Meaning
To hold or transport a bag.
Cultural Background
In Korea, it's common for men to carry their partner's handbag. This is seen as a sign of affection and helpfulness. In professional settings, '가방을 들다' (carrying the bag) for a superior can sometimes imply being an assistant or 'bagman'. Before modern bags, 'bojagi' (wrapping cloth) was used. You didn't '들다' a bojagi as much as you '머리에 이다' (carry on the head) or '손에 들다' (hold in hand). In crowded Korean subways, there are campaigns asking people to '가방을 앞으로 들다' (hold bags in front) to avoid hitting others with backpacks.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that '들다' becomes '드세요' in honorifics. Don't be confused if someone says '가방 드세요'—they aren't asking you to eat it!
Polite Offers
Always use '들어 드릴까요?' when offering help to someone older. It's much more natural than '들까요?'.
Meaning
To hold or transport a bag.
The 'ㄹ' Rule
Remember that '들다' becomes '드세요' in honorifics. Don't be confused if someone says '가방 드세요'—they aren't asking you to eat it!
Polite Offers
Always use '들어 드릴까요?' when offering help to someone older. It's much more natural than '들까요?'.
Backpack Alert
If you are a student, you will mostly use '메다'. Only use '들다' if you are picking it up by the handle.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb for a backpack worn on the back.
학생이 등 뒤에 가방을 ( ).
For backpacks on the back, '메다' (to shoulder) is the correct verb.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '들다'.
할머니, 제가 가방을 ( ) 드릴까요?
The helper form is '-어 주다', so '들다' becomes '들어'.
Match the bag type to the correct verb.
1. 핸드백 (Handbag) / 2. 배낭 (Backpack) / 3. 쇼핑백 (Shopping bag)
Handbags and shopping bags are held by hand (들다), while backpacks are shouldered (메다).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 가방이 너무 무거워요. B: 제가 ( ).
B is offering to carry the heavy bag.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Which verb to use?
들다 (Hand)
- • Handbag
- • Briefcase
- • Shopping bag
메다 (Back)
- • Backpack
- • Rucksack
매다 (Strap)
- • Cross-body bag
- • Messenger bag
Practice Bank
4 exercises학생이 등 뒤에 가방을 ( ).
For backpacks on the back, '메다' (to shoulder) is the correct verb.
할머니, 제가 가방을 ( ) 드릴까요?
The helper form is '-어 주다', so '들다' becomes '들어'.
1. 핸드백 (Handbag) / 2. 배낭 (Backpack) / 3. 쇼핑백 (Shopping bag)
Handbags and shopping bags are held by hand (들다), while backpacks are shouldered (메다).
A: 가방이 너무 무거워요. B: 제가 ( ).
B is offering to carry the heavy bag.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, if you are lifting it. If you are rolling it on wheels, use '끌다' (to pull).
'들다' means to support the weight (lift), while '쥐다' means to grasp or clench in your fist.
Yes, it's the most common way to describe carrying shopping bags.
You would say '가방을 두고 왔어요' (I left my bag and came).
The verb itself is neutral. You make it formal by adding endings like '-습니다' or '-어요'.
Related Phrases
가방을 메다
similarTo wear a backpack
가방을 챙기다
builds onTo pack/get one's bag ready
짐을 들다
specialized formTo carry luggage/load
손에 들다
builds onTo hold in one's hand
