Humble verbs: 모시다 (accompany respected person)

In Korean, verbs change based on who you are talking to. They also change based on who you are talking about. 모시다 is a special humble verb. It replaces the standard 데려가다 (to take) or 데리고 있다 (to have with/stay with). You use it when the person you are 'taking' is higher in status. This could be your boss, a teacher, or your parents. It is all about the person receiving the action. You are lowering yourself to lift them up. It is like holding an invisible umbrella over them. Even if you are just walking to the bus stop.

1. 1Using 모시다 is actually quite straightforward. You do not need complex math here. Just swap your usual verbs for these polished versions:
2. 2For 'Taking' someone: Replace 데려가다 with 모시고 가다.
3. 3For 'Bringing' someone: Replace 데리고 오다 with 모시고 오다.
4. 4For 'Dropping off' someone: Use 모셔다 드리다 instead of 데려다 주다.
5. 5For 'Living with' elders: Use 모시고 살다 instead of 같이 살다.
6. 6Notice the 드리다 in the third example? That is the humble version of 'to give.' When you combine 모시다 with 드리다, you reach peak politeness. It is the gold standard for being a nice person in Korea.

Context is everything in Korean culture. Use 모시다 when the spotlight is on a respected person. Imagine you are at a fancy job interview. You might say you will 모시다 the client to the conference room. Or maybe you are taking your parents to a nice dinner. Using 모시다 shows you care about their comfort. It is also perfect for service industries. If you work at a hotel, you 모시다 the guests to their rooms. It creates a warm, professional atmosphere. It is the language of hospitality and filial piety.

Do not use 모시다 for your younger brother. That would be very weird. He might think you are making fun of him! It is also not for friends or people younger than you. Use 데려가다 for them instead. Also, never use it for yourself. You cannot 'escort' yourself to the store. That is like calling yourself 'The Honorable [Your Name].' It sounds silly and a bit arrogant. Keep it strictly for others. Also, avoid it for pets. Unless you are being sarcastic because your cat thinks it is royalty.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. The biggest mistake is 'over-honorifics.' Do not add 시 to 모시다 to make 모시시다. That is like putting a hat on top of another hat. 모시다 is already honorific by its very nature. Another slip-up is using 데려가다 for a teacher. It sounds a bit like you are dragging them along. Like they are a suitcase or a toddler! Always check the social rank before you speak. If they are older or higher rank, 모시다 is your safest bet.

How is 모시다 different from 뵙다? Great question. 뵙다 is about 'seeing' or 'meeting' a respected person. 모시다 is about 'accompanying' or 'taking' them. Think of 뵙다 as the arrival and 모시다 as the journey. Also, compare it to 주무시다. 주무시다 is what the respected person does (sleeps). 모시다 is what *you* do for them (escort). It is a dance of respect. One verb honors their action, the other honors your service to them.