En 15 secondes
- Literally means 'to give a book'.
- Use '주다' for friends and '드리다' for elders.
- Common for gifts, loans, or sharing knowledge.
Signification
This phrase simply means giving a book to someone. It’s used when you hand over a physical book as a gift, a loan, or just to share a good read.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving a birthday present to a friend
생일이라서 친구에게 책을 줬어요.
It was their birthday, so I gave my friend a book.
Giving a book to a teacher
선생님께 책을 드렸습니다.
I gave a book to the teacher.
Texting a friend about a loan
내일 그 책 줄게!
I'll give you that book tomorrow!
Contexte culturel
Giving with two hands is essential for respect. Books are universally seen as thoughtful gifts.
Use two hands
When giving a book to an elder, use both hands to show respect.
En 15 secondes
- Literally means 'to give a book'.
- Use '주다' for friends and '드리다' for elders.
- Common for gifts, loans, or sharing knowledge.
What It Means
책을 주다 is a very straightforward phrase. It combines 책 (book) and 주다 (to give). You use it when you are physically handing a book to another person. It covers everything from giving a birthday gift to returning a borrowed novel. It is one of the first collocations you learn in Korean. It is simple, clear, and very useful.
How To Use It
To use this, put the person receiving the book first. Add the particle 에게 or 한테 to that person. Then add 책을 주다. For example, 친구에게 책을 줘요 means "I give a book to a friend." In casual speech, you can drop the 을 particle. Just say 책 줘 if you are telling a friend to give you the book. Don't forget to conjugate 주다 based on the tense and politeness level.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at a bookstore with a friend. Use it when you are cleaning your room and find a book for your sibling. It is perfect for birthdays or graduation gifts. You can also use it when you are lending a book. If you are at a cafe and finished a thriller, tell your friend 이 책 줄게 (I'll give you this book). It sounds warm and generous.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 주다 if you are giving the book to a teacher. Do not use it for your boss or your grandparents. In those cases, you must use the honorific verb 드리다. Saying 주다 to an elder can sound a bit rude. Also, if you are specifically talking about a gift, 선물하다 might sound more special. 주다 is very functional and plain. It’s like saying "hand over" rather than "presenting."
Cultural Background
Koreans have a deep respect for books and education. Gifting a book is seen as a very thoughtful gesture. It implies you value the recipient's intellect. In the past, giving a book was a way to share wisdom. Even today, "Book Certificates" (도서상품권) are incredibly popular gifts for students. If someone gives you a book in Korea, they likely think highly of you. Just try not to give a dictionary—it's a bit heavy for a light chat!
Common Variations
If you want to sound more specific, try 책을 선물하다 (to gift a book). If you are lending it, use 책을 빌려주다. If you are returning a book, use 책을 돌려주다. For elders, always use 책을 드리다. If you want to say "Please give me the book," use 책 좀 주세요. Adding 좀 makes it sound much softer and more natural.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but requires proper conjugation. Always remember to use '드리다' when the recipient is someone you need to show respect to.
Use two hands
When giving a book to an elder, use both hands to show respect.
Exemples
6생일이라서 친구에게 책을 줬어요.
It was their birthday, so I gave my friend a book.
A standard use of the phrase in a past tense context.
선생님께 책을 드렸습니다.
I gave a book to the teacher.
Uses the honorific '드리다' instead of '주다' for respect.
내일 그 책 줄게!
I'll give you that book tomorrow!
Casual '반말' (informal speech) used between close friends.
동생한테 만화책을 줬어.
I gave the comic book to my younger sibling.
Uses '한테' which is common in spoken Korean.
이 두꺼운 책을 나한테 준다고?
You're giving me this thick book?
Expressing surprise at the size/weight of the book.
내가 제일 아끼는 책을 너에게 줄게.
I will give you my most cherished book.
Shows a deep emotional connection through the act of giving.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
친구에게 생일 선물로 책을 ____.
'주었다' means gave, which fits the context of a gift.
🎉 Score : /1
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Giving a Book'
To friends or younger siblings.
책 줘 (Give me the book)
To acquaintances or colleagues.
책을 줘요 (I give the book)
To teachers, bosses, or elders.
책을 드려요 (I give the book [honorific])
When to say '책을 주다'
Birthday Party
Giving a novel as a gift.
Library/School
Returning a book to a friend.
Cleaning House
Giving away old books to a neighbor.
Cafe Study
Lending a textbook to a classmate.
Banque d exercices
1 exercices친구에게 생일 선물로 책을 ____.
'주었다' means gave, which fits the context of a gift.
🎉 Score : /1
Questions fréquentes
1 questionsYes, it is becoming common for e-books too.
Expressions liées
책을 빌리다
contrastTo borrow a book
책을 읽다
similarTo read a book
