"존댓말" is a form of the Korean language that shows respect and politeness. It is used when speaking to elders, superiors, or anyone deserving of respect. This speech level is important in Korean culture, as it reflects social hierarchy and relationships. In contrast to informal speech, 존댓말 includes specific verb endings and vocabulary. For example, the verb "to eat" changes from "먹다" to "드시다" in 존댓말. Understanding and using 존댓말 correctly is essential for effective communication in Korea and helps maintain harmony in social interactions.