Special honorific verbs: 말씀하시다 (speak)

Korean has a complex honorific system called 높임말. Verbs change based on who you are talking about. Most verbs just add -시-. For example, 가다 becomes 가시다. But some verbs are extra special. They change completely. 말하다 is one of these special cases. It transforms into 말씀하시다. It consists of the noun 말씀 and the honorific verb 하시다. The word 말씀 is the honorific noun for "speech" or "words." When you combine them, you get a very polite way to say "speak." It is like saying "The esteemed person is sharing their wisdom." Okay, maybe not that dramatic. But it definitely carries weight. It is the standard for intermediate learners.

1. 1Learning the forms is simple. Just follow these steps:
2. 2Start with the honorific noun 말씀.
3. 3Add the honorific verb 하시다.
4. 4Conjugate for the ending you need.
5. 5Present Tense (Polite): 말씀하세요.
6. 6Past Tense (Polite): 말씀하셨어요.
7. 7Formal Tense: 말씀하십니다.
8. 8Future Tense: 말씀하실 거예요.
9. 9Remember, the -시- is already baked in. Do not add another one. You do not say 말씀하시셔요. That is like wearing two hats. One is enough. Even native speakers trip up on complex honorifics. So take your time with these.

Use 말씀하시다 when the subject is someone important. This includes your parents and grandparents. It includes your teachers and professors. Use it for your boss at work. Use it for strangers who look older than you. Basically, if you would bow to them, use this verb.

• Scenario: You are at a job interview. The interviewer speaks. You say, "You 말씀하셨어요..."
• Scenario: Your grandmother is telling a story. She 말씀하세요.
• Scenario: Your professor is giving a lecture. He 말씀하십니다.

Using it correctly makes you sound polite. It shows you understand Korean culture. It builds better relationships. Think of it as a grammar bridge. It connects you to the people you respect.

Never use 말씀하시다 for yourself. This is the biggest rule. Using it for yourself sounds arrogant. It is like calling yourself "The Great King." People will laugh or be very confused. Do not use it for friends. Do not use it for younger siblings. Do not use it for children or pets. If you use it for your dog, people will think you are joking. Use plain 말하다 or 말씀드리다 instead. If you are the one speaking to a superior, use 말씀드리다. That is the humble version. Honorifics are for others. Humility is for you. It is a delicate balance. But you will get the hang of it.

Many learners use 말씀하세요 for themselves. They mean to say "I am speaking." But they actually say "The great me is speaking." Always use 말해요 or 말씀드려요 for yourself. Another mistake is mixing up 말씀하시다 and 말씀드리다.

• 말씀하시다: A superior speaks.
• 말씀드리다: You speak to a superior.

Think of it like a one-way street. Respect goes up. Humility stays down. Do not accidentally use the casual 말했어 for your boss. That is a grammar traffic light turning red. Your boss might not be happy. Always check the subject of the sentence first. If the subject is "Higher Up," use 말씀하시다.

How is this different from 말하다? 말하다 is neutral. You use it for peers or yourself. 말씀하시다 is the honorific upgrade. It is like the difference between a burger and a steak. Both are food. But one is for a special occasion.

What about -으시-? Most verbs use -으시-. For example, 읽으시다 (to read). But 말하다 does not become 말하시다. That is technically okay but sounds a bit "off." Native speakers prefer 말씀하시다. It sounds more natural and polite.

What about 말씀드리다? This is the "humble" form. Use it when you are the speaker. You are "offering words" to someone respected.

• 선생님이 말씀하세요 (Teacher speaks).
• 제가 말씀드려요 (I speak to teacher).