모시다 (humble accompanying) - Accompany Respectfully

Korean has special words for different social levels. 모시다 is one of those special words. It replaces neutral verbs like 데려가다 or 데리고 오다. When you use 모시다, you lower yourself. Simultaneously, you lift the other person up. It is like a verbal bow. You are not just 'taking' them somewhere. You are 'escorting' or 'accompanying' them. It implies care and service. It is very common in hospitality. You will also hear it in family settings. It makes the listener feel valued and respected.

1. 1Identify the person you are accompanying first.
2. 2If they are an elder or superior, use 모시다.
3. 3For the present tense, use 모셔요 or 모십니다.
4. 4For the past tense, use 모셨어요 or 모셨습니다.
5. 5To say 'take and drop off,' use 모셔다 드리다.
6. 6To say 'bring someone,' use 모셔 오다.
7. 7To say 'take someone,' use 모셔 가다.
8. 8Remember, the object particle 을/를 goes with the person.

Use this when taking your parents to dinner. It sounds much better than using 데려가다. Use it when picking up a client at the airport. It shows professional respect and care. Use it when you live with your grandparents. You can say you 'serve' or 'live with' them. Use it in job interviews. It shows you understand Korean social hierarchy. Use it when walking a teacher to their car. It is perfect for any 'VIP' treatment scenario. Even if they are your age, use it for customers. It is the gold standard for service industry workers.

Do not use this for your friends. They might think you are making fun of them. Do not use it for younger siblings. It would sound very strange and sarcastic. Avoid using it for your pets. Your dog is cute, but he is not your 'superior.' Unless you want to be funny, stick to 데려가다. Never use it to refer to yourself. You cannot 'accompany' yourself respectfully. That would be like trying to shake your own hand. It just doesn't work. Keep it strictly for those above you in status.

Many learners use 데려다 주다 for their bosses. This is a common slip-up. It sounds a bit too casual or even rude. Another mistake is forgetting the humble ending. If you use 모시다, use a polite ending like ~어요. Don't mix 모시다 with informal 반말. That is like wearing a tuxedo with flip-flops. Some people also forget the 다 in 모셔다 드리다. They just say 모셔 드리다. That changes the meaning slightly. Always double-check who the 'VIP' is in your sentence. If you are the VIP, don't use it!

Let's compare 모시다 with 데리다. 데리다 is for people lower or equal to you. You 데려가다 your younger brother to the park. You 모시다 your grandmother to the hospital. Think of 데리다 as 'taking along.' Think of 모시다 as 'escorting with honor.' There is also 안내하다, which means 'to guide.' 안내하다 focuses on the information or path. 모시다 focuses on the relationship and respect. It is more personal than just guiding someone. It feels warmer and more traditional.