Meaning
To purchase an item to give to someone.
Cultural Background
When buying a gift for a superior, it is common to use both hands to present it later. The gift itself should not be too cheap or too ostentatiously expensive. During Chuseok, companies buy 'Spam' or 'Tuna' gift sets for employees. It's a very common sight in supermarkets. Buying 'Gifticons' (digital coupons) via KakaoTalk is the most common way to '사다' a gift for friends today. Buying detergent (세제) is common because the bubbles represent prosperity and wealth growing.
The '을' Drop
In casual texting, just say '선물 샀어?'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't say 'Present'
While '프레젠트' is understood, '선물' is 100 times more common. Stick to the native word.
Meaning
To purchase an item to give to someone.
The '을' Drop
In casual texting, just say '선물 샀어?'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't say 'Present'
While '프레젠트' is understood, '선물' is 100 times more common. Stick to the native word.
Add '주다'
Saying '선물을 사 줬어요' (I bought and gave) sounds more helpful and warm than just '샀어요'.
Price Tags
Always remove the price tag after you '사다' the gift. It's considered rude in Korea to leave it on.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct object marker.
친구 생일 선물___ 샀어요.
'선물' ends in a consonant (ㄹ), so '을' is the correct marker.
Choose the correct past tense conjugation.
어제 백화점에서 선물을 ( ).
'어제' (yesterday) indicates the past tense.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 내일이 어머니 생신이에요. B: 그래요? 그럼 같이 ( ).
B is making a suggestion to buy a gift together.
Match the gift to the situation.
집들이 (Housewarming)
In Korea, toilet paper is a traditional housewarming gift symbolizing easy success.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Gifts to Buy
Birthday
- • 케이크
- • 옷
- • 화장품
Housewarming
- • 휴지
- • 세제
- • 화분
Practice Bank
4 exercises친구 생일 선물___ 샀어요.
'선물' ends in a consonant (ㄹ), so '을' is the correct marker.
어제 백화점에서 선물을 ( ).
'어제' (yesterday) indicates the past tense.
A: 내일이 어머니 생신이에요. B: 그래요? 그럼 같이 ( ).
B is making a suggestion to buy a gift together.
집들이 (Housewarming)
In Korea, toilet paper is a traditional housewarming gift symbolizing easy success.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but Koreans usually say '나한테 주는 선물' (a gift I give to myself). Otherwise, just use '물건을 사다'.
Yes, '구입하다' (to purchase) or '마련하다' (to prepare/procure) are used in formal documents or news.
Usually 30,000 to 50,000 KRW for a casual birthday gift.
In writing, yes. In speaking, it's often omitted for speed.
It's a digital gift you buy on your phone and send via KakaoTalk. You still use the verb '사다' for it.
For weddings, people usually give cash (축의금). If you buy a physical item, '선물을 사다' is fine.
'선물' is general; '기념품' is a souvenir from a specific place or event.
선물을 살 거예요. (Seonmureul sal geoyeyo).
Yes, '크리스마스 선물' is the standard term.
No, '사다' specifically means a monetary transaction. Use '얻다' (to get) or '받다' (to receive) instead.
Related Phrases
선물을 주다
builds onTo give a gift
선물을 받다
contrastTo receive a gift
선물을 고르다
similarTo choose a gift
선물을 포장하다
builds onTo wrap a gift
기념품을 사다
specialized formTo buy a souvenir
