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Korean Grammar Patterns
과잉 존댓말
Meaning
Excessive honorifics
How to use it
Stacking too many honorific markers, or honorifying every clause, sounds awkward and over-deferential. Apply 시 once to the main verb, not to every word, and avoid double honorifics like 드리시다 for yourself. Natural respect is precise, not piled on.
One 시 per honored subject is enough.,Don't honorify yourself or your own actions.
Examples
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 제가 도와드리시겠습니다. (X) → 제가 도와드리겠습니다. (O) jega dowadeurisigetsseumnida. → jega dowadeurigetsseumnida. | 'I will help (honoring myself)' (wrong) → 'I will help' (right) |
| 주문이 이쪽으로 되십니다. (X) → 이쪽에서 주문하시면 됩니다. (O) jumuni ijjogeuro doesimnida. → ijjogeseo jumunhasimyeon doemnida. | 'The order becomes this way (honored)' (wrong) → 'You can order here' (right) |
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