수여하다

The Korean verb 수여하다 (suyeohada) is a formal term that translates primarily to 'to confer,' 'to award,' or 'to grant.' It is derived from the Hanja roots 授 (수), meaning 'to give' or 'to hand over,' and 與 (여), also meaning 'to give' or 'to participate.' Unlike the common verb '주다' (to give), which can be used in almost any context, 수여하다 is strictly reserved for official, ceremonial, or institutional settings where an authority figure or organization bestows a significant honor upon a recipient. This distinction is crucial for learners reaching the B1 level and beyond, as using the wrong verb for 'giving' can significantly alter the tone of a sentence from professional to overly casual or vice versa.

Formal Context

This word is the standard choice for graduation ceremonies, award galas, and government appointments. It implies a hierarchy where the giver has the authority to recognize the recipient's merit.

In a broader sense, 수여하다 carries a weight of legitimacy. When a degree is 'given' using this verb, it isn't just a physical exchange of paper; it is the legal and academic act of granting a status that the recipient has earned. You will see this word in news headlines regarding Nobel Prizes, Olympic medals, and military honors. It is almost never used in personal relationships unless one is being intentionally humorous or overly dramatic about a simple gift.

Grammatical Nuance

It typically takes the pattern [Subject]이/가 [Recipient]에게 [Object]를 수여하다. The object is almost always a noun representing an honor, like 상 (award), 학위 (degree), or 증서 (certificate).

Furthermore, the passive form 수여되다 is frequently used when the focus is on the award itself rather than the person giving it. For example, 'The prize was awarded to...' would be '상이 ...에게 수여되었다.' This is common in formal reporting and journalism. Understanding this verb allows a speaker to navigate the complex social hierarchies inherent in the Korean language, particularly in professional environments.

Etymological Connection

The Hanja '授' also appears in '교수' (professor - one who gives teaching) and '전수' (transmission of skills). This highlights that '수여' is about a high-level transfer of value or knowledge.

In summary, 수여하다 is a pillar of formal Korean vocabulary. It encapsulates the respect, authority, and official recognition that characterize Korean institutional life. By mastering this word, learners can accurately describe ceremonies and professional achievements with the appropriate level of gravitas.

Using 수여하다 correctly involves understanding its specific syntactic requirements and the types of nouns it typically pairs with. As a transitive verb, it requires an object—specifically an object that represents an honor, a title, or a formal document. Because of its high formality, it is almost always paired with the honorific suffix '-시-' when the subject is a person of high status, such as a president, a principal, or a high-ranking official.

Sentence Structure

[Subject/Giver]이/가 [Recipient]에게 [Honor/Award]를 수여하다. Example: '교장 선생님이 학생에게 상장을 수여하셨다.'

One of the most common mistakes is using 수여하다 with mundane objects. You cannot '수여하다' a cup of coffee or a pencil. The object must be something that confers status. Common objects include: 학위 (degree), 상장 (certificate of merit), 훈장 (medal/order), 장학금 (scholarship), and 임명장 (letter of appointment). When these objects are involved, the verb '주다' feels too simple and lacks the necessary respect for the occasion.

Active vs. Passive

Use '수여하다' for the giver and '수여받다' (to receive an award/be conferred) for the recipient. Alternatively, '수여되다' is used when the award itself is the subject of the sentence.

In formal speeches, you will often hear the phrase '...를 수여하겠습니다' (I will now confer/award...). This is a standard formulaic expression used by masters of ceremonies (MCs) to signal the start of the awarding portion of an event. It creates a sense of anticipation and solemnity. If you are ever tasked with hosting a formal Korean event, this is a key phrase to memorize.

Another advanced usage involves the granting of rights or authority. While less common than physical awards, a legal body can '수여하다' certain rights to a citizen or an organization. This usage highlights the 'granting' aspect of the verb. In these cases, it functions similarly to '부여하다' (to grant/assign), but 수여하다 retains a stronger sense of a formal 'gift' or 'handing over' of that right.

Common Collocations

학위를 수여하다, 상을 수여하다, 장학금을 수여하다, 훈장을 수여하다, 증서를 수여하다.

When writing formal letters or reports, using 수여하다 demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence. It shows that the writer understands the gravity of the action being described. In academic papers, specifically those discussing history or social structures, this verb is indispensable for describing how titles and honors were distributed among the elite or the deserving.

You are most likely to encounter 수여하다 in formal auditory environments. It is not a word you will typically hear in a casual conversation at a coffee shop or in a supermarket. Instead, it is the language of the 'official' world. One of the most common places is during the annual graduation season in Korea (usually February). As thousands of students gather in auditoriums, the master of ceremonies will repeatedly use this word as degrees are handed out.

News Broadcasts

News anchors use this word when reporting on international awards (like the Oscars or the Nobel Prize) or national honors bestowed by the Blue House (the Korean presidential residence).

In television dramas (K-Dramas), specifically those set in corporate environments, schools, or historical periods (Sa-geuk), 수여하다 is used to emphasize the power dynamics. When a CEO awards a prize to a subordinate, or a King grants a title to a scholar, the use of this verb reinforces their authority. It sets a serious, respectful tone that '주다' simply cannot achieve. Listening for this word can help you identify when a scene is moving into a formal or pivotal moment.

Documentary Narrations

Narrators use this word when discussing historical achievements or the legacy of famous figures who received various honors during their lifetimes.

In the corporate world, during 'End of Year' (송년회) parties or company anniversaries, the HR department or the CEO will use this verb. Even if the atmosphere is somewhat festive, the act of giving a 'Long Service Award' (근속상) or 'Performance Award' (성과상) is treated with professional dignity. Hearing '수여하다' in these contexts signals that the company values the contribution being recognized.

Lastly, you will hear it in academic lectures. When a professor discusses the history of law or education, they might describe how certain institutions were 'granted' the right to 'confer' degrees. In this high-level academic discourse, 수여하다 is the precise term required to describe the legal delegation of authority. It is a word that signifies you are listening to something official, important, and structured.

Public Announcements

In stadiums or concert halls, when a winner is announced, the speaker will often use '수여' when inviting the presenter to the stage.

Because 수여하다 translates to 'to give' or 'to award,' many learners mistakenly use it as a direct synonym for '주다'. However, the biggest mistake is using it in informal or casual contexts. If you tell a friend, '내가 너에게 선물을 수여할게' (I will confer a gift upon you), it sounds incredibly strange, like you are pretending to be a king or a university president. Unless you are joking, this usage is incorrect.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Object

Using '수여하다' with everyday objects like food, money (unless it's a formal grant), or personal items. You give (주다) a snack; you confer (수여하다) a degree.

Another frequent error is confusing 수여하다 with 수여받다 or 수상하다. Remember that '수여하다' is the action of the person *giving* the award. If you are the person *getting* the award, you should use '수여받다' (to be awarded) or '수상하다' (to win an award). Saying '내가 상을 수여했다' when you actually won it implies that you were the one handing out the trophies, not the one receiving one.

Mistake 2: Confusing Giver and Receiver

'수여하다' (Active - Giver) vs. '수여받다' (Passive - Receiver). Do not say 'I conferred the prize' if you mean 'I received the prize.'

Furthermore, learners often confuse '수여하다' with '수리하다' (to repair or to accept a document) or '수행하다' (to carry out/perform). While they all start with '수', they have vastly different meanings. '수여' is specifically about the 'giving' (여/與) of an honor. Double-check the Hanja roots if you are unsure; '與' means to give or share, which is the key to this word's meaning.

Mistake 3: Lack of Honorifics

Since the subject of '수여하다' is usually someone of high status, failing to use '-시-' (수여하셨다) can sound disrespectful in formal writing or speech.

Finally, don't use '수여하다' for things that are earned through simple exchange or labor. For example, you don't 'confer' a salary (월급). You 'pay' (지급하다) or 'receive' (받다) it. '수여하다' must involve a sense of honor or recognition that goes beyond a mere financial transaction. If the 'giving' is purely transactional, '수여하다' is the wrong choice.

To truly master 수여하다, you must know how it compares to other verbs that mean 'to give' or 'to award.' Korean has a rich variety of 'giving' verbs, each tailored to specific social contexts and levels of formality. Choosing the right one is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.

수여하다 vs. 주다

'주다' is the general, multi-purpose verb for 'to give.' '수여하다' is its highly formal, ceremonial counterpart used for honors and degrees.

수여하다 vs. 시상하다

'시상하다' (施賞--) is specifically for 'giving a prize' (상). While '수여하다' can be used for prizes, it is also used for degrees and certificates. '시상하다' is more common in the context of competitions and film festivals.

Another similar word is 부여하다 (附與--). While it also means 'to grant' or 'to bestow,' it is typically used for abstract things like meaning, rights, tasks, or authority. You '부여' meaning to a life or '부여' authority to a leader. You '수여' a physical object that represents an honor, like a diploma or a medal. Use '부여하다' for the invisible and '수여하다' for the visible symbols of honor.

수여하다 vs. 부여하다

'수여하다' is for tangible honors (medals, degrees). '부여하다' is for intangible things (meaning, authority, rights).

There is also 증정하다 (贈呈--). This verb means 'to present' or 'to give as a gift,' often in a formal but non-ceremonial way. For example, a department store might '증정' a free gift to a customer, or an author might '증정' a signed book to a fan. It is formal, but it doesn't carry the same weight of 'earned merit' or 'institutional authority' that 수여하다 does.

수여하다 vs. 증정하다

'수여하다' is for earned honors. '증정하다' is for formal gifts or presentations (like a commemorative plaque or a promotional item).

Finally, consider 하사하다 (下賜--). This is a historical term used when a superior (usually a King or Emperor) 'grants' or 'bestows' something to a subordinate. While you will see this in historical dramas, using it in modern life would sound extremely arrogant, as it implies you are royalty and the recipient is your subject. Stick to 수여하다 for modern formal settings.