 그 (geu) that 꽃을 (kkot-eul) flowers-OBJ 사뿐히 (sa-ppun-hi) lightly 즈려밟고 (jeu-ryeo-balb-go) tread-and 가시옵소서 (ga-si-op-so-seo) go-HON-FORMAL-please
나 보기가 역겨워 가실 때에는 말없이 고이 보내 드리우리다 영변에 약산 진달래꽃 아름 따다 가실 길에 뿌리우리다 가시는 걸음걸음 놓인 그 꽃을 사뿐히 즈려밟고 가시옵소서
When you go away because you are sick of seeing me, I will send you off silently, gently. The azaleas of Yaksan in Yeongbyeon— I will pick them by the armful and scatter them on your path. Step by step, on the flowers laid on your way, tread on them lightly as you go.
나 보기가 역겨워 가실 때에는 말없이 고이 보내 드리우리다 영변에 약산 진달래꽃 아름 따다 가실 길에 뿌리우리다 가시는 걸음걸음 놓인 그 꽃을 사뿐히 즈려밟고 가시옵소서
This excerpt from Kim Sowol's most famous poem demonstrates the use of honorific language to address "you" in Korean poetry. Notice that the poet never uses a direct pronoun for "you." Instead, he employs: -
가실 (gasil) - The honorific form of "to go" with the future/intentional ending, implying "when you go" -
가시는 (gasineun) - The honorific present participle form "going" -
가시옵소서 (gasiopseoseo) - An extremely formal and archaic honorific imperative, roughly "please go"
The absence of direct pronouns combined with consistent honorific verb forms creates a sense of respect, distance, and profound emotion. This is characteristic of Korean poetry, where the implied "you" carries more emotional weight than any explicit pronoun could convey.
The poem was written in 1925, using somewhat archaic honorific forms that heighten the emotional formality. Modern Korean might use 가세요 instead of 가시옵소서, but the older form adds literary gravitas and emotional distance that paradoxically intensifies the speaker's feelings.
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9.16 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) hello-POL 김 (Kim) Kim 과장님 (gwa-jang-nim) section-chief-HON
9.17 지난 (ji-nan) last 회의에서 (hoe-ui-e-seo) meeting-AT-FROM 말씀하신 (mal-sseum-ha-sin) speak-HON-PST-REL 내용 (nae-yong) content 검토했습니다 (geom-to-haess-seum-ni-da) reviewed-FORMAL
9.18 보내주신 (bo-nae-ju-sin) send-give-HON-PST-REL 자료 (ja-ryo) materials 잘 (jal) well 받았습니다 (bad-ass-seum-ni-da) received-FORMAL
9.19 혹시 (hok-si) by-chance 추가 (chu-ga) additional 자료가 (ja-ryo-ga) materials-SUBJ 필요하시면 (pil-yo-ha-si-myeon) need-HON-if 말씀해 (mal-sseum-hae) speak-HON 주세요 (ju-se-yo) give-POL
9.20 내일 (nae-il) tomorrow 오전 (o-jeon) morning 10시에 (yeol-si-e) 10-hour-AT 시간 (si-gan) time 되십니까 (doe-sim-ni-kka) become-HON-Q
9.21 프로젝트 (peu-ro-jek-teu) project 진행 (jin-haeng) progress 상황을 (sang-hwang-eul) situation-OBJ 공유해 (gong-yu-hae) share 주셔서 (ju-syeo-seo) give-HON-because 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) thank-FORMAL
9.22 의견 (ui-gyeon) opinion 주신 (ju-sin) give-HON-PST-REL 부분 (bu-bun) part 수정했습니다 (su-jeong-haess-seum-ni-da) corrected-FORMAL
9.23 다음 (da-eum) next 주 (ju) week 일정은 (il-jeong-eun) schedule-TOPIC 어떠신가요 (eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo) how-HON-Q-POL
9.24 검토 (geom-to) review 후 (hu) after 의견 (ui-gyeon) opinion 주시면 (ju-si-myeon) give-HON-if 감사하겠습니다 (gam-sa-ha-gess-seum-ni-da) thank-will-FORMAL
9.25 바쁘신 (ba-ppeu-sin) busy-HON-REL 중에 (jung-e) middle-IN 시간 (si-gan) time 내주셔서 (nae-ju-syeo-seo) make-give-HON-because 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) thank-FORMAL
9.26 첨부 (cheom-bu) attachment 파일 (pa-il) file 확인 (hwak-in) confirmation 부탁드립니다 (bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da) request-HUM-FORMAL
9.27 회신 (hoe-sin) reply 기다리겠습니다 (gi-da-ri-gess-seum-ni-da) wait-will-FORMAL
9.28 좋은 (joh-eun) good 하루 (ha-ru) day 되세요 (doe-se-yo) become-POL
9.29 답변 (dab-byeon) answer 주신 (ju-sin) give-HON-PST-REL 내용 (nae-yong) content 잘 (jal) well 확인했습니다 (hwak-in-haess-seum-ni-da) confirmed-FORMAL
9.30 협조해 (hyeop-jo-hae) cooperate 주셔서 (ju-syeo-seo) give-HON-because 진심으로 (jin-sim-eu-ro) sincerely 감사드립니다 (gam-sa-deu-rim-ni-da) thank-HUM-FORMAL
9.16 안녕하세요 김 과장님. Hello, Manager Kim.
9.17 지난 회의에서 말씀하신 내용 검토했습니다. I have reviewed the content you mentioned in the last meeting.
9.18 보내주신 자료 잘 받았습니다. I have received the materials you sent.
9.19 혹시 추가 자료가 필요하시면 말씀해 주세요. If you need any additional materials, please let me know.
9.20 내일 오전 10시에 시간 되십니까? Are you available tomorrow at 10 AM?
9.21 프로젝트 진행 상황을 공유해 주셔서 감사합니다. Thank you for sharing the project progress.
9.22 의견 주신 부분 수정했습니다. I have made corrections based on your feedback.
9.23 다음 주 일정은 어떠신가요? How is your schedule for next week?
9.24 검토 후 의견 주시면 감사하겠습니다. I would appreciate your feedback after review.
9.25 바쁘신 중에 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다. Thank you for making time despite your busy schedule.
9.26 첨부 파일 확인 부탁드립니다. Please check the attached file.
9.27 회신 기다리겠습니다. I look forward to your reply.
9.28 좋은 하루 되세요. Have a good day.
9.29 답변 주신 내용 잘 확인했습니다. I have carefully reviewed your response.
9.30 협조해 주셔서 진심으로 감사드립니다. Thank you sincerely for your cooperation.
9.16 안녕하세요 김 과장님.
9.17 지난 회의에서 말씀하신 내용 검토했습니다.
9.18 보내주신 자료 잘 받았습니다.
9.19 혹시 추가 자료가 필요하시면 말씀해 주세요.
9.20 내일 오전 10시에 시간 되십니까?
9.21 프로젝트 진행 상황을 공유해 주셔서 감사합니다.
9.22 의견 주신 부분 수정했습니다.
9.23 다음 주 일정은 어떠신가요?
9.24 검토 후 의견 주시면 감사하겠습니다.
9.25 바쁘신 중에 시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.
9.26 첨부 파일 확인 부탁드립니다.
9.27 회신 기다리겠습니다.
9.28 좋은 하루 되세요.
9.29 답변 주신 내용 잘 확인했습니다.
9.30 협조해 주셔서 진심으로 감사드립니다.
In Korean business emails, the concept of "you" is handled with extreme care through:
Title Usage Instead of Pronouns Business emails almost never use direct second-person pronouns. Instead: -
Job title + 님: 과장님, 부장님, 대표님 -
Full name + title: 김철수 과장님 -
Department + title: 영업부 김 과장님
Honorific Verb Forms Every verb referring to the recipient's actions uses honorific forms: -
시 insertion: 하다 → 하시다 -
Special honorific verbs: 주다 → 주시다, 말하다 → 말씀하시다 -
Formal endings: -습니다/습니까
Indirect Reference Strategies -
Using honorific past participles: 말씀하신 내용 (the content you mentioned) -
Passive constructions to avoid direct address -
Subject omission when context is clear
Common Business Email Patterns Opening: 안녕하세요 [Title]님 Closing: 감사합니다 / 잘 부탁드립니다 Request: -주세요 / -주시면 감사하겠습니다 Confirmation: 확인했습니다 / 검토했습니다
Levels of Politeness -
Super formal: -십시오 endings -
Standard formal: -습니다/습니까 -
Polite: -요 endings (less common in written business context)
Common Mistakes in Business Emails -
Using 당신 (too direct/confrontational) -
Forgetting honorific markers -
Using informal language -
Being too direct in requests
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering self-directed learning approaches for classical and modern languages. Our courses are specifically designed for autodidacts - independent learners who prefer to study at their own pace without formal classroom instruction.
The Latinum Method Our lessons follow a structured approach based on extensive research in language acquisition: -
Interlinear Glossing: Every lesson begins with detailed word-by-word analysis, allowing learners to understand the grammatical structure of the target language without prior knowledge. -
Progressive Complexity: Starting with simple constructions and gradually building to authentic texts, including literary excerpts and genre-specific materials. -
Cultural Integration: Language is never taught in isolation. Each lesson includes cultural context essential for true comprehension and appropriate usage. -
Authentic Materials: We use real texts from native speakers, not simplified or artificial constructions, preparing learners for genuine communication.
Why These Lessons Work for Autodidacts -
Complete Transparency: Every grammatical element is explained clearly, with no assumed prior knowledge -
Self-Contained Units: Each lesson provides all necessary information without requiring external references -
Multiple Perspectives: The same content is presented in various formats (interlinear, full text, grammar explanation) to accommodate different learning styles -
Practical Application: Genre sections provide real-world contexts for language use
Course Structure Each lesson follows the consistent format you've seen: -
Introduction with clear learning objectives -
Section A: Detailed interlinear analysis -
Section B: Complete sentences with translation -
Section C: Target language only -
Section D: Comprehensive grammar explanation -
Section E: Cultural context -
Section F: Authentic literary text -
Genre Section: Specialized vocabulary and usage
Student Success The Latinum Institute's approach has helped thousands of learners worldwide achieve their language goals independently. Our method is particularly effective for: -
Adult learners returning to language study -
Students preparing for advanced academic work -
Professionals needing language skills for career advancement -
Anyone passionate about understanding languages deeply
For more information about our methods and courses, visit: -
Method explanation: https://latinum.substack.com/method -
Course catalog: https://latinum.org.uk -
Student reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
The Latinum Institute continues to expand its offerings, with courses in classical languages (Latin, Ancient Greek), modern languages (Korean, Japanese, Mandarin), and historical languages (Old English, Sanskrit). Each course maintains our commitment to rigorous, transparent, and accessible language instruction for independent learners.
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