선물
seonmul[ˈsʰɘ(ː)nmuɭ]
The English word gift is translated into Korean as 선물 (seonmul). Wiktionary also lists 예물 (yemul) and 례물 (ryemul).
Meaning: something given to another voluntarily, without charge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 선물 | seonmul | [ˈsʰɘ(ː)nmuɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 예물 | yemul | [je̞muɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 례물 | ryemul | North Korea |
The most common way to refer to a gift is through the noun 선물. If you want to use this as a verb meaning 'to give a gift', you can add the suffix –하다 to create the verb 선물하다.
Which one should you use?
선물 is the general term for any gift, such as a birthday or holiday present. In contrast, 예물 refers specifically to formal gifts exchanged during significant ceremonies, most commonly engagement or wedding gifts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
례물 is the North Korean spelling of the formal term for a gift (예물).
How do you pronounce it?
seonmul
Did you know?
- Avoid giving a 선물 consisting of a set of four items, as the number four is associated with death in Korean culture.
- The word 선물 has two different origins. One version uses the Hanja 膳物, meaning 'food gift', while another version uses 先物, which can also mean 'futures' in a financial or trading context.
- When giving a 선물, it is customary to use both hands to present the item as a sign of respect to the receiver.
Examples in context
- 선물은 아직도 포장되어 있었어.The gift was still wrapped.This sentence shows the use of 선물 to describe a wrapped gift.Tatoeba #8371555 by Eunhee, translation #8363146 by Hybrid
- 그녀는 내게 프랑스산 와인 한 병을 선물로 주었다.She gave me a bottle of French wine as a gift.This sentence demonstrates using 선물 to describe a gift being given.Tatoeba #13692041 by hahahhhhhhihk, translation #12901457 by araneo
- 좋은 선물이 되겠다.That would make a great gift.This sentence illustrates how to express that something would make a good 선물.Tatoeba #6820147 by yesjustryan, translation #4500920 by CK
- 제가 준비한 선물을 받아주세요.Please accept the gift I prepared.
- 너를 위해서 기프트를 샀어.I bought a gift for you.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji gives a small box to Dohyeon on his birthday.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 생일 축하해요!do-hyeon ssi, saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-yo!Dohyeon, happy birthday!
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 민지 씨.go-ma-wo-yo, min-ji ssi.Thank you, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji이건 제 작은 선물이에요.i-geon je ja-geun seon-mul-i-e-yo.This is my small gift.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 고마워요, 잘 쓸게요.jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo, jal sseul-ge-yo.Thank you so much, I will use it well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries 선물, 예물, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 선물, 예물, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
