banmal

Banmal (반말) is the informal, non-honorific form of the Korean language. It contrasts with jondaetmal (존댓말), the polite or formal speech style used in most professional, public, or unfamiliar contexts. Banmal is characterized by the dropping or simplifying of honorific endings and other polite markers.

Usage and social context

Banmal is typically used among people who are close in age or status, such as friends, siblings, or romantic partners, and among younger speakers. It can also appear in casual written communication, such as texting or social media. The use of banmal signals familiarity or affection and can help convey a sense of closeness. However, switching to banmal without mutual agreement or with elders, teachers, strangers, or superiors can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. In many social situations, speakers may first use jondaetmal and only switch to banmal if invited to do so.

Linguistic features

In banmal, speakers generally use plain verb endings without the polite suffixes found in formal speech. Pronouns and vocatives are more flexible; second-person forms such as 너 (you) and vocatives like 야 (hey) are common in casual speech. The exact form can vary by region, age, gender, and relationship, and contextual cues play a significant role in how banmal is perceived.

Cultural notes

Banmal remains a prominent feature of contemporary Korean, especially among younger generations and in popular media. It is often used to depict intimacy, casual realism, or youth culture, while its inappropriate use can damage social relations.