How do you pronounce -씨?

-씨 is pronounced “-ssi” (revised romanization). You can hear it pronounced with Korean audio on this page.

When do Koreans use -씨?

A trap for foreigners. For example: “김 지영 씨, 오늘 회의 자료 준비 다 됐어요?” — “Kim Ji-young ssi, is the meeting material ready for today?”

-씨 (-ssi) means: Mr./Ms.; polite, but can actually be very condescending if used to a senior or someone older.

A trap for foreigners. It sounds polite, but using it towards an older person is extremely rude.

김 지영 씨, 오늘 회의 자료 준비 다 됐어요?
Gim Jiyeong ssi, oneul hoeui jaryo junbi da dwaesseoyo?
Kim Ji-young ssi, is the meeting material ready for today?
💡 Standard polite title for colleagues of similar rank.
저기요, 김 씨! 그렇게 말하는 건 좀 아니죠.
Jeogiyo, Gim ssi! Geureoke malhaneun geon jom anijyo.
Hey, Mr. Kim! Saying it like that is not right.
💡 Using '-ssi' to an equal or senior in anger can sound very condescending.
김 씨, 오늘 회의 자료 준비 다 끝났나요?
gim ssi, oneul hoeui jaryo junbi da kkeunnatnayo?
Mr. Kim, is the preparation for today's meeting materials all done?
💡 Safe only for colleagues of equal or lower rank; never use for superiors.