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A2 particle #1,500 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

에게서

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to identify the 'who' and 'where' in a sentence. '에게서' is a bit advanced for absolute beginners, who usually start with '에서' (from a place). However, at the end of A1, you learn '에게' (to a person). You might see '에게서' in simple sentences like '친구에게서 선물을 받아요' (I receive a gift from a friend). The key at this level is simply recognizing that when you see '에게서' attached to a person's name or a word like '친구' (friend) or '엄마' (mom), it means the thing you are talking about came FROM that person. You don't need to worry about the complex nuances yet; just focus on the basic 'Person + 에게서 = From Person' formula. It's often paired with the verb '받다' (to receive), which is one of the first verbs you learn. Think of it as the opposite of '에게' (to). If '에게' is an arrow pointing toward a person, '에게서' is an arrow pointing away from a person toward you.

At the A2 level, you should start using '에게서' actively to distinguish between receiving things from people versus receiving things from places. This is the level where you learn the difference between '학교에서' (from school) and '선생님에게서' (from the teacher). You will also learn the informal version '한테서'. At A2, you should be able to use '에게서' with a variety of verbs beyond just '받다' (receive), such as '빌리다' (borrow) and '듣다' (hear/listen). For example, '친구에게서 돈을 빌렸어요' (I borrowed money from a friend). You should also be aware that the '서' is sometimes optional in speech, but you should practice using the full form to ensure grammatical accuracy. This level also introduces the concept of animate vs. inanimate sources, which is a fundamental rule in Korean grammar. You'll start to notice '에게서' in short stories and basic dialogues about daily life, especially when people are talking about gifts, news, or borrowing items.

By B1, you are expected to use '에게서' fluently in both spoken and written contexts. You should understand the social difference between '에게서' (standard/formal) and '한테서' (casual). At this level, you begin to use '에게서' for more abstract concepts, not just physical objects. For instance, you might say you learned a specific behavior or a life lesson '에게서' someone. '부모님에게서 인내심을 배웠습니다' (I learned patience from my parents). You also start to encounter the honorific form '께로부터' and should know when to switch to it to show respect to elders or superiors. Your sentences will become more complex, perhaps using '에게서' in relative clauses: '친구에게서 받은 선물' (The gift I received from a friend). You should also be able to distinguish '에게서' from '(으)로부터', which you will start seeing more in formal texts. B1 learners should also be comfortable using '에게서' with animals, recognizing them as animate sources, such as '강아지에게서 냄새가 나요' (A smell is coming from the puppy).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of how '에게서' functions in formal writing, news reports, and literature. You will notice that '에게서' is used to describe qualities or 'vibes' emanating from a person. For example, '그에게서 진정성이 느껴진다' (Sincerity is felt from him). This level requires you to understand the stylistic choice of using '에게서' versus '에게' or '한테서' to create a specific tone. You will also encounter '에게서' in passive-like constructions or sentences focusing on the source's influence. You should be able to use it in professional settings, such as during business meetings or when writing formal emails ('클라이언트에게서 요청을 받았습니다'). Furthermore, you should be able to explain the grammatical structure to others, noting that it is a combination of the dative and locative particles. You'll also start to see '에게서' used in idiomatic expressions or more sophisticated literary descriptions where the 'source' is a metaphor for inspiration or emotional origin.

At the C1 level, your use of '에게서' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the deep historical and linguistic roots of the particle. You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning in academic papers or creative writing. For instance, you might use '에게서' to discuss the transmission of cultural heritage or the psychological origin of a trauma. You are also fully aware of the poetic uses of '에게서', where it might be applied to personified objects in literature. At this level, you can effortlessly navigate between '에게서', '한테서', '께로부터', and '(으)로부터' depending on the exact register and nuance required. You understand that '에게서' can sometimes be used to emphasize the separation or the distance from a source. Your comprehension of '에게서' extends to its role in complex grammatical structures where it might be followed by other particles or used in nested clauses. You can also identify when '에게서' is used ironically or for specific rhetorical effects in political speeches or debates.

At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of '에게서' that includes an awareness of its archaic forms and its role in various Korean dialects, though the standard form is universally used. You can analyze the use of '에게서' in classical modern literature and understand how authors use it to anchor the 'source of truth' or 'source of conflict' in a narrative. You are capable of discussing the linguistic evolution of source markers in the Korean language and comparing them with other Altaic or neighboring languages. In your own writing, you use '에게서' with absolute precision, choosing it over other particles to achieve a specific rhythmic or stylistic effect. You understand the psychological weight the particle carries in expressing the origin of human emotions and social connections. Whether you are translating complex legal documents or writing a philosophical essay, your use of '에게서' reflects a profound understanding of the Korean worldview, which places a high priority on the source and directionality of human interaction.

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에게서 is a Korean particle meaning 'from,' used exclusively with people and animals to indicate the source of an action or object.
It is the formal and standard version of the colloquial '한테서,' making it suitable for writing and polite conversation.
Commonly paired with verbs like '받다' (receive), '듣다' (hear), and '빌리다' (borrow), it clarifies the origin of the exchange.
It must not be confused with '에서,' which is used for places, or '에게,' which usually indicates the recipient ('to').

The Korean particle 에게서 is a postpositional marker that functions as the English preposition 'from,' specifically when the source of an action, information, or object is a person or an animate being. In the intricate web of Korean grammar, particles define the relationship between nouns and verbs, and 에게서 serves as the definitive indicator of an 'animate source.' Understanding this particle is crucial for expressing the flow of things—be it physical gifts, abstract ideas, or spoken news—from one individual to another. Unlike its counterpart '에서' (which denotes a physical location or organization), 에게서 anchors the origin point to a living entity, emphasizing the human connection in the exchange.

Grammatical Role: It acts as a source marker attached to nouns representing people or animals. It is the formal or standard version of the colloquial '한테서'.
Semantic Range: It covers receiving items, learning skills, hearing rumors, or even sensing smells or vibes emanating from a person.

나는 친구에게서 그 소식을 들었다.
I heard that news from a friend.

Historically, 에게서 is a compound of the dative particle '에게' (to/at) and the locative source marker '서' (from). This combination creates a specific directional flow starting from the person. While '에게' can sometimes imply 'from' in specific contexts with verbs like '받다' (to receive), adding '서' makes the directionality explicit and removes any ambiguity. This is particularly important in complex sentences where multiple participants are involved. In formal writing and standard speech, 에게서 is the preferred choice, whereas '한테서' dominates casual conversations among friends or family members.

The nuance of 에게서 also touches upon the concept of 'origin of influence.' It isn't just about physical movement. For example, if you learn a philosophy or a habit from a mentor, 에게서 is the bridge that connects the mentor's influence to your current state. It highlights the human origin of the trait. In literature, it is often used to describe the source of inspiration or the origin of a character's emotional state, such as '그에게서 느껴지는 슬픔' (the sadness felt from him).

어머니에게서 요리를 배웠어요.
I learned cooking from my mother.

Morphology: Noun + 에게서 (No space between the noun and the particle).

In summary, 에게서 is the linguistic marker of human-to-human transmission. It is the starting point of a vector that ends with the subject of the sentence. Whether it's a secret shared, a debt repaid, or a gift given, if the source is a person, 에게서 is your go-to tool for precision and clarity in Korean communication.

Using 에게서 correctly involves understanding the 'Source-Action-Recipient' dynamic. The particle is attached directly to the noun that represents the source. Unlike English, where 'from' can be used for both people ('from John') and places ('from London'), Korean demands a strict distinction. For people, you use 에게서; for places, you use 에서. This distinction is one of the first hurdles for A2 learners, but mastering it significantly improves your naturalness in the language.

Step 1: Identify the Source: Is the source a person or an animal? If yes, proceed with 에게서.
Step 2: Attachment: Attach it directly to the noun. There is no change based on whether the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant. (e.g., 가수에게서, 학생에게서).

선생님에게서 칭찬을 들으니 기분이 좋아요.
I feel good hearing praise from the teacher.

One of the most common verbs used with 에게서 is '받다' (to receive). However, it is equally common with verbs of perception like '듣다' (to hear), '배우다' (to learn), and '빌리다' (to borrow). In these cases, 에게서 clearly identifies the original owner or the speaker. It is important to note that in spoken Korean, the '서' is frequently dropped, leaving just '에게'. While '에게' usually means 'to', when paired with verbs like '받다', the context makes it clear that it means 'from'. However, as a learner, using the full '에게서' ensures you are never misunderstood and helps you sound more articulate.

Let's look at the contrast with '에서'. If you say '학교에서 편지를 받았어요', it implies the letter was sent by the school as an institution. If you say '선생님에게서 편지를 받았어요', it implies a personal letter from the teacher. This nuance allows Korean speakers to distinguish between institutional and personal interactions effortlessly. Furthermore, 에게서 can be used with animals. For example, '강아지에게서 냄새가 나요' (A smell is coming from the puppy). This reinforces the 'animate' rule of the particle.

그 사람에게서 빌린 책을 다 읽었어요.
I finished reading the book I borrowed from that person.

Common Verbs: 받다 (receive), 듣다 (hear), 배우다 (learn), 빌리다 (borrow), 뺏다 (take away from), 나다 (to emerge/smell).

Finally, consider the word order. Usually, the 'Source + 에게서' phrase comes before the object and the verb. '나는 (Subject) + 동생에게서 (Source) + 돈을 (Object) + 빌렸다 (Verb).' This logical flow helps the listener identify the origin of the money immediately. As you progress to B1 and B2 levels, you will see 에게서 used in more abstract ways, such as receiving inspiration from an artist or a feeling from a specific person's aura, but the fundamental 'from a person' rule remains the same.

You will encounter 에게서 in a variety of settings, ranging from everyday household conversations to formal news broadcasts. Its presence signals a transfer of information or goods. In a typical Korean household, you might hear a child telling their mother, '아빠에게서 용돈을 받았어요' (I got pocket money from Dad). Here, the particle clarifies the source of the money in a polite, standard way. Because Korean culture emphasizes the source and the hierarchy of relationships, being specific about who provided something is linguistically important.

Daily Life: Receiving gifts, borrowing items from friends, or explaining who told you a certain piece of gossip.
Media & News: Reporters often use it when citing sources: '정부 관계자에게서 확인한 바에 따르면...' (According to what was confirmed from a government official...).

누구에게서 그 이야기를 들었니?
From whom did you hear that story?

In K-Dramas and movies, 에게서 is often used in emotional climaxes. A character might say, '너에게서 멀어지고 싶지 않아' (I don't want to grow distant from you), where the 'from' implies a separation from the person's presence or influence. It is also used in romantic contexts, such as '그녀에게서 좋은 향기가 나요' (A nice scent comes from her). In these instances, the particle helps create a sense of intimacy or focus on the individual as the origin of a feeling or sensation.

In professional environments, 에게서 is used to denote the flow of tasks or feedback. A manager might say, '클라이언트에게서 피드백을 받았습니다' (I received feedback from the client). Using 에게서 here instead of 한테서 adds a layer of professional distance and politeness. It is also common in academic settings when discussing the origins of theories or learning from specific professors. For example, '우리는 이 교수님에게서 많은 것을 배웠습니다' (We learned a lot from this professor).

그 작가에게서 영감을 얻었습니다.
I gained inspiration from that author.

Literature: Used to describe abstract qualities emanating from characters, like '그에게서 뿜어져 나오는 카리스마' (The charisma radiating from him).

Finally, in religious or spiritual contexts, the source of a blessing or a teaching is often marked with 에게서 (or the honorific 께로부터). This highlights the sacred or respected origin of the message. By paying attention to this particle, you can quickly identify who is the 'giver' or 'sender' in any Korean narrative, making it a vital component of your listening comprehension toolkit.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 에게서 is confusing it with its destination counterpart, '에게'. While '에게' means 'to' (the recipient), '에게서' means 'from' (the source). Because they look so similar, students often swap them, leading to sentences that mean the exact opposite of what was intended. For example, '친구에게 선물을 받았어요' is technically okay because '받다' implies receiving, but '친구에게 선물을 주었어요' means 'I gave a gift TO a friend.' If you want to say 'I received a gift FROM a friend,' using 에게서 is the safest way to avoid confusion.

Mistake 1: Person vs. Place: Using 에게서 for places. Incorrect: '미국에게서 왔어요.' Correct: '미국에서 왔어요.' (I came from America).
Mistake 2: Confusing with '에게': Thinking 에게 always means 'from' because of the verb '받다'. Use 에게서 to be explicit about the source.

Wrong: 학교에게서 책을 빌렸어요.
Right: 학교에서 책을 빌렸어요.
You borrow from a place (school) using '에서'.

Another common error is failing to use the honorific form when necessary. Korean is a hierarchical language. If you are receiving something from your grandfather or a high-ranking official, using 에게서 can sound slightly rude or uneducated. In these cases, you should use '께로부터' or simply '께서' (though 께서 is usually a subject marker, it can sometimes function as a source marker in specific honorific contexts). For A2 learners, remembering to use '께' for 'to' and '께로부터' for 'from' when speaking to elders is a major step toward fluency.

Learners also struggle with the '서' deletion. While native speakers often drop the '서' in '에게서' and '한테서', learners should be careful. If you drop the '서' in '에게서', you are left with '에게'. If the verb is '주다' (to give), '에게' means 'to'. If the verb is '받다' (to receive), '에게' means 'from'. This reliance on the verb can be confusing. To stay clear, keep the '서' until you are very comfortable with the context. Also, avoid using 에게서 with inanimate objects like 'the wind' or 'the sun' unless you are personifying them in poetry.

Wrong: 바람에게서 시원한 공기가 와요.
Right: 바람에서 시원한 공기가 와요. (Or just '바람이 불어요')

Spelling Note: It is always '에게서', never '애게서'. The '에' is the correct vowel.

Lastly, don't confuse 에게서 with '의' (possessive). If you want to say 'my friend's letter,' it's '친구의 편지.' If you want to say 'a letter from my friend,' it's '친구에게서 온 편지.' The first describes ownership, the second describes the origin/delivery path. Distinguishing these two will help you construct much more complex and accurate Korean sentences.

Korean has several particles that translate to 'from,' and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the source and the level of formality. The most direct relative of 에게서 is 한테서. Both mean 'from a person,' but they differ in register. 에게서 is the standard, written, and formal form, while 한테서 is the colloquial, spoken form. In a textbook or a speech, use 에게서. When chatting with friends at a cafe, use 한테서.

한테서 (Hante-seo): Informal/Spoken. Used with friends, younger people, or those you are close to. '친구한테서 빌렸어' (I borrowed it from a friend).
에서 (E-seo): Used for places, organizations, or locations. '도서관에서 빌렸어' (I borrowed it from the library).

Comparison:
1. 동생에게서 (Formal/Written)
2. 동생한테서 (Informal/Spoken)
3. 할아버지께로부터 (Honorific)

Another important comparison is with 께로부터 (Kke-ro-bu-teo). This is the honorific version of 에게서. It is used when the source is someone you must show high respect to, such as a teacher, a boss, or an elder. While 에게서 is polite enough for most situations, 께로부터 adds an extra layer of formal reverence. In very formal religious texts or speeches, you might also see (으)로부터. This is a versatile 'from' that can be used for both people and things in highly formal, written, or poetic contexts.

It is also useful to contrast 에게서 with 에게. As mentioned before, 에게 is the dative particle ('to'). However, in the presence of 'receiving' verbs, 에게 can function as 'from'. This can be confusing. Think of 에게서 as the 'unambiguous from.' If you want to be 100% sure your listener knows you are talking about the source and not the recipient, always include the '서'. In contrast, '에서' can also mean 'at' or 'in' (location of action), which is a completely different function from 'from'.

회사에서 일해요. (At the company - Location)
회사에서 전화가 왔어요. (From the company - Source)

Key Distinction: 에게서 is exclusively for animate beings. You cannot use it for your house, your car, or your country.

Understanding these subtle differences allows you to navigate social hierarchies and contexts in Korea. By choosing 에게서 in a formal letter and 한테서 in a KakaoTalk message, you demonstrate a deep understanding of Korean social pragmatics, which is just as important as knowing the vocabulary itself.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Informell

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

친구에게서 선물을 받았어요.

I received a gift from a friend.

Basic use with '받다' (to receive).

엄마에게서 전화가 왔어요.

A phone call came from Mom.

Used to show the source of a call.

동생에게서 편지를 받았어요.

I received a letter from my younger sibling.

Common A1 noun '동생' with 에게서.

누구에게서 들었어요?

From whom did you hear it?

Interrogative '누구' (who) + 에게서.

선생님에게서 책을 빌려요.

I borrow a book from the teacher.

Use with '빌리다' (to borrow).

형에게서 돈을 받았어요.

I received money from my older brother.

Simple transaction between family members.

친구에게서 한국어를 배워요.

I learn Korean from a friend.

Use with '배우다' (to learn).

강아지에게서 냄새가 나요.

A smell is coming from the puppy.

Using 에게서 with an animal.

그 사람에게서 좋은 소식을 들었어요.

I heard good news from that person.

Standard A2 sentence structure.

언니에게서 옷을 빌렸어요.

I borrowed clothes from my older sister.

Borrowing items from a person.

아버지에게서 요리를 배웠습니다.

I learned cooking from my father.

Formal ending '-습니다' with 에게서.

의사 선생님에게서 설명을 들었어요.

I heard an explanation from the doctor.

Professional context.

옆집 사람에게서 사과를 받았어요.

I received apples from the neighbor.

Social interaction with neighbors.

누구에게서 그 소문을 들었니?

From whom did you hear that rumor?

Casual question ending '-니'.

고양이에게서 털이 많이 빠져요.

A lot of fur is falling from the cat.

Describing something coming from an animal.

친구에게서 빌린 카메라를 잃어버렸어요.

I lost the camera I borrowed from a friend.

Relative clause with 에게서.

선배에게서 대학 생활에 대해 조언을 구했어요.

I sought advice about university life from a senior.

Abstract noun '조언' (advice).

부모님에게서 독립하고 싶어요.

I want to become independent from my parents.

Using 'from' in the sense of separation.

그 작가에게서 깊은 인상을 받았습니다.

I received a deep impression from that author.

Abstract 'impression' as the object.

동료에게서 업무 노하우를 배웠어요.

I learned work know-how from a colleague.

Professional skill transfer.

낯선 사람에게서 전화가 와서 당황했어요.

I was flustered because a call came from a stranger.

Describing an emotional reaction to a source.

그녀에게서 풍기는 분위기가 아주 우아해요.

The atmosphere emanating from her is very elegant.

Describing an abstract 'atmosphere'.

아이들에게서 순수함을 배울 때가 많아요.

There are many times I learn innocence from children.

Learning abstract qualities.

그에게서 빌린 돈을 어제 다 갚았어요.

I paid back all the money I borrowed from him yesterday.

Completing a transaction cycle.

전문가에게서 자문을 받는 것이 좋겠습니다.

It would be good to receive a consultation from an expert.

Formal suggestion with '-겠-.

그 배우에게서 뿜어져 나오는 카리스마가 대단해요.

The charisma radiating from that actor is amazing.

Describing a powerful abstract quality.

스승님에게서 학문적 기초를 닦았습니다.

I built my academic foundation from my teacher.

Formal '스승님' and academic context.

그의 행동에게서 진심이 느껴지지 않아요.

I don't feel sincerity from his actions.

Abstract source (actions personified).

피해자에게서 진술을 확보하는 것이 시급합니다.

It is urgent to secure a statement from the victim.

Legal/Formal context.

그녀에게서 풍기는 향수 냄새가 너무 강해요.

The smell of perfume coming from her is too strong.

Describing sensory input from a person.

과거의 나에게서 벗어나고 싶어.

I want to break free from the 'me' of the past.

Philosophical/Abstract use.

상사에게서 꾸중을 들어서 기분이 안 좋아요.

I feel bad because I was scolded by my boss.

Social hierarchy context.

그 철학자에게서 비롯된 사상이 전 유럽으로 퍼졌다.

The ideology originating from that philosopher spread throughout Europe.

Historical/Academic context.

그에게서 느껴지는 서늘한 기운에 몸이 떨렸다.

My body shivered at the chilly vibe felt from him.

Literary description of atmosphere.

선구자들에게서 물려받은 정신을 계승해야 합니다.

We must inherit the spirit passed down from the pioneers.

Abstract cultural inheritance.

그 작가에게서 나타나는 독특한 문체는 모방하기 어렵다.

The unique writing style appearing from that author is hard to imitate.

Literary analysis.

부모에게서 자식으로 이어지는 유전적 특징.

Genetic traits that lead from parents to children.

Scientific/Formal context.

그 정치인에게서 어떠한 해결책도 기대할 수 없었다.

No solution could be expected from that politician.

Expressing lack of expectation.

그는 스승에게서 독립하여 자신만의 유파를 세웠다.

He became independent from his master and established his own school.

Historical/Social context.

그녀에게서 풍겨 나오는 고독의 냄새가 방 안을 채웠다.

The scent of loneliness emanating from her filled the room.

High-level poetic metaphor.

그 사상가에게서 발원한 담론은 현대 지성사의 흐름을 바꾸어 놓았다.

The discourse originating from that thinker changed the flow of modern intellectual history.

Extremely formal academic vocabulary.

피고인에게서 범행의 동기를 찾아내기가 쉽지 않았다.

It was not easy to find the motive for the crime from the defendant.

Legal/Investigative context.

그 예술가에게서 투영된 시대의 아픔이 작품 곳곳에 배어 있다.

The pain of the era projected from that artist is permeated throughout the works.

Artistic/Philosophical analysis.

인간에게서 신성을 발견하려는 시도는 끊임없이 계속되어 왔다.

Attempts to discover divinity from humans have continued incessantly.

Theological/Philosophical context.

그 지도자에게서 엿보이는 고뇌는 국가의 운명과 직결되어 있었다.

The agony glimpsed from that leader was directly linked to the fate of the nation.

Political/Historical narrative.

자연에게서 인격적 요소를 부여하는 것은 고대 신화의 특징이다.

Granting personal elements from nature is a characteristic of ancient myths.

Anthropological analysis.

그 학자에게서 전수받은 비법은 가문의 보물로 여겨졌다.

The secret method passed down from that scholar was considered a family treasure.

Traditional/Historical context.

타인에게서 위로를 찾기보다 스스로를 치유하는 법을 배워야 한다.

Rather than seeking comfort from others, one must learn to heal oneself.

Self-help/Philosophical advice.

Häufige Kollokationen

선물을 받다

소식을 듣다

돈을 빌리다

영감을 얻다

칭찬을 듣다

요리를 배우다

편지를 받다

전화가 오다

냄새가 나다

허락을 받다

Häufige Phrasen

누구에게서 들었어?

친구에게서 빌렸어요

부모님에게서 받았어요

선생님에게서 배웠어요

그에게서 소식이 없어요

너에게서 좋은 향기가 나

아이들에게서 배웁니다

상사에게서 혼났어요

의사에게서 들었어요

동생에게서 뺏었어요

Wird oft verwechselt mit

에게서 vs 에게

Means 'to' (recipient), while 에게서 means 'from' (source).

에게서 vs 에서

Used for places/organizations, while 에게서 is for people/animals.

에게서 vs 한테서

Same meaning, but 한테서 is informal/spoken.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

에게서 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

omission

The '서' is often omitted in casual speech but required in formal writing.

ambiguity

Using 에게서 instead of 에게 removes ambiguity about direction.

animate only

Cannot be used with '집' (house) or '학교' (school).

Häufige Fehler

Using 에게서 for places (e.g., '서울에게서 왔어요' instead of '서울에서 왔어요').
Confusing 에게서 (from) with 에게 (to).
Using 에게서 with inanimate objects like 'the wind' or 'the table'.
Forgetting to use '께로부터' when talking about elders or superiors.
Spelling it as '애게서' instead of '에게서'.

Tipps

The Animate Rule

Always check if the noun is alive. If it's a person or a pet, use 에게서. If it's a building or a country, use 에서. This is the most important rule for this particle.

Casual vs. Formal

In a job interview or a presentation, use 에게서. When talking to your Korean friends, switch to 한테서 to sound more natural and less like a textbook.

Don't Drop the '서'

While native speakers drop the '서' in speech, you should keep it in your writing. It makes your sentences clearer and shows you have a strong grasp of grammar.

Focus on the Verb

If you hear '에게' and you're not sure if it's 'to' or 'from', listen to the verb. If the verb is '받다' (receive), it's 'from'. If it's '주다' (give), it's 'to'.

Pair with '받다'

The most common pairing for 에게서 is the verb '받다'. Memorize the phrase '친구에게서 선물을 받다' as a single unit to help you remember the particle's function.

Respect the Source

Korean culture values the origin of things. Using the correct source particle (에게서 vs. 께로부터) shows you understand the social relationship between the giver and the receiver.

Abstract Sources

Don't be afraid to use 에게서 for abstract things like 'influence' or 'inspiration'. It's a great way to sound more advanced. '그에게서 영감을 얻었어요' (I got inspiration from him).

Avoid '의'

Don't use the possessive '의' when you mean 'from'. '친구의 선물' is 'friend's gift', but '친구에게서 온 선물' is 'a gift that came from a friend'. Be specific!

Clear Syllables

Make sure to pronounce the '서' clearly. If you mumble it, it might sound like '에게', which could change the meaning of your sentence entirely.

Arrow Visualization

Draw an arrow on your flashcard. For '에게', the arrow points to the person. For '에게서', the arrow starts at the person and points away. This visual cue works wonders.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

E-Ge-Seo: 'Everyone Gets Something' FROM someone.

Wortherkunft

A combination of the dative particle '에게' (to/at) and the locative source marker '서' (shortened from '에서').

Kultureller Kontext

When talking about gifts, identifying the source with 에게서 is a way of acknowledging the giver's kindness.

Always use '께로부터' for grandparents, teachers, or bosses.

에게서 is safer than 한테서 in formal settings like business or school.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"그 선물 누구에게서 받았어요?"

"한국어는 누구에게서 배웠나요?"

"그 소식 누구에게서 들었어?"

"이 책 누구에게서 빌린 거야?"

"부모님에게서 어떤 점을 닮았어요?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 친구에게서 받은 기분 좋은 말 한마디를 적어보세요.

내가 가장 존경하는 사람에게서 배우고 싶은 점은 무엇인가요?

최근에 누구에게서 선물을 받았나요? 무엇을 받았나요?

어린 시절 부모님에게서 배운 가장 중요한 교훈은?

누구에게서 빌린 물건을 아직 안 돌려줬나요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, for a company or organization, you should use '에서'. For example, '회사에서 연락이 왔어요' (A call came from the company). 에게서 is strictly for animate beings like people or animals.

Yes, they have the same meaning ('from a person'). However, 에게서 is formal and used in writing, while 한테서 is informal and used in daily conversation. If you are writing an exam or a formal letter, use 에게서.

In spoken Korean, the '서' is often dropped when the verb clearly implies receiving (like '받다'). However, this can be confusing for learners, so it's better to use the full '에게서' until you are fluent.

Yes! Animals are considered animate beings in Korean grammar. You can say '강아지에게서 냄새가 나요' (A smell is coming from the puppy).

The honorific version is '께로부터'. You should use this when the person you are receiving something from is someone of higher status, like a grandfather or a teacher.

No, 에게서 always indicates the source ('from'). '에게' (without the '서') usually means 'to', but can sometimes mean 'from' depending on the verb. 에게서 is never 'to'.

It is always '에게서' with the vowel 'ㅔ'. '애게서' is a common spelling mistake even for some native speakers in text messages, but it is grammatically incorrect.

(으)로부터 is very formal and often used in written documents, news, or when the source is abstract. 에게서 is the standard choice for general formal situations involving people.

No. '주다' means 'to give TO someone', so you would use '에게'. You use 에게서 with verbs like '받다' (to receive) or '듣다' (to hear).

You say '나에게서' (formal/standard) or '나한테서' (casual). If using honorifics for yourself (which is rare), you wouldn't use '께로부터' because you don't honor yourself.