Meaning
To take and use a book with the intention of returning it.
Cultural Background
Public libraries in Korea often have 'Book Trucks' or 'Smart Libraries' at subway stations where you can borrow books 24/7 using an app. University students in Korea often 'borrow' notes or past exams from seniors ({선배|先輩}), using the same verb '빌리다'. When returning a borrowed book to a friend, it's common to include a small gift like a bookmark or a drink as a thank you. The rise of 'Millie's Library' (a subscription service) has changed 'borrowing' into a digital subscription model, but the terminology remains.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little) before '빌리다' makes your request sound much more natural and polite.
Check the Date
In Korea, library late fees are small, but they might ban you from borrowing for a few days if you are late.
Meaning
To take and use a book with the intention of returning it.
Use '좀'
Adding '좀' (a little) before '빌리다' makes your request sound much more natural and polite.
Check the Date
In Korea, library late fees are small, but they might ban you from borrowing for a few days if you are late.
E-book Apps
Download 'Kyobo eBook' or 'Yes24' to practice 'borrowing' digital books in Korean.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
저는 도서관____ {책|冊}을 ______. (I borrowed a book from the library.)
'에서' is used for the location of the action, and '빌렸어요' is the past tense of borrow.
Which sentence means 'Can I borrow a book?'
Choose the correct translation.
'빌릴 수 있을까요?' is the polite way to ask for permission to borrow.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이 {책|冊} 다 읽었어? B: 응, 다 읽었어. A: 그럼 나 좀 ______?
A is asking B to lend the book, so '빌려줘' (lend me) is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the library desk with a book.
'빌리려고요' expresses your intention to borrow the book.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 도서관____ {책|冊}을 ______. (I borrowed a book from the library.)
'에서' is used for the location of the action, and '빌렸어요' is the past tense of borrow.
Choose the correct translation.
'빌릴 수 있을까요?' is the polite way to ask for permission to borrow.
A: 이 {책|冊} 다 읽었어? B: 응, 다 읽었어. A: 그럼 나 좀 ______?
A is asking B to lend the book, so '빌려줘' (lend me) is correct.
You are at the library desk with a book.
'빌리려고요' expresses your intention to borrow the book.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, '빌리다' is used for cars, umbrellas, and books. For houses, we use '임대하다'.
'빌리다' is everyday speech. '대출하다' is the formal term you see on library signs.
Use the verb '반납하다'. For example: '{책|冊}을 반납했어요.'
In Korea, it's uncommon. Usually, you borrow from friends or libraries.
Related Phrases
{책|冊}을 반납하다
contrastTo return a book
{책|冊}을 빌려주다
similarTo lend a book
{도서|圖書} {대출|貸出}
specialized formBook loan
{책|冊}을 빌려 가다
builds onTo borrow and take away
