Learning how to say “to give” in Korean is a valuable skill, as it allows you to express your desire to give or offer something to someone. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways to convey this action in Korean. We will also provide regional variations if necessary, while focusing on essential tips and examples to help you master this key vocabulary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
In formal situations like business settings, professional encounters, or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority, it is crucial to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some formal ways to express “to give” in Korean:
1. 주다 (Juda)
주다 is the standard verb used to express “to give” in formal Korean. It can be used in various situations and with different levels of politeness.
Example:
– 선생님이 책을 저에게 주셨어요. (Seonsaeng-nim-i chaek-eul jeo-ege jusyeosseoyo.)
(The teacher gave me a book.)
2. 드리다 (Deurida)
드리다 is a more polite and formal way to say “to give” in Korean. It is often used when speaking to someone of higher status or showing respect.
Example:
– 사장님이 선물을 저에게 드렸어요. (Sajang-nim-i seonmul-eul jeo-ege deuryeosseoyo.)
(The CEO gave me a present.)
Informal Ways
Informal situations such as speaking with friends, peers, or those younger demand a different level of language. Let’s explore some informal ways to express “to give” in Korean:
1. 주다 (Juda)
주다 is also commonly used in casual conversations. However, the conjugation and speech level differ in informal contexts.
Example:
– 친구가 선물을 나에게 줬어. (Chingu-ga seonmul-eul na-ege jwosseo.)
(My friend gave me a present.)
2. 주다 (Jwohae)
주다 can be further shortened to jwohae in colloquial Korean. It is frequently used in casual, everyday conversations among friends.
Example:
– 형이 돈을 나한테 줘. (Hyeong-i doneul nahan-te jwo.)
(Brother, give me the money.)
Tips for Usage
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “to give,” here are some useful tips to help you use the term correctly:
i. Pay attention to politeness levels:
When speaking Korean, it is essential to consider the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and the person you are addressing. Using the wrong level of politeness can be considered disrespectful or rude.
ii. Understand sentence structure:
Learn the basic sentence structure in Korean to ensure you can properly incorporate “to give” in your sentences. The general structure in Korean is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV).
iii. Familiarize yourself with verb endings:
Verbs in Korean change endings depending on the speech level, politeness, and honorifics. Understand how verb endings change to properly conjugate “give” based on the formality.
iv. Practice with various contexts:
Improve your understanding and usage of “to give” by practicing in different contexts. Engage in conversations, read Korean texts, and listen to native speakers to strengthen your skills.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “to give” in Korean is essential for effective communication. Understanding the formal and informal ways to express this action is crucial in adapting to various situations. By following the tips provided and practicing with examples, you will enhance your Korean language skills and communicate more confidently.
