반말 VS 낮춘말

In essence, both refers to the ‘familiar speech style’ in Korean. This form of speech is usually used between friends of similar ages or to someone who is younger and of lower hierarchy than you.

However, there is a difference in connotation and nuance between the two. 반말 has a slightly negative connotation and is usually used in situations such as the following.

• A younger person (A) uses the familiar speech style with an older person (B)

      A : 가자! (Let’s go! – familiar style)

      B: 야! 나한테 반말 쓰지 마! (oi! Don’t use panmal with me!)

낮춘말 has a positive connotation and is used when two friends decide to lower their speech style or when one is asking an older person to lower their speech style.

• when two friends decide to lower their speech style

       A: 우리 말 낮출까요? (Let’s lower our speech style, shall we?)

       B: 응. 좋아! (okay!)

alternatively..

               A: 우리 편하게 말할까요?

• when asking an older person to lower their speech style

              A: 말씀 낮추세요 / 말씀 낮추십니오

우리 반말 할까요? (X)

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