Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 주다 | juda | [t͡ɕuda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 드리다 | deurida | [tɯɾida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | humble |
The verb 주다 is used to transfer the possession of something to someone else. This includes both physical objects and abstract things, such as giving information or time.
Which one should you use?
주다 is the standard, neutral form used when giving to someone of equal or lower status, such as a friend or a younger person. In contrast, use the humble form 드리다 when you are offering or presenting something to someone of higher social status or someone older than you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
주다 is the standard term. For more casual or abbreviated speech, you may use 줘. When acting in an official or ceremonial capacity, such as granting an award, use the formal term 수여하다. The term 드리다 is a humble, polite form used for recipients of higher status.
How does it change in a sentence?
To show respect to the person who is performing the action of giving, you can use the honorific form 주시다, which appears in the past tense as 주셨다.
How do you pronounce it?
juda
Did you know?
- In Korean, you can use 주다 to ask someone to do a favor for you. Adding this verb to the end of a request changes the meaning to 'do this for me'.
- The humble verb 드리다 is historically derived from the word for 'to enter'. It originally described the act of bringing something inside to a superior.
- When giving something to a person of high status, Koreans may use both hands to hold the object. Doing so reflects the humility encoded in the word 드리다.
Examples in context
- 선물을 주다To give a presentThis sentence shows how to use 주다 when giving a present.
- 저에게 책을 주세요.Please give me the book.
- 이것을 선물로 드릴게요.I will give this as a gift.
- 대통령은 상을 수여했습니다.The President presented an award.
- 나한테 사탕을 줄래?Can you give me candy?
- 지갑 좀 줘.Give me the wallet, please.
- 아이에게 사탕을 주다.aiege satangeul juda.Give candy to the child.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries 주다, 드리다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 드리다, 주다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
