1. '~지요' is used to ask the hearer for confirmation of what the speaker believes is true, to the effect of saying 'I believe that such and such are true. And is that correct/isnt it correct?'. It is often comparable to a tag question in English, 'Verdad?' in Spanish, 'N'est-ce pas?' in French.

By seeking agreement from the other person, you are trying to align yourself with the person and gain empathy.

• 요즘/요새 날씨가 춥지요? It is cold these days, isn't it? [I believe it is cold. Is that correct?]
  --네, 추워요/아니오, 안 추워요.
  
  
• 오늘은 안 춥지요?
  --네, 안 추워요/아니오, 저는 추워요.
  
  
• 겨울방학 재미있으셨지요?
  --네, 재미있었어요/아니오, 재미없었어요.
  
  
• 한국어/한국말 안 어렵지요?
  --네, 안 어려워요/아니오, 어려워요.
  
  
• 전공이 비즈니스(시)지요/비즈니스 전공하(시)지요?

2. '~지요?' is also used in an information question by which the speaker pretends that he or she is supposed to know the answer but doesn't. It has an effect of saying 'I wonder . . . ' This question sounds more polite than a straight information question, less imposing on the listener.

• 여기서 광화문 광장까지 어떻게 가지요?
• K102 선생님이 누구시지요?

Speaking activity