-(으)ㅂ시다 in Korean: “let's (formal)”
-(으)ㅂ시다
-(eu)psida
let's (formal)
Beginner · Sentence endings
-(으)ㅂ시다 (-(eu)psida) means "let's" in a formal way. You hear it in meetings, announcements, signs and speeches. Even though it looks polite, it is not the right way to say "let's" to your boss or an older person.
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb stem ending in a vowel | + ㅂ시다 | 가다 → 갑시다 |
| Verb stem ending in a consonant | + 읍시다 | 먹다 → 먹읍시다 |
| Verb stem ending in ㄹ (ㄹ drops) | + ㅂ시다 | 만들다 → 만듭시다 |
| "Let's not" | + 지 맙시다 | 가다 → 가지 맙시다 |
How to use it
-(으)ㅂ시다 suggests doing something together in a clear, formal voice. A team leader might say it to a team, or a public sign might say it to everyone.
It sounds like the speaker is in charge. That's why you shouldn't use it to someone older or higher in rank. For them, use -(으)ㄹ까요? or -(으)시지요.
Among friends, use -자 instead. With coworkers at your level, -아요/어요 (가요!) often sounds more natural.
Examples
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Starting a meeting
A public sign
Cheering on a team
A manager to the team
Don’t mix it up with
-자: -자 is the casual "let's" for friends. -(으)ㅂ시다 is formal and fits groups and announcements.
-(으)시지요: -(으)시지요 (often 시죠) is a respectful way to suggest something to someone above you, like 가시죠 ("shall we go?").
Common mistakes
Saying 갑시다 to your boss to be polite. It can sound like you are giving orders. Try 가시죠 or 갈까요? instead.
Keeping ㄹ in ㄹ verbs. Say 만듭시다, not 만들읍시다.
Want the basics first? Read Korean speech levels (반말 vs 존댓말).
Questions learners ask
What does 갑시다 mean?
갑시다 means "let's go" in a formal way. It comes from 가다 plus -ㅂ시다.
Is 읍시다 polite?
It is formal, but it is not respectful toward people above you. It works best when speaking to a group or in announcements.
What is the difference between 갑시다 and 가자?
가자 is casual, for friends. 갑시다 is formal, used by someone leading a group or on signs.