Introducing Others

When introducing somebody, you can use


1) Honorific


(이분은) 김 선생님이세요.
I-bun-eun Kim Seon-saeng-nim-i-se-yo


WHICH IS : This (distinguished person) is Mr. Kim.


2) Polite


(이쪽은) John 이에요
I-tchog-eun John-i-e-yo.


WHICH IS : This (person) is John.


3) Formal


제 친구 Paul 입니다.
Je chin-gu ‘Paul’-im-n-ida.[some people will say NAE instead of JE]


WHICH IS : This is my friend, Paul.


** nae dongsaeng [my lil brother/sister] **


4) Casual

Paul 이야

‘Paul’-i-ya.

WHICH IS : This is Paul.

NOTE :

You will notice that the term for ‘this (person)’ is different in each sentence, and so is the final ending. The term and ending used in the first sentence show a greater level of respect, and are termed ‘honorific’. (이분은 literally means ‘this distinguished person’, whereas 이쪽은 literally means ‘over here’.) You can also introduce someone without saying “This is” in casual speech. The use of different verb endings will be introduced in the next unit.