elementary · freeInteractive lesson
주다 vs 드리다
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주다 is the default “give”: 선물을 줬어요.
드리다 is humble “give” toward a respected person: 선생님께 드렸어요.
Pair 드리다 with 께 in careful honorific speech, not only casual 한테.
Related: 주시다 is honorific “someone respected gives (to me/us).”
Examples
친구한테 선물을 줬어요.
I gave a friend a gift.
할머니께 선물을 드렸어요.
I gave grandma a gift. (humble)
사장님께서 선물을 주셨어요.
The boss gave a gift. (honorific subject)
Common mistakes
- 선생님한테 줬어요 in a formal workplace intro.
- Using 드리다 about giving to a close younger friend (over-honorific).
Related
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