Present Tense (Formal) A/V-(스)ㅂ니다 vs Present Tense (Informal) A/V-어/아요

Compare Korean present tense polite styles: -(스)ㅂ니다 (formal) vs -아/어요 (informal polite).

Quick takeaway

Both are polite. -(스)ㅂ니다 is more formal (presentations, strangers, service). -아/어요 is the default friendly polite style for everyday conversation.

Beginner

Present Tense (Formal) A/V-(스)ㅂ니다

Present Tense (Formal Polite Style)

Used in formal situations such as news broadcasts, presentations, meetings, and when speaking to superiors. It expresses facts, ongoing actions, or general truths.

When to use it

Formal situations, announcements, first meetings, customer service tone.

Examples

  • 저는 매일 아침 신문을 읽습니다.

    I read the newspaper every morning.

  • 이 식당은 비빔밥이 아주 맛있습니다.

    The bibimbap at this restaurant is very delicious.

  • 오늘 회의는 일찍 끝납니다.

    Today's meeting ends early.

Full lesson
Beginner

Present Tense (Informal) A/V-어/아요

Present Tense (Informal Polite Style)

The most common conversational tense used with friends, family, or people you know. It's polite but sounds softer and friendlier than the formal -(스)ㅂ니다 form.

When to use it

Everyday polite speech with friends, classmates, coworkers you know.

Examples

  • 저는 매일 체육관에서 운동해요.

    I work out at the gym every day.

  • 요즘 날씨가 정말 더워요.

    The weather is really hot these days.

  • 친구하고 카페에서 커피를 마셔요.

    I'm drinking coffee with a friend at a cafe.

Full lesson