KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
반말로 해도 돼요?
ban·mal·lo hae·do dwa·e·yo
banmallo haedo dwaeyo?
Is it okay to speak casually?
Grammar Spotlight
Korean has two main registers: 존댓말 (formal/polite speech) and 반말 (informal/plain speech). Switching to 반말 signals closeness and friendship. However, doing so without permission can be rude. Always ask 반말로 해도 돼요? before switching, unless the other person initiates.
Phrase Breakdown
반말로
banmallo
in informal speech
반말 (informal/casual speech) + -로 (in/by means of)
해도 돼요?
haedo dwaeyo?
is it okay to do?
-아/어도 되다 = permission pattern
Politely asks if you can switch to casual Korean speech (반말) with someone.
Example Phrases
우리 반말로 해도 돼요? 나이도 비슷하잖아요.
Uri banmallo haedo dwaeyo? Naido biseuthajanayo.
Can we speak casually? We’re about the same age, right?
-잖아요 = ‘isn’t it?’ (gentle affirmation).
편하게 반말로 해요!
Pyeonhage banmallo haeyo!
Feel free to speak casually!
편하게 = comfortably.
반말은 좀 불편해요. 존댓말로 해도 돼요?
Banmareun jom bulpyeonhaeyo. Jondaetmallo haedo dwaeyo?
Casual speech feels a bit uncomfortable. May we use formal speech?
존댓말 = formal/polite speech.
Related Phrases
존댓말로 해요
jondaetmallo haeyo
Let’s use formal speech
Preferring polite speech in conversation.
편하게 얘기해요
pyeonhage yaegihaeyo
Speak comfortably/freely
Inviting relaxed conversation.
말 놔도 돼요?
mal nwado dwaeyo?
Can I drop the formality?
Alternate way to ask to use casual speech.
Quick Review
마음이 따뜻해요
Can you recall what this means?
maeumi ttaddeuthaeyo
It warms my heart / They have a warm heart