씨
ssi[ɕ͈i]
The Korean honorific title 씨 (ssi) is a polite suffix added to a person's name when addressing or referring to them.
The honorific suffix 씨 is used as a title after a person's name. To use it correctly, you must attach it to either the person's full name or their given name. You should never use 씨 with only a person's surname.
Which one should you use?
While 씨 is a polite way to address someone, it is intended for use between equals or when speaking to someone of lower social status. It should not be used when addressing a superior or someone significantly older than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The title 씨 is attached directly to the person's name without any intervening particle.
How do you pronounce it?
ssi
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 씨 with only a surname, such as 김 씨 (Kim ssi). This is a common error that can sound condescending or rude in many social contexts.
Did you know?
- In certain extremely informal or aggressive contexts, the sound 'ssi' can be heard as a clipped shorthand for the highly offensive profanity 씨발 (ssibal).
- Using 씨 when talking about your own name is considered extremely arrogant or strange, as honorifics in Korean are used to elevate others, not oneself.
- While 씨 is a polite title, using it with only a surname like 김 씨 was historically used to refer to people of lower social classes, which is why it now sounds condescending.
Examples in context
- 민지 씨는 학생이에요?Minji-ssi-neun haksaeng-ieyo?Is Minji a student?
- 지훈 씨, 안녕하세요.Jihoon-ssi, annyeong-haseyo.Hello, Jihoon.
- 수진 씨가 정말 친절해요.Sujin-ssi-ga jeongmal chinjeol-haeyo.Sujin is very kind.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihoon are meeting at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 오랜만이에요!Jihoon-ssi, oraenman-ieyo!Jihoon, it has been a long time!
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 민지 씨도 잘 지냈어요?Ne, Minji-ssi-do jal jinaesseoyo?Yes, have you been well too, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 저는 아주 잘 지냈어요.Ne, jeoneun aju jal jinaesseoyo.Yes, I have been very well.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다행이네요.Dahaeng-ineyo.That is good to hear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
