Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가지다 | gajida | [ka̠d͡ʑida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 있다 | itda | [it̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 있으시다 | isseusida | [is͈ɯɕʰida̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | honorific |
The concept of 'having' is expressed differently depending on whether you are talking about physical possession or the existence of something. 있다 is used to mean 'to have', 'to exist' or 'to be located'. For example, you use it to say you have a room, money or family members. 가지다 focuses more on the act of physically holding or possessing an object. In very formal settings, you might encounter 소유하다, which specifically denotes ownership or 보유하다, which is used in business or academic contexts to express possession.
Which one should you use?
While 가지다 means to physically hold or possess something, 있다 is the more common way to express having something like a room, money or family members. For instance, you would use 있다 to say you have daughters or have money, rather than using the physical possession sense of 가지다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are in a formal business or academic environment, you may use 보유하다 to express possession. To denote specific legal ownership, the formal term 소유하다 is used. When you need to show respect to the person who possesses something, use the honorific form 있으시다.
How does it change in a sentence?
있다 is a versatile word that functions both as a verb meaning 'to exist' and as an adjective-like verb meaning 'to have' or 'to be located'. When you want to speak respectfully about the possessions or existence of someone you must show respect to, such as a teacher or elder, use the honorific form 있으시다.
How do you pronounce it?
gajida
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 가지다 when talking about abstract possessions like money or time. This is a common error for English speakers. Instead, use 있다 to sound more natural.
Did you know?
- The word 있다 is a linguistic relative of the Korean past tense marker -었, which is used to indicate that an action has already happened.
- While 있다 is the standard word for having a family member, using 가지다 in this context would sound like you are treating a person as a piece of property.
- The verb 있다 is considered a 'versatile' word because it functions both as a verb and as an adjective-like verb.
Examples in context
- 나는 내 방이 있다.I have my own room.This sentence is useful for saying you have a room using 있다.Tatoeba #11105254 by intertime, translation #436677 by lukaszpp
- 나는 딸이 셋 있다.I have three daughters.This sentence is useful for saying you have daughters using 있다.Tatoeba #11105878 by intertime, translation #4499834 by CK
- 너에게 줄 돈이 있다.I have money for you.This sentence is useful for saying you have money using 있다.Tatoeba #6845331 by dalgarak, translation #2359963 by CK
- 저는 돈을 가지고 있어요I have money
- 그는 지식을 가지고 있어요He has knowledge
- 그녀는 집을 소유하고 있어요She has a house
- 우리 회사는 최신 기술을 보유하고 있어요Our company has the latest technology
- 그 친구는 차가 있다That friend has a car
- 나는 새로운 핸드폰을 가지고 있어I have a new cellphone
- 대한민국은 아름다운 자연 경관을 가지고 있어요South Korea has beautiful natural landscapes
- 선생님은 많은 지식을 보유하고 있어요The teacher has a lot of knowledge
- 저는 책을 가지고 있어요I have a book
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are talking about their belongings.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨는 특별한 취미를 가지다-나요?Jihun ssineun tteukbyeolhan chwimireul gajidana-yo?Jihun, do you have a special hobby?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 저는 희귀한 우표를 많이 가지다.ne, jeoneun huigwiran upyoreul mani gajida.Yes, I have many rare stamps.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋진 수집품을 가지다-시네요!jeongmal meotjin sujibpumeul gajidasi-neyo!You have a really cool collection!
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다. 서연 씨도 하나 가지다-실래요?gamsahamnida. Seoyeon ssido hana gajidasil-laeyo?Thank you. Would you like to have one too, Seoyeon?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “have” translations and entries 가지다, 있다, 있으시다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가지다, 있다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
