이거 너를 위한 거야
igeo neoreul wihan geoya
The English phrase "this is for you" is translated in Korean as 이거 너를 위한 거야 (igeo neoreul wihan geoya).
This phrase is used when presenting a gift or an item to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 이거 is a contraction of 이것, which means "this thing".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you are giving a gift to someone of higher social status or an elder, you must replace 너 with their title or name and use a polite sentence ending, such as 이거 선생님을 위한 거예요.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural spoken Korean, rather than using the phrase "this is for you" which can sound slightly poetic or dramatic, people often say 이거 너 줄 거야, which means "I'm going to give this to you".
How do you pronounce it?
igeo neoreul wihan geoya
When do people say it?
When giving someone a gift, it is customary to use both hands and offer the item with a slight bow.
Did you know?
- In a business context, a gift is often handed over with the phrase 약소하지만, which literally means 'it is insignificant', regardless of the gift's actual value.
- While the phrase is used for gifts, Koreans may avoid the word 'gift' 선물 when giving something to a superior to avoid appearing like they are trying to bribe them or create a burden.
- Depending on the relationship, a person might omit the pronoun 너 (you) entirely, as Korean often drops the subject and object if it is obvious who is receiving the gift.
Examples in context
- 이것은 __님을 위해 준비한 것입니다.This is something I prepared for you, __.
- 이건 너에게 준비한 거야.This is something I prepared for you.
- 이건 오직 당신을 위해 준비했어요This is something I exclusively prepared for you.
Example conversation
Subin gives Minjun a small gift.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준, 이거 너를 위한 거야.Minjun, igeo neoreul wihan geoya.Minjun, this is for you.
- 민준 Min-jun와, 정말? 고마워 수빈아!wa, jeongmal? gomawo Subina!Wow, really? Thanks, Subin!
- 수빈 Su-bin열어봐. 마음에 들었으면 좋겠어.yeoreobwa. maeume deureosseumyeon jokesseo.Open it. I hope you like it.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 예쁘다! 고마워.jeongmal yeppeuda! gomawo.It's really pretty! Thank you.
