-(스)ㅂ니다

(seu)mnida

Grammar · 1 sense

Present tense

Examples

할아버지가 칭찬하셨습니다.

Grandfather praised me.

전 사람을 해친 적이 없습니다.

I have never harmed anyone.

저를 살려 주신 은혜를 꼭 갚고 싶습니다.

I want to repay the favor of saving me.

When you'd hear it

This is the formal deferential sentence ending used in presentations, announcements, news, customer service, workplaces, and other official situations. It also appears in dramas when a character speaks respectfully or maintains distance; it is uncommon with close friends in casual conversation.

What learners get wrong

Although often labeled “present tense,” this is primarily a speech-level ending and can attach to past or other forms, as in 하셨습니다 and 없습니다. It is more formal than -아요/어요, so the choice depends on politeness and setting, not just time.

You looked up -(스)ㅂ니다 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.

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