주다 vs 드리다
Practice hookCompare + self-checkRead the contrast, then take the on-page quiz.Open →Explanation
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).”
This page focuses on “주다 vs 드리다.” Read for meaning first, then re-read looking only at formality and particle choice — those two details decide whether you sound natural.
After the explanation, study the worked examples and the common mistakes. Then take the one-question check so you know you did not only skim.
Connect this page to nearby Chamelingo lessons and tools. Isolated tips do not stick; a graph of vocabulary + grammar + speaking does. Use the related links at the bottom to keep walking the graph.
When you can explain “주다 vs 드리다” in one plain English sentence and produce one new Korean example without looking, you are ready to move on — then review again within 24 hours.
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).
How to practice
- Level: elementary–friendly explanation; still re-check formality with a native conversation partner when stakes are high.
- Say every example out loud, then change one slot (place, time, or person) to force production — not only recognition.
- After reading, open Chamelingo and recycle the same pattern in a lesson or speaking practice so it enters long-term memory.
Check yourself
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