In Korean, addressing others with informal language (반말, ‘banmal’) can sometimes be confusing, especially if you’re not sure when it’s appropriate. A common phrase you might encounter is ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’ which roughly translates to ‘Shall we speak casually?’. But what does this mean exactly, and does it imply that it’s okay to use informal speech with the person you’re speaking to? Let’s break this down and help you understand the nuances of using informal language in Korean.
1. What Does ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’ Mean?
The phrase ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’ is a polite way to ask if the other person is comfortable speaking casually. ‘저희’ is a polite form of ‘we’, and ‘말’ means ‘speech’ or ‘words’. ‘편하게’ means ‘comfortably’ or ‘casually’, and ‘할까요?’ is a polite way to ask ‘Shall we?’. So, the person is essentially asking if they can switch from formal language to informal speech.
2. When Can You Use Informal Language in Korean?
In Korean, it’s important to understand when to switch from formal language (존댓말, ‘jondaetmal’) to informal language (반말, ‘banmal’). Informal language is typically used with friends, younger people, or people you’re very close to. However, if someone offers to speak casually with you, like in the phrase ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’, it is a signal that they are comfortable with you using informal speech, and it’s a gesture of familiarity.
3. Is It Okay to Respond with Informal Speech?
If someone asks ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’, it usually means they’re giving you permission to speak casually. If you feel comfortable and the person is offering this in a friendly manner, you can respond with informal language. However, if you’re unsure or feel it’s inappropriate based on your relationship, you can always continue using formal language.
4. Understanding the Context
The key to using informal language in Korean is understanding the context. Korean culture places a high value on respect and hierarchy, so when you’re unsure about whether to use informal or formal language, it’s safer to default to formal speech, especially with people you don’t know well or those who are older than you. However, if the other person suggests casual speech, like in this example, they are giving you permission to switch to a more relaxed way of talking.
5. Conclusion: When in Doubt, Use Formal Language
In summary, the phrase ‘저희 말 편하게 할까요??’ is an invitation to speak casually, and if the other person is offering it, it’s okay to use informal speech. Still, always be aware of the relationship and context. If you’re uncertain, it’s safer to stick with formal language, especially in professional or unfamiliar settings. With time and practice, you’ll get a better sense of when it’s appropriate to switch between formal and informal speech in Korean.
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