반말 timing
Explanation
반말 drops polite 요: 가, 뭐 해? It is intimate or hierarchical speech, not “friendly English tone.”
Safe default: stay in 해요체 with new people, service staff, and unclear hierarchy.
Wait for an invitation (말 놔도 돼? / 편하게 말해요) or clear peer closeness before lowering.
Age, workplace rank, and setting matter more than how long you have chatted online.
This page focuses on “반말 timing.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain “반말 timing” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
Examples
말 놔도 돼요?
Is it okay if we speak casually?
네, 편하게 말해요.
Yes, speak comfortably.
어디 가?
Where are you going? (casual — only when allowed)
Common mistakes
- Starting 반말 on day one of language exchange with an older partner.
- Mixing 요 and bare stems in the same short turn randomly.
How to practice
- Level: beginner–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
Question 1 of 1
What should you do after studying “반말 timing”?
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