-으시-Korean pre-final ending · TOPIK 1
-eusi-
One pre-final ending with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
형태Forms
Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.
An ending of a word used to indicate the subject honorifics of an action or state.
어떤 동작이나 상태의 주체를 높이는 뜻을 나타내는 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ, and before another ending.
‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 뒤에, 다른 어미 앞에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
승규야, 할아버지께서 찾으신다.
Seunggyu, Grandfather is looking for you.
어머님, 날씨가 추우니까 따뜻하게 입으세요.
Mother, it's cold, so please dress warmly.
선생님께서는 거짓말한 지수를 크게 꾸짖으셨다.
The teacher scolded Jisu harshly for lying.
대화In conversation
새해 복 많이 받으세요.
Happy New Year!
그래. 너도 복 많이 받고 공부 열심히 하여라.
Thanks, you too. Study hard.
An ending of a word used to show respect to a person when that person's possession or body part is the subject of the sentence.
높이고자 하는 인물과 관계된 소유물이나 신체의 일부가 문장의 주어일 때 그 인물을 높이는 뜻을 나타내는 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ, and before another ending.
‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 뒤에, 다른 어미 앞에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
오늘 정말 고생이 많으셨어요.
You've had such a hard day today.
고객님, 피부가 무척 좋으시네요.
Ma'am, your skin is really nice.
선생님, 다치신 데는 이제 괜찮으세요?
Teacher, is your injury feeling better now?
대화In conversation
손님, 특별히 찾으시는 게 있으신가요?
Sir, are you looking for something specific?
네. 선물할 손수건을 사려고요.
Yes, I'd like to buy a handkerchief as a gift.
관련 문법Related grammar
Other pre-final endings you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does -으시- mean in Korean?
-으시- is a pre-final ending introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). An ending of a word used to indicate the subject honorifics of an action or state. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use -으시-?
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ, and before another ending. The other shape is -시- — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between -으시- and -시-?
None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same pre-final ending, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.
What TOPIK level is -으시-?
1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.
Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.