Humble Verbs: Giving to Superiors (드리다)
드리다 to lower yourself when giving to superiors; use 주시다 when superiors give to you.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '드리다' instead of '주다' when giving something to someone of higher status to show respect.
- Replace '주다' (to give) with '드리다' (to give humbly) when the recipient is a superior.
- Attach '드리다' to the stem of the main verb using '-아/어/여 드리다' for 'doing a favor for someone'.
- Always use formal endings like '-습니다' or '-요' when using '드리다' to maintain the humble tone.
Overview
Korean society places significant emphasis on honorifics (높임말, nop-im-mal), a sophisticated system of linguistic markers that meticulously reflect the social hierarchy and respect between speakers. At its core, this system acknowledges relative age, status, and social standing. Failing to use appropriate honorifics can lead to significant misunderstandings, or even offense, as it signals a disregard for established social norms.
The verb 드리다 (deu-ri-da), meaning "to give" or "to do for," is a cornerstone of this system, functioning as the humble form (겸양어, gyeom-yang-eo) of 주다 (ju-da, "to give").
Unlike 주다, which implies an equal or superior-to-inferior relationship from the giver's perspective, 드리다 is specifically employed when you, the speaker, are of lower social standing than the person receiving the action or object. It's a verbal act of lowering oneself to elevate the other, thereby demonstrating profound respect and humility. This isn't merely about politeness; it's an ingrained linguistic mechanism that shapes how social interactions are performed and perceived in Korean.
Understanding 드리다 is thus crucial for navigating respectful communication.
The use of 드리다 extends beyond simply handing over a physical item. It encompasses performing a service, offering assistance, or conveying information to someone deserving of honor. This grammatical feature underscores a fundamental aspect of Korean etiquette: the giver's modesty and deference are as important as the act of giving itself.
Mastering 드리다 signifies not just grammatical proficiency but also a deep appreciation for Korean cultural nuances in interaction.
How This Grammar Works
드리다 operates as a humble verb, explicitly lowering the speaker's status in relation to the recipient of the action. Its primary function is to express respect towards the person receiving something or benefiting from an action you perform. This is distinct from honorifics that elevate the subject of a sentence.드리다, the elevation is directed at the object or indirect object of the verb, or the beneficiary of the helper verb construction.드리다 in two principal constructions, each serving to convey humility and respect:- 1As a Main Verb: When you are directly giving an object to a superior. In this usage,
드리다replaces the standard verb주다. The structure emphasizes your deference as the giver. For instance,선물을 드리다(seon-mul-eul deu-ri-da) means "to give a gift" specifically to someone of higher status. This form is fundamental for expressing a respectful act of giving.
할머니께 책을 드렸어요.(hal-meo-ni-kke chaek-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I gave a book to my grandmother.교수님께 보고서를 드립니다.(gyo-su-nim-kke bo-go-seo-reul deu-rim-ni-da.) - I am submitting the report to the professor.
- 1As a Helper Verb (보조동사, bo-jo-dong-sa): When you perform an action for a superior. This construction attaches
드리다to the stem of another verb, signifying that you are humbly performing that action for the benefit of someone else. It's often translated as "to do [verb] for someone (respectfully)." The core verb describes the action, while드리다adds the layer of humility towards the beneficiary. For example,도와 드리다(do-wa deu-ri-da) means "to help" a respected person.
제가 도와 드릴게요.(je-ga do-wa deu-ril-ge-yo.) - I will help you (respectfully).어머님께 음식을 만들어 드렸어요.(eo-meo-nim-kke eum-sik-eul man-deu-reo deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I made food for my mother (respectfully).
드리다 from honorifics like 주시다 (ju-si-da), which elevates the subject who is giving to you. 드리다 focuses on the recipient's status, not the giver's.께 (kke) instead of 에게 (e-ge) or 한테 (han-te) for the recipient, further amplifying the respectful tone.Formation Pattern
드리다 is straightforward once you understand its two main roles: as a standalone verb and as an auxiliary (helper) verb. Always remember that 드리다 itself must be conjugated according to the desired politeness level and tense, just like any other verb.
주다 when the recipient is a superior.
[Recipient (Noun) + 께] + [Object (Noun) + 을/를] + 드리다
께 (kke): The honorific equivalent of the dative particles 에게 or 한테, used exclusively for recipients of high status.
을/를 (eul/reul): Object particles, attached to the object being given.
드리다 in common politeness levels:
주다 -> 드리다) | Translation |
합니다체, ham-ni-da-che) | Verb stem + -(으)ㅂ니다 | 드립니다 (deu-rim-ni-da) | I give (respectfully, formal) |
해요체, hae-yo-che) | Verb stem + 아/어요 | 드려요 (deu-ryeo-yo) | I give (respectfully, polite) |
했어요체, hae-sseo-yo-che) | Verb stem + 았/었어요 | 드렸어요 (deu-ryeo-sseo-yo) | I gave (respectfully, polite, past) |
-(으)ㄹ게요 / -(으)겠습니다 | 드릴게요 (deu-ril-ge-yo) / 드리겠습니다 | I will give (respectfully, polite/formal)|
하세요체, ha-se-yo-che) | Verb stem + -(으)세요 | 드리세요 (deu-ri-se-yo) | Please give (respectfully to another superior to give to third superior) Note: Rarely used for self. If you are giving, you use 드리겠습니다. |
사모님께 선물을 드렸습니다. (sa-mo-nim-kke seon-mul-eul deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I gave a gift to my madam (wife of a respected person).
부장님께 서류를 드려요. (bu-jang-nim-kke seo-ryu-reul deu-ryeo-yo.) - I am giving the documents to the department head.
손님께 물을 드릴까요? (son-nim-kke mul-eul deu-ril-kka-yo?) - Shall I give the customer some water?
드리다 with another verb's stem to add the nuance of humility when performing an action for a superior.
[Verb Stem + 아/어/여] + 드리다
아/어/여 connector functions similarly to its use in forming the polite present tense (해요체) or linking consecutive actions.
ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아. (e.g., 찾다 (chat-da, to find) -> 찾아 드리다 (cha-ja deu-ri-da))
어. (e.g., 읽다 (ilk-da, to read) -> 읽어 드리다 (il-geo deu-ri-da))
하, use 여 (which contracts to 해). (e.g., 공부하다 (gong-bu-ha-da, to study) -> 공부해 드리다 (gong-bu-hae deu-ri-da))
드리다 then follows these combined stems.
ㅏ/ㅗ vowel | 찾다 (to find) | 찾- | 아 | 찾아 드리다 (cha-ja deu-ri-da) | To find (for a superior) |
읽다 (to read) | 읽- | 어 | 읽어 드리다 (il-geo deu-ri-da) | To read (for a superior) |
하다 verbs | 연락하다 (to contact) | 연락하- | 여 (해) | 연락해 드리다 (yeon-lak-ae deu-ri-da) | To contact (for a superior) |
ㅂ (e.g., 돕다) | 돕다 (to help) | 돕- | 아 (와) | 도와 드리다 (do-wa deu-ri-da) | To help (for a superior) |
어머니께 옷을 다려 드렸습니다. (eo-meo-ni-kke ot-eul dal-yeo deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I ironed clothes for my mother.
선생님, 제가 짐을 들어 드릴게요. (seon-saeng-nim, je-ga jim-eul deul-eo deu-ril-ge-yo.) - Teacher, I will carry your luggage for you.
손님, 메뉴를 읽어 드릴까요? (son-nim, me-nyu-reul il-geo deu-ril-kka-yo?) - Customer, shall I read the menu for you?
When To Use It
드리다 is essential in situations where you, the speaker, are performing an action for or giving something to an individual whom Korean social conventions deem of higher status. This recognition of hierarchy is paramount. The fundamental principle is always to show respect towards the recipient by humbling yourself.드리다:- Family Elders: When interacting with parents (
부모님, bu-mo-nim), grandparents (조부모님, jo-bu-mo-nim), aunts (이모/고모, i-mo/go-mo), uncles (삼촌/외삼촌, sam-chon/oe-sam-chon), or any older family member,드리다is the appropriate choice. This demonstrates filial piety and respect within the family structure. 부모님께 용돈을 드렸어요.(bu-mo-nim-kke yong-tton-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I gave my parents pocket money.할아버지께 뉴스를 읽어 드렸습니다.(ha-ra-beo-ji-kke nyu-seu-reul il-geo deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I read the news to my grandfather.
- Professional Superiors: In academic or professional settings,
드리다is indispensable when addressing bosses (상사, sang-sa), professors (교수님, gyo-su-nim), teachers (선생님, seon-saeng-nim), senior colleagues (선배님, seon-bae-nim), or any individual holding a position of authority over you. Its use reinforces your acknowledgment of their seniority and your professional deference. 팀장님께 보고서를 제출해 드렸어요.(tim-jang-nim-kke bo-go-seo-reul je-chul-ae deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I submitted the report to the team leader.사장님께 제안서를 설명해 드려도 될까요?(sa-jang-nim-kke je-an-seo-reul seol-myeong-hae deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?) - May I explain the proposal to the CEO?
- Customers and Clients: In service industries,
드리다is a standard and expected form of polite communication. Addressing customers (손님, son-nim), clients (고객님, go-gaek-nim), or patients (환자분, hwan-ja-bun) with드리다projects professionalism, attentiveness, and a humble service attitude. This is vital for customer satisfaction and maintaining a positive business image. 손님께 음료를 가져다 드릴게요.(son-nim-kke eum-nyo-reul ga-jeo-da deu-ril-ge-yo.) - I will bring the customer a drink.어르신께 자리를 양보해 드렸습니다.(eo-reu-sin-kke ja-ri-reul yang-bo-hae deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I gave up my seat for the elder.
- Strangers or Formal Interactions: When speaking to individuals you don't know well, particularly those older than you or in formal contexts (e.g., government offices, official meetings), using
드리다is a safe and respectful approach. It helps establish a polite and appropriate social distance, preventing accidental impoliteness. 처음 뵙는 분께 명함을 드렸어요.(cheo-eum boep-neun bun-kke myeong-ham-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I gave my business card to someone I met for the first time.어르신께 길을 알려 드렸습니다.(eo-reu-sin-kke gil-eul al-lyeo deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I told the elder the way.
드리다 becomes a clear linguistic signal of this respect, an essential component of proper Korean social interaction.Common Mistakes
드리다 is a common pitfall for learners, primarily stemming from a misunderstanding of Korean social hierarchy and the specific directionality of humble speech. Avoiding these errors is critical for fluent and respectful communication.드리다 when a superior is giving something to you, or when you are giving something to an equal or subordinate. 드리다 only applies when you (lower status) give/do for someone else (higher status).- Error Example:
선생님이 저에게 선물을 드렸어요.(seon-saeng-nim-i jeo-e-ge seon-mul-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - Why it's wrong: This sentence implies the teacher is humbling themselves to give you a gift, which is absurd. The teacher is the giver, and the giver is superior to you.
- Correction:
선생님이 저에게 선물을 주셨어요.(seon-saeng-nim-i jeo-e-ge seon-mul-eul ju-syeo-sseo-yo.) - The teacher gave me a gift (using the honorific주시다to elevate the teacher).
드리다, the appropriate dative particle for the recipient is almost always 께 (kke), the honorific form of 에게 (e-ge) or 한테 (han-te). Using 에게 or 한테 with 드리다 creates an awkward mismatch in politeness levels.- Error Example:
부모님한테 식사를 만들어 드렸어요.(bu-mo-nim-han-te sik-sa-reul man-deu-reo deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - Why it's wrong: While grammatically understandable,
한테is typically used for equals or subordinates, conflicting with the humble nature of드리다. - Correction:
부모님께 식사를 만들어 드렸어요.(bu-mo-nim-kke sik-sa-reul man-deu-reo deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I made a meal for my parents (respectfully).
드리다 to friends, younger siblings, children, or even pets makes the interaction unnecessarily formal, sarcastic, or simply odd. Humility is reserved for those of higher status.- Error Example:
친구에게 커피를 드렸어.(chin-gu-e-ge keo-pi-reul deu-ryeo-sseo.) - Why it's wrong: You wouldn't humble yourself to a friend. This sounds like you're role-playing as their servant.
- Correction:
친구에게 커피를 줬어.(chin-gu-e-ge keo-pi-reul jwo-sseo.) - I gave coffee to my friend. (Using plain주다).
드리다 for Self-Benefaction드리다 inherently implies an action directed outward towards a respected other. If you are describing an action you did for yourself, even if it was beneficial, 드리다 is inappropriate.- Error Example:
제가 먹을 음식을 만들어 드렸습니다.(je-ga meog-eul eum-sik-eul man-deu-reo deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - Why it's wrong: This implies you made food respectfully for yourself, which makes no sense.
- Correction:
제가 먹을 음식을 만들었습니다.(je-ga meog-eul eum-sik-eul man-deul-eot-sseum-ni-da.) - I made food to eat.
주다, 주시다, and 드리다 is paramount. They form a "giving triad," each used for a specific social dynamic.친구에게 책을 줬어. (chin-gu-e-ge chaek-eul jwo-sseo.) - I gave a book to my friend. |교수님이 저에게 숙제를 주셨어요. (gyo-su-nim-i jeo-e-ge suk-je-reul ju-syeo-sseo-yo.) - The professor gave me homework. |부모님께 선물을 드렸어요. (bu-mo-nim-kke seon-mul-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I gave a gift to my parents. |Real Conversations
Understanding 드리다 in theory is one thing; observing its natural integration into everyday Korean conversations is another. These examples illustrate how 드리다 is used in various modern contexts, from casual politeness to formal interactions.
Scenario 1
- Barista: 손님, 주문하신 아이스 아메리카노 나왔습니다. 여기 있습니다. (Son-nim, ju-mun-ha-sin a-i-seu a-me-ri-ka-no na-wat-sseum-ni-da. Yeo-gi it-sseum-ni-da.)
- (To a customer, handing over a drink. Note the use of 있습니다 (it-sseum-ni-da) as a humble way of presenting.)
- Customer: 네, 감사합니다. 아, 혹시 시럽 좀 더 주실 수 있으세요? (Ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da. A, hok-si si-reop jom deo ju-sil su it-sseu-se-yo?)
- (Asking for more syrup from the barista, using honorific 주실 수 있으세요? (ju-sil su it-sseu-se-yo?) to a service person.)
- Barista: 네, 그럼요. 바로 준비해 드릴게요. (Ne, geu-reom-yo. Ba-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.)
- (Humbly offering to prepare it for the customer. 준비해 드리다 (jun-bi-hae deu-ri-da) - to prepare for a superior.)
Scenario 2
Subject
회계팀 박대리님께 3분기 예산 보고서 드립니다. (Hoe-gye-tim Bak Dae-ri-nim-kke 3-bun-gi ye-san bo-go-seo deu-rim-ni-da.)- (Subject line of an email: "Submitting 3rd Quarter Budget Report to Assistant Manager Park of Accounting Team." 드립니다 (deu-rim-ni-da) is used for the submission.)
Body:
박대리님, 안녕하세요. (Bak Dae-ri-nim, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo.)
지난번 요청하신 3분기 예산 보고서 최종본을 첨부 파일로 드립니다. (Ji-nan-beon yo-cheong-ha-sin 3-bun-gi ye-san bo-go-seo choe-jong-bon-eul cheom-bu pa-il-lo deu-rim-ni-da.)
- (Formal polite 드립니다 for "I am giving you the final version of the 3rd quarter budget report as an attachment," to a superior.)
검토 후 피드백 주시면 감사하겠습니다. (Geom-to hu pi-deu-baek ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-sseum-ni-da.)
궁금한 점 있으시면 언제든지 말씀해 주십시오. (Gung-geum-han jeom it-sseu-si-myeon eon-je-deun-ji mal-sseum-hae ju-sip-ssi-o.)
감사합니다. (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da.)
김지수 드림 (Kim Ji-su deu-rim)
- (Closing a formal email. 드림 (deu-rim) is a humble closing meaning "sincerely from [sender's name]," literally "gave/offered.")
Scenario 3
- 주말에 부모님께 직접 만든 케이크를 드렸어요! 엄청 좋아하셨어요. (Ju-mal-e bu-mo-nim-kke jik-jeop man-deun ke-i-keu-reul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo! Eom-cheong jo-a-ha-syeot-sseo-yo.)
- (Posting on Instagram: "I gave the cake I made myself to my parents over the weekend! They really loved it." 드렸어요 (deu-ryeo-sseo-yo) is used when giving to parents.)
Scenario 4
- Junior Colleague: 선배님, 혹시 제가 도와 드릴 일 있으실까요? (Seon-bae-nim, hok-si je-ga do-wa deu-ril il it-sseu-sil-kka-yo?)
- (To a senior colleague: "Senior, is there anything I can help you with (humbly)?" 도와 드리다 (do-wa deu-ri-da) for humbly offering help.)
- Senior Colleague: 아, 고마워. 그럼 이 자료 좀 정리해 줄 수 있을까? (A, go-ma-wo. Geu-reom i ja-ryo jom jeong-ni-hae jul su it-sseul-kka?)
- (Senior colleague accepts, using 정리해 줄 수 있을까? (jeong-ni-hae jul su it-sseul-kka?) – "can you tidy up these materials for me?" – using 주다 as the senior is receiving the action from the junior.)
These examples demonstrate 드리다's versatility in conveying respect across different formality levels and relationships, cementing its role as an indispensable part of honorific communication.
Quick FAQ
드리다, addressing common points of confusion for learners.- Q: Can
드리다be used to refer to a third person giving something to another third person? - A: Yes, absolutely, provided the giver is of lower status than the receiver, as perceived by the speaker. For example, if a junior colleague (
후배, hu-bae) gives a report to a team leader (팀장님, tim-jang-nim), you could say:후배가 팀장님께 보고서를 드렸어요.(Hu-bae-ga tim-jang-nim-kke bo-go-seo-reul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - The junior colleague gave the report to the team leader. The key is the relative status between the giver and the recipient, as perceived by the speaker.
- Q: What if the recipient is an animal or inanimate object?
- A: You should never use
드리다for animals or inanimate objects.드리다is reserved for human recipients (or entities personified to have human-like status, like a deity) who are socially superior. Using it otherwise would sound unnatural, overly formal, or even sarcastic. For pets, use주다. For instance,강아지에게 밥을 줬어요.(Gang-a-ji-e-ge bap-eul jwo-sseo-yo.) - I gave food to the dog.
- Q: Is
드리다only for physical objects or can it be for abstract concepts too? - A:
드리다is highly versatile and applies to both concrete objects and abstract actions or concepts. You can give advice (조언을 드리다, jo-eon-eul deu-ri-da), make a request (부탁을 드리다, bu-tak-eul deu-ri-da), contact someone (연락 드리다, yeon-lak deu-ri-da), or offer words (말씀 드리다, mal-sseum deu-ri-da). 궁금한 점이 있어서 교수님께 질문을 드렸어요.(Gung-geum-han jeom-i it-sseo-seo gyo-su-nim-kke jil-mun-eul deu-ryeo-sseo-yo.) - I had a question, so I asked the professor (literally, gave a question).내일 다시 연락 드리겠습니다.(Nae-il da-si yeon-lak deu-ri-get-sseum-ni-da.) - I will contact you again tomorrow (respectfully).
- Q: How does
드리다differ from올리다(ol-li-da)? - A: While both convey humility,
올리다literally means "to raise" or "to offer up" and implies a much higher level of reverence, often used for offerings to deities, ancestors, or extremely esteemed individuals (e.g., historical figures or royalty).드리다is the more common and generally applicable humble form for everyday interactions with superiors like teachers, parents, or bosses.드리다also has a broader meaning of "to do for," which올리다lacks. Think of올리다as a specialized, ultra-humble드리다with a strong sense of elevation for highly sacred or revered contexts.
- Q: Can I use
드리다when referring to my own actions in a job application or self-introduction? - A: Yes, in formal self-introductions or job applications, when you are describing what you will do for the company or the interviewer, using
드리겠습니다(deu-ri-get-sseum-ni-da) is perfectly appropriate and highly respectful. It shows your humble commitment to perform actions for the benefit of the higher-status entity (the company, the interviewer). 귀사에 최선을 다해 기여해 드리겠습니다.(Gwi-sa-e choe-seon-eul da-hae gi-yeo-hae deu-ri-get-sseum-ni-da.) - I will humbly do my best to contribute to your esteemed company.
- Q: What's the difference between
~아/어 드리다and~아/어 주다? - A:
~아/어 주다is the basic form meaning "to do [verb] for someone" when the recipient is equal to or lower in status than you, or in neutral contexts.~아/어 드리다is specifically used when the recipient of the action is of higher status, adding humility. The choice depends entirely on the social relationship between the doer and the beneficiary. 친구에게 숙제를 도와줬어.(Chin-gu-e-ge suk-je-reul do-wa-jwo-sseo.) - I helped my friend with homework. (Casual, friend-to-friend)부장님께 자료 정리를 도와 드렸습니다.(Bu-jang-nim-kke ja-ryo jeong-ni-reul do-wa deu-ryeo-sseum-ni-da.) - I helped the department head organize the materials. (Respectful, subordinate-to-superior)
Conjugation of -아/어/여 드리다
| Verb | Stem | Conjugation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
주다
|
주-
|
주어 드리다
|
Give for
|
|
돕다
|
돕-
|
도와 드리다
|
Help
|
|
읽다
|
읽-
|
읽어 드리다
|
Read for
|
|
하다
|
하-
|
해 드리다
|
Do for
|
|
만들다
|
만들-
|
만들어 드리다
|
Make for
|
|
가르치다
|
가르치-
|
가르쳐 드리다
|
Teach for
|
Meanings
A humble verb used to express the act of giving or performing an action for a person of higher social status.
Direct Giving
Giving a physical object to a superior.
“할머니께 꽃을 드렸어요.”
“사장님께 서류를 드립니다.”
Doing a Favor
Performing an action for the benefit of a superior.
“도와 드려도 될까요?”
“제가 설명해 드릴게요.”
Greeting/Communication
Used in set phrases for formal communication.
“말씀 드렸습니다.”
“인사 드립니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb-아/어 드리다
|
도와 드립니다
|
|
Negative
|
Verb-아/어 드리지 않다
|
도와 드리지 않습니다
|
|
Question
|
Verb-아/어 드릴까요?
|
도와 드릴까요?
|
|
Past
|
Verb-아/어 드렸다
|
도와 드렸습니다
|
|
Future
|
Verb-아/어 드리겠다
|
도와 드리겠습니다
|
|
Polite Request
|
Verb-아/어 주시겠어요?
|
도와 주시겠어요?
|
Formality Spectrum
도와 드리겠습니다. (Offering help)
도와 줄게요. (Offering help)
도와 줄게. (Offering help)
도와줄게! (Offering help)
Giving Hierarchy
Superior
- 드리다 Humble
Equal/Inferior
- 주다 Neutral
Examples by Level
선생님께 드려요.
I give it to the teacher.
이것을 드립니다.
I give this to you (formal).
할머니께 드려요.
I give it to grandma.
선물을 드립니다.
I give a gift.
제가 도와 드릴게요.
I will help you.
설명해 드릴까요?
Shall I explain it for you?
짐을 들어 드렸어요.
I carried the luggage for you.
연락 드립니다.
I am contacting you.
사장님께 보고를 드렸습니다.
I reported to the boss.
말씀 드려도 될까요?
May I speak to you?
인사 드립니다.
I am greeting you.
부탁을 드리고 싶습니다.
I would like to make a request.
자료를 보내 드렸으니 확인 부탁드립니다.
I have sent the materials, please check.
시간을 내어 주셔서 감사 드립니다.
Thank you for giving me your time.
다시 한번 설명해 드릴까요?
Shall I explain it once more?
도움이 되어 드리지 못해 죄송합니다.
I am sorry I could not be of help.
귀하의 건승을 기원 드립니다.
I wish you continued success.
심려를 끼쳐 드려 죄송합니다.
I am sorry for causing you concern.
의견을 여쭈어 보고 싶어 연락 드렸습니다.
I contacted you because I wanted to ask your opinion.
협조해 주셔서 감사 드립니다.
Thank you for your cooperation.
본 건에 대하여 자세히 말씀 드리고자 합니다.
I would like to speak in detail regarding this matter.
귀사의 발전을 위해 최선을 다해 드릴 것을 약속 드립니다.
I promise to do my best for your company's development.
불편을 드려 대단히 송구합니다.
I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused.
지도를 부탁 드리는 바입니다.
I humbly request your guidance.
Easily Confused
Learners use '주다' for everyone.
Learners mix up who is giving.
Using '에게' with '드리다'.
Common Mistakes
선생님에게 드려요
선생님께 드려요
사장님 주다
사장님께 드립니다
선물 드려요
선물을 드려요
도와 주다
도와 드리다
도와 드려요?
도와 드릴까요?
말씀 드려요
말씀 드립니다
주시다 드려요
드려요
친구에게 드렸어요
친구에게 주었어요
보고 드렸습니다
보고를 드렸습니다
도와 드려야 합니다
도와 드려야 합니다
감사 드립니다
감사합니다
말씀 드리고 싶습니다
말씀 드리고자 합니다
지도를 부탁 드립니다
지도를 부탁 드리는 바입니다
Sentence Patterns
___께 ___을/를 드립니다.
제가 ___해 드릴까요?
___을/를 드리고 싶습니다.
___을/를 드려 죄송합니다.
Real World Usage
자료를 보내 드립니다.
불편을 드려 죄송합니다.
질문 드려도 될까요?
할머니께 드려요.
말씀 드리고 싶습니다.
문 앞에 놓아 주세요.
Use '께'
Don't over-humble
Business Emails
Body Language
Smart Tips
Use '연락 드립니다' instead of '연락해요'.
Use '도와 드릴까요?'
Use '선물을 드립니다'.
Use '질문 드려도 될까요?'
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄹ' in '드릴' links to the next vowel.
Rising
드릴까요?↗
Polite offer/question.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'D' for 'Down'. When you give to a superior, you bow down, so you use 'D'ri-da.
Visual Association
Imagine handing a gift to a professor with both hands while bowing slightly. The word '드리다' is written in gold letters above the gift.
Rhyme
To the boss, use '드리다', never '주다'.
Story
Min-su wanted to help his boss. He didn't say '도와 줄게요'. He remembered his lesson and said '도와 드릴게요'. The boss smiled.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences in your journal today using '드리다' for things you did for others.
Cultural Notes
Using '드리다' is mandatory for junior staff when speaking to seniors.
Students use it when asking professors for help.
Used when giving gifts to grandparents.
Derived from the verb '드리다' meaning to offer or present.
Conversation Starters
선생님께 무엇을 드리고 싶어요?
도움이 필요할 때 어떻게 말해요?
회사에서 상사에게 어떻게 보고해요?
교수님께 질문을 어떻게 드려요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
선생님께 선물을 ___.
사장님 ___ 서류를 드립니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 드렸어요.
도와 줄게요 -> ?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
선생님 / 질문 / 드립니다
하다 (formal) -> ?
드리다 is for giving to superiors.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises선생님께 선물을 ___.
사장님 ___ 서류를 드립니다.
Find and fix the mistake:
친구에게 드렸어요.
도와 줄게요 -> ?
돕다 -> ?
선생님 / 질문 / 드립니다
하다 (formal) -> ?
드리다 is for giving to superiors.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises선생님께 질문을 ___ (asked/gave question).
How do you say 'I will explain it to you' to a client?
부장님, 이 서류 좀 봐 줘.
부모님___ 선물을 드리고 싶어요.
Match the direction.
제가 가방을 들어 ___.
동생에게 용돈을 드렸어요.
잠시만 기다려 ___? (Would you please wait?)
Grandma, I will read the book to you.
선배님이 밥을 사 드렸어요.
부탁 ___ 게 있어요. (I have a favor to ask).
Taking an order at a restaurant.
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, '드리다' is for humans of higher status. Use '주다' for pets.
It is the honorific version of '에게'. It signals respect.
Yes, it is inherently formal and humble.
It sounds rude or unprofessional.
No, they are different directions of respect.
Yes, in formal business texts.
Yes, '드렸습니다', '드릴게요', etc.
Yes, like '여쭙다' (to ask).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
差し上げる (sashiageru)
Japanese has more complex levels of humble verbs.
Ofrecer
Spanish uses pronouns, not verb roots, for respect.
Anbieten
German relies on formal address, not verb conjugation.
Offrir
French uses register-based vocabulary.
提供 (tígōng)
Chinese grammar is isolating, not agglutinative.
يقدم (yuqaddim)
Arabic uses honorific titles.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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