Advanced Estimated read: 3 mins

하게체

Used by an older or higher-status person to speak to a younger or lower-status person in a way that shows some respect while maintaining authority.

Summary

Equivalent

Lower-Polite style (Formal style to inferiors)

Example

Hey, Mr. Kim (son-in-law). How is work life these days?

이보게, 김 서방. 요즘 회사 생활은 어떤가?

Grammar rules

  • Commonly used by older professors to students, or by a father-in-law to a son-in-law.
  • It feels dignified yet somewhat distant/formal.

Patterns

1

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)

현재 (Present) · -네

2

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)

과거 (Past) · -았/었네

Example sentences

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -네

Hey, Mr. Kim (son-in-law). How is work life these days?

이보게, 김 서방. 요즘 회사 생활은 어떤가?

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 현재 (Present) · -네

You know, your exam results were very good.

, 이번 시험 성적이 아주 좋더군.

V/A (Verbs/Adjectives) · 과거 (Past) · -았/었네

Come in quickly. I've been waiting for you.

어서 들어오게. 기다리고 있었네.

Conversation

A: Hey, have you had lunch?

여보게, 점심은 먹었나?

B: Yes, father-in-law. I'm just coming back from eating.

, 장인어른. 방금 먹고 오는 길입니다.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct '하게체' ending.

Calling someone in.

Stating an observation.