손 줘
son jwo
In Korean, the phrase 'give me your hand' is expressed as 손 줘 (son jwo).
This phrase is a request for someone to place their hand in yours or to let you hold it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 손 (hand) and the informal imperative form of the verb 주다 (to give).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 손 줘 is informal and should only be used with people of equal or lower social status, such as close friends or children. To make the request polite or to use it with strangers or elders, use 손 좀 주세요. Another casual way to ask someone to give you their hand is 손 좀 줄래?
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural speech, the object marker 을 is often omitted after 손, making 손 줘 more common than 손을 줘.
How do you pronounce it?
son jwo
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 손 can refer to an 'unlucky direction' or a malevolent spirit that one should avoid when moving or traveling. This is a superstitious concept where a certain direction is considered 'cursed' for a specific period.
- The expression 손이 크다, which translates to 'to have big hands', is used to describe someone who is extremely generous or prepares much more food than necessary for guests. It is a compliment about abundance rather than physical size.
- The word 손 can also refer to a 'guest' or 'visitor', though this usage is quite rare in modern daily conversation.
Examples in context
- 길이 험하니까 손 줘.gil-i heom-ha-ni-kka son jwo.The path is rough, so give me your hand.
- 어서 손 줘, 같이 건너자.eo-seo son jwo, gat-i geon-neo-ja.Give me your hand quickly, let's cross together.
Example conversation
Minjun is helping Subin cross a shallow stream.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈아, 손 줘.Subin-ah, son jwo.Subin, give me your hand.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 민준아. 정말 든든해.go-ma-wo, Minjun-ah. jeong-mal deun-deun-hae.Thank you, Minjun. I feel very reassured.
- 민준 Min-jun조심해서 발을 디뎌야 해.jo-sim-hae-seo bal-eul di-dyeo-ya hae.You have to step carefully.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 잡은 손 놓지 마.eung, jap-eun son no-chi ma.Okay, don't let go of my hand.
