줘
jwo
The Korean phrase for "give me" is 줘 (jwo).
This verb is used to express a preference. While 줘 can mean 'give me' in a request, it is also the standard way to say 'give' when the recipient is not explicitly stated, as the 'me' is often implied by the context of the speaker's need.
Meaning: expression of preference (verb)
Which one should you use?
The phrase 주세요 is a formal way to say "give me" in Korean.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the request polite or to use it with strangers and superiors, you should use 주세요 instead of 줘.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the object (the thing being given) usually precedes the verb 줘 and the subject (the person giving) is often omitted if it is understood from context.
How do you pronounce it?
jwo
Did you know?
- Korean has a distinct 'honorific' system where the word for 'give' changes entirely to 드리다 when the person receiving the item is of higher status than the speaker.
- Adding 줘 to the end of another verb turns a request for an object into a request for a favor, such as asking someone to 'please do' an action for you.
- Because the 'me' is often omitted, if you use 줘 while pointing at yourself, you are being redundant and may actually sound like a child learning to speak.
Examples in context
- 한 번 더 기회를 줘.Give me a second chance.This example shows how to use 줘 to ask for a second chance.Tatoeba #13250459 by qiwiwi, translation #31490 by CK
- 내 검을 줘.Give me my sword.This example shows how to use 줘 to ask for a sword.Tatoeba #8362213 by Eunhee, translation #1078683 by Scott
- 빨간색 연필 줘.Give me a red pencil.This example shows how to use 줘 to ask for a red pencil.Tatoeba #8365105 by Eunhee, translation #2959441 by sharptoothed
- 선물을 주세요.Give me a present.
- 물 좀 주세요.Give me some water, please.
- 커피 좀 줘.Give me some coffee.
- 책 좀 줘.Give me a book.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyun-woo and Su-bin are choosing snacks at a store.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 과자 줘.I gwaja jwo.Give me these snacks.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 이거 먹고 싶어?Jeongmal igeo meokgo sipeo?Do you really want to eat this?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 이거 줘.Eung, igeo jwo.Yes, give me this one.
- 수빈 Su-bin알았어, 여기 있어.Arasseo, yeogi isseo.Okay, here it is.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
