What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 이거 (this) and 받으세요 (the polite imperative form of 'to receive').
Which one should you use?
이것을 가져가세요 means "take this" in a formal way. The phrase 이걸 가져다 드리겠습니다 means "I will take and offer this to you." and conveys a high level of respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
이거 받으세요 is the polite imperative form, which is appropriate when handing something to a stranger, a customer or someone older. For a softer and more natural sound in polite social interactions, you can say 이것 좀 받으세요 by adding 좀 (a little/please). In informal settings, such as with friends or people younger than you, you can use 이거 받아 or 이거 가져.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 받으세요 is the polite imperative form. You may use 이것 (this) or its contraction 이거. The term 가져가세요 is the formal imperative form of 'take', while 가져 is a casual imperative form of 'take'.
How do you pronounce it?
igeo badeuseyo
Did you know?
- If you use the verb 가져가다 (to take/carry away) instead of 받다 (to receive) when handing someone a gift, it can sound like you are telling them to 'go away with this' rather than offering it.
- In Korean, the polite command for 'take this' is actually framed as the command to 'receive this', shifting the linguistic focus from your action of giving to their action of receiving.
- When saying 이거 받으세요, it is customary to offer the object with both hands or to support your right forearm with your left hand to show respect.
Examples in context
- 이거 받으세요.igeo badeuseyo.Take this.
- 선물이에요, 이거 받으세요.seonmulieyo, igeo badeuseyo.It's a gift, please take this.
- 여기 있어요, 이거 받으세요.yeogi isseoyo, igeo badeuseyo.Here it is, take this.
Example conversation
Subin gives a small gift to Dohyun at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 이거 받으세요.Dohyun-ssi, igeo badeuseyo.Dohyun, please take this.
- 도현 Do-hyeon어, 뭐예요?eo, mwoyeyo?Oh, what is it?
- 수빈 Su-bin작은 선물이에요.jageun seonmulieyo.It's a small gift.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 고마워요, 수빈 씨.jeongmal gomawoyo, Subin-ssi.Thank you so much, Subin.
