말씀 (honorific speech) - Words/Speech

말씀 is a special noun. It replaces 말 in formal or polite settings. It is a 'two-way' honorific. First, use it for others. When a teacher speaks, their words are 말씀. Second, use it for yourself. When you speak to a teacher, your words are also 말씀. Wait, why? Because using the humble form for yourself honors the listener. It is like saying, 'My humble words are reaching your ears.' It is not about being weak. It is about being culturally savvy. You will mostly see it paired with verbs like 하다 (to do) or 드리다 (to give). It changes based on who is speaking and who is listening. It is like a grammar chameleon.

1. 1Using 말씀 is easy once you see the patterns. Follow these steps:
2. 2To describe an elder speaking: Use 말씀 + 하시다.
3. 3Example: 선생님께서 말씀하십니다. (The teacher is speaking.)
4. 4To describe yourself speaking to an elder: Use 말씀 + 드리다.
5. 5Example: 제가 말씀드릴게요. (I will tell you/speak to you.)
6. 6To refer to someone's words as a noun: Just use 말씀.
7. 7Example: 좋은 말씀 감사합니다. (Thank you for the good words/advice.)
8. 8To ask a question politely: Use 말씀 + 좀 묻다 (humble asking).
9. 9Example: 말씀 좀 여쭤볼게요. (May I ask you something?)

Use 말씀 whenever the 'respect meter' is high.

• Job Interviews: You want to sound professional. Use 말씀드리다 when answering.
• With Grandparents: They deserve the highest level. Their stories are always 말씀.
• In the Office: When your boss is giving a presentation. Or when you email a client.
• With Strangers: If they look older than you, play it safe.
• Public Speaking: If you are giving a speech to a crowd.

It is better to be too polite than too rude. Think of it as a safety net for your social life.

Do not use 말씀 with your friends. They will think you are joking or being sarcastic.

• With Siblings: Unless you want to annoy them by acting like a butler.
• With Children: Keep it simple with 말.
• To Pets: Your dog does not need honorifics. Unless he is a royal corgi.
• In Casual Diaries: If you are just writing for yourself, 말 is fine.

Using it in the wrong place is like wearing a full suit to the gym. It just feels awkward.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the 'humble' side. Many people think 말씀 is only for the other person. They say 말할게요 to a professor. That sounds a bit too blunt. Another mistake? Using 말씀하시다 for yourself.

• ✗ 제가 말씀하셨어요. (This sounds like you are calling yourself a King!)
• ✓ 제가 말씀드렸어요. (This is the correct humble way.)

Also, watch out for the particle 께서. It often goes with 말씀하시다. Do not mix up the 'giver' and 'receiver'. If you are 'giving' words to a boss, use 드리다. If the boss is 'doing' the speaking, use 하시다.

How does 말씀 differ from 이야기? 이야기 means story or conversation. It is more about the content or the act of chatting. 말씀 is specifically about the level of respect. You can have an 이야기 with a friend. But you listen to a 말씀 from a mentor.

Compare it to 성함 (honorific name) vs 이름 (name). 말씀 is the 'name brand' version of speech. It carries weight. While 말 is the everyday, generic version.