가지다
gajida[ka̠d͡ʑida̠]
The Korean phrase for 'take' is 가지다 (gajida).
The phrase 가지다 is used to describe coming into possession of something or the act of having it.
Which one should you use?
While 가지다 is the standard dictionary form meaning to possess or have, in spoken Korean it is often replaced by the contracted form 갖다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 가진 is the adjectival form used to modify a noun, meaning 'having' or 'possessed'. For polite present tense, use 가져요 and for the polite past tense, use 가졌어요.
How do you pronounce it?
gajida
Did you know?
- While 가지다 describes possession, Koreans often use the word 있다 ('to exist') to say they 'have' something, such as money or a sibling.
- The word 가지다 may have historical roots in the Manchu language, specifically the word ᡤᠠᠵᡳᠮᠪᡳ which means 'to bring'.
- Because 가지다 implies ownership, saying 'take this' using this verb can sometimes sound like you are telling someone to 'own this' forever.
Examples in context
- 회의실에 문서를 가져가세요.Please take the documents to the meeting room.
- 식당에서 음식을 포장해서 가져갔어요.I took the food from the restaurant to-go.
- 집에 숙제를 가지고 왔어.I brought homework with me.
- 오늘 점심에는 치킨을 가지고 올게.I'll bring chicken for lunch today.
- 커피 한 잔 먹을래?Do you want to have a cup of coffee?
- 과자 좀 먹어도 돼?Can I take/have some snacks?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 가지다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가지다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
