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B1 verb #2,000 most common 9 min read

전달하다

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 전달하다 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 전달하다 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic actions. The word 전달하다 might seem a bit long, but it is introduced as a formal way to say 'give' or 'pass'. Beginners learn it in the context of simple classroom instructions, like a teacher asking a student to pass a paper to the person behind them. The focus is on the physical act of moving an object from point A to point B. Learners practice pairing it with basic nouns like 책 (book), 펜 (pen), and 편지 (letter). They also learn the basic present tense conjugation, 전달해요. While they might not grasp the nuances of office communication yet, they understand that this word is useful when they are acting as a helper or a messenger in simple, everyday scenarios. It is a stepping stone to more complex communicative verbs.
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As learners progress to the A2 level, their vocabulary expands to include abstract concepts. Here, 전달하다 is no longer just about physical objects; it becomes a tool for passing on messages. Learners start using it to relay simple information, such as 'My mom told me to pass this message to you'. They practice using the particle 에게/한테 to specify the receiver. They also begin to differentiate it from basic verbs like 주다 (to give). At this stage, learners can form sentences in the past tense (전달했어요) and future tense (전달할 거예요). They might use it in role-play scenarios, such as acting as a receptionist taking a message for a colleague. The concept of being an intermediary becomes clearer, and the word becomes a practical part of their daily conversational toolkit.
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At the B1 level, 전달하다 becomes a core vocabulary word. Learners are now expected to navigate more complex social and professional situations. They use this word to forward emails, relay instructions from a boss, and express their feelings indirectly. The crucial distinction between 전달하다 (to pass on/deliver) and 배달하다 (to deliver food/commercial goods) is firmly established. Furthermore, B1 learners must master the honorific forms, using 전달해 드리다 when speaking to or about someone of higher status. They also learn the passive form, 전달되다, to describe situations where a message was successfully received without focusing on the sender. The word is used fluidly in both spoken and written Korean, demonstrating a solid intermediate grasp of the language's pragmatics.
B2 learners use 전달하다 with high precision and nuance. They understand its role in formal and professional discourse. At this level, the word is frequently paired with abstract and complex nouns like 의도 (intention), 뉘앙스 (nuance), 지시 사항 (directives), and 피드백 (feedback). Learners can engage in discussions about the effectiveness of communication, using phrases like '의미가 제대로 전달되지 않았다' (The meaning was not conveyed properly). They also explore synonymous expressions and know exactly when to choose 전달하다 over 전하다 or 알리다 based on the subtle tone required. The verb is integrated into complex sentence structures, such as reported speech and conditional clauses, allowing learners to articulate sophisticated scenarios involving the flow of information in corporate or academic environments.
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At the C1 level, the usage of 전달하다 is native-like. Learners manipulate the word effortlessly across various registers, from highly formal written reports to casual, idiomatic speech. They understand the cultural implications of indirect communication in Korea, where conveying a message through a third party (전달하다) is sometimes preferred to save face or maintain harmony. They use it in metaphorical contexts, such as an artist conveying a message through their artwork (작품을 통해 메시지를 전달하다). C1 learners also recognize the word in advanced reading materials, such as news articles, academic papers, and literature, where it describes the transmission of culture, heritage, or complex theories. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool for analyzing communication.
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For a C2 learner, 전달하다 is deeply embedded in their linguistic repertoire. They possess a comprehensive understanding of its etymology, collocations, and stylistic variations. They can critique the use of the word in media, identifying when a politician or public figure uses it to distance themselves from a statement (e.g., 'I am merely conveying the committee's decision'). They can effortlessly switch between native Korean equivalents (like 넘겨주다) and Sino-Korean terms depending on the rhetorical effect desired. At this mastery level, learners can write eloquent essays or deliver persuasive speeches where the concept of 'transmission'—whether of knowledge, emotion, or policy—is central, using 전달하다 and its derivatives with absolute grammatical and pragmatic perfection.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

전달하다 in 30 Seconds

  • Pass on a message
  • Deliver an object
  • Convey an emotion
  • Forward an email

The Korean verb 전달하다 (jeondalhada) primarily means to deliver, pass on, or convey something from one person, place, or entity to another. This versatile word is heavily utilized in both physical and abstract contexts. Physically, it can mean handing over an object, a parcel, or a document. Abstractly, and perhaps more commonly in professional or interpersonal settings, it refers to conveying a message, news, an emotion, or specific information. Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing the implicit triad involved in its usage: the sender, the medium or messenger, and the receiver. When you use this verb, you are often acting as the intermediary or instructing someone to act as the intermediary. It is a fundamental vocabulary word for CEFR B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple actions and complex communicative tasks in Korean society.

Physical Delivery
Passing an actual item, like a package or a letter, to someone else.
Information Transfer
Conveying news, messages, or instructions from a source to a target.
Emotional Conveyance
Expressing feelings or sentiments so that another person understands them.

이 서류를 부장님께 전달하다.

To deliver this document to the manager.

제 마음을 전달하다.

To convey my feelings.

소식을 전달하다.

To pass on the news.

메시지를 정확히 전달하다.

To deliver the message accurately.

물건을 안전하게 전달하다.

To deliver the goods safely.

The etymology of the word comes from the Hanja 傳 (전 - to transmit) and 達 (달 - to reach). Thus, the literal meaning is 'to transmit and reach'. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of the word: it is not just about sending something out into the void, but ensuring that it successfully reaches its intended destination. Whether you are a student passing a note, an employee forwarding an email, or a diplomat conveying a state message, the core action remains the same. The verb is regular and follows standard conjugation rules, making it highly accessible for intermediate learners. Mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to navigate Korean corporate culture, daily errands, and social interactions where information flow is critical. It is a cornerstone of effective communication in the Korean language.

Using 전달하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the particles it commonly pairs with. The most frequent structure is '[Sender]이/가 [Receiver]에게 [Object/Message]을/를 전달하다'. The particle 에게 (ege) or 한테 (hante) is crucial here, as it marks the recipient of the delivery. If the recipient is a person of higher status, you must substitute 에게 with 께 (kke) and use the honorific auxiliary verb 드리다 (deurida), resulting in '께 전달해 드리다'. This distinction is not optional in Korean; it is a fundamental aspect of polite communication. Furthermore, the object being delivered takes the object particle 을/를 (eul/reul). The verb itself can be conjugated into various tenses and forms depending on the context of the conversation.

Present Tense
전달해요 (jeondalhaeyo) - I deliver / pass on.
Past Tense
전달했어요 (jeondalhaesseoyo) - I delivered / passed on.
Future Tense
전달할 거예요 (jeondalhal geoyeyo) - I will deliver / pass on.

친구에게 편지를 전달하다.

To deliver a letter to a friend.

선생님께 의견을 전달하다.

To convey an opinion to the teacher.

다음 사람에게 마이크를 전달하다.

To pass the microphone to the next person.

중요한 정보를 전달하다.

To pass on important information.

명령을 하급자에게 전달하다.

To relay an order to a subordinate.

In imperative sentences, such as asking someone to pass a message, you would use 전달해 주세요 (jeondalhae juseyo). For example, '그에게 이 말을 전달해 주세요' means 'Please pass this word to him'. When reporting speech, this verb is frequently used to summarize what someone else said. Instead of quoting directly, a speaker might say, '사장님의 지시를 전달하겠습니다' (I will convey the boss's instructions). This makes the verb indispensable in office environments. Additionally, in digital communication, forwarding an email or a text message is also expressed using this verb. The adaptability of the word across physical, verbal, and digital mediums highlights its importance in modern Korean vocabulary. Practice pairing it with different nouns like 소식 (news), 편지 (letter), 마음 (heart/feelings), and 정보 (information) to build fluency.

The verb 전달하다 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, appearing in a wide array of contexts ranging from formal business meetings to casual conversations among friends. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in the workplace. Office communication heavily relies on the accurate transfer of information. You will frequently hear phrases like '이메일로 전달했습니다' (I forwarded it via email) or '회의 내용을 전달해 주세요' (Please pass on the meeting details). In these professional settings, the ability to convey instructions and feedback clearly is paramount, making this verb a staple of corporate jargon. Another common context is news broadcasting. Journalists and anchors use it to describe the act of reporting facts to the public, such as '현장 상황을 전달해 드립니다' (We are delivering the situation on the ground).

Office Environments
Used for forwarding emails, relaying boss's orders, or sharing meeting minutes.
News and Media
Used by reporters to indicate they are providing information to the audience.
Everyday Errands
Used when asking someone to hand over an item or pass a message to a mutual friend.

안부 좀 전달해 줘.

Please pass on my regards.

파일을 이메일로 전달하다.

To forward a file via email.

고객의 불만을 전달하다.

To convey a customer's complaint.

따뜻한 위로를 전달하다.

To deliver warm condolences.

지시 사항을 전달하다.

To pass on directives.

You will also encounter this word in interpersonal relationships, particularly when someone acts as a middleman. If you want to confess your feelings to someone but are too shy, you might ask a friend to do it for you, using this verb. In schools, teachers use it to tell students to pass handouts to the back of the class. In the digital age, messenger apps like KakaoTalk have features literally called '전달' (Forward), allowing users to send a received message to another chat room. Therefore, whether you are listening to a formal news broadcast, navigating a busy Korean office, or simply using a smartphone app, your familiarity with this vocabulary word will constantly be reinforced. It is a highly functional word that bridges various domains of life.

While 전달하다 is a straightforward verb, learners often make mistakes regarding its specific usage boundaries, particularly confusing it with similar verbs like 배달하다 (baedalhada) and 전하다 (jeonhada). The most glaring mistake is using 전달하다 for food delivery. If you order pizza or fried chicken, the restaurant does not '전달하다' the food to you; they '배달하다' (deliver) it. 배달 is strictly for commercial delivery of goods or food to a customer's location. 전달, on the other hand, implies passing something along, often as an intermediary. Another common error involves honorifics. Because passing a message often involves a hierarchy (e.g., passing a message from a boss to a client, or a junior to a senior), failing to adjust the verb to 전달해 드리다 (when the receiver is respected) or 주시다 (when the sender is respected) can sound rude or unnatural.

Food Delivery Error
Saying 피자를 전달하다 (Incorrect) instead of 피자를 배달하다 (Correct).
Honorific Mismatch
Saying 할아버지에게 전달했어요 instead of 할아버지께 전달해 드렸어요.
Particle Confusion
Using 에 (for places) instead of 에게/한테 (for people) when passing a message to a person.

사장님께 서류를 전달해 드렸습니다.

I delivered the document to the boss. (Correct honorific)

치킨을 배달하다. (Not 전달하다)

To deliver chicken. (Use baedalhada)

친구에게 소식을 전달하다.

To pass the news to a friend. (Correct particle)

의미를 정확히 전달하다.

To convey the meaning accurately.

택배를 배달하다. (Not 전달하다)

To deliver a parcel. (Commercial delivery)

Another subtle mistake is using the active form when the passive form is required. For instance, if you want to say 'The message was delivered', you must use 전달되었다 (jeondaldoeeotda), not 전달했다 (jeondalhaetda). English speakers often default to active phrasing, but Korean frequently employs passive constructions for official or objective statements. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation, pronouncing the 'ㄹ' (l/r) sound too harshly. The 'ㄹ' in 전달 should be a soft alveolar tap, smoothly transitioning into the '하' syllable. By paying attention to the context (commercial vs. intermediary), the social hierarchy (honorifics), and the grammatical voice (active vs. passive), learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use the word like a native speaker.

To truly master 전달하다, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. The Korean language is rich in vocabulary related to communication and movement, and choosing the exact right word elevates your fluency. The most direct synonym is 전하다 (jeonhada). They share the same Hanja root (傳) and are often interchangeable. However, 전하다 feels slightly softer, more traditional, and is frequently used for abstract concepts like passing down a legend, conveying heartfelt emotions, or sending regards. 전달하다 sounds more procedural, objective, and modern, making it the preferred choice in business or technical contexts. Another related word is 알리다 (allida), which means 'to inform' or 'to let know'. While 전달하다 focuses on the act of passing a specific message from A to B, 알리다 focuses on making someone aware of a fact.

전하다 (jeonhada)
To convey, to tell. More abstract and emotional than 전달하다.
알리다 (allida)
To inform, to notify. Focuses on awareness rather than the transfer of a specific item.
배달하다 (baedalhada)
To deliver (commercially). Used for food, parcels, and mail.

마음을 전하다.

To convey one's heart/feelings.

사실을 알리다.

To inform of the facts.

우편물을 배달하다.

To deliver mail.

의견을 제시하다.

To present an opinion. (Different from passing it on)

소문을 퍼뜨리다.

To spread a rumor. (Negative connotation)

For physical objects, 넘겨주다 (neomgyeojuda), meaning 'to hand over', is a great native Korean alternative. It paints a vivid picture of passing something across a space to someone else. However, it lacks the communicative nuance of conveying information. If you are translating 'to communicate', 의사소통하다 (uisasotonghada) is the exact term, but it refers to the two-way process of communication, whereas 전달하다 is a one-way transfer. Understanding these subtle distinctions allows you to paint with a finer brush when speaking Korean. You won't just be 'saying things'; you will be selecting the precise verb that matches the formality, directionality, and medium of your message. This level of vocabulary discrimination is a hallmark of an advanced B1/B2 learner.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Honorifics with 주다/드리다

Passive voice with 되다

Noun modifying form (는/은/을)

Reported speech (다고 하다)

Directional particles (에게/한테/께)

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Examples by Level

1

이 책을 친구에게 전달해 주세요.

Please deliver this book to a friend.

Verb stem + 아/어 주세요 for polite requests.

2

편지를 전달해요.

I deliver the letter.

Present tense polite form.

3

누가 전달했어요?

Who delivered it?

Past tense question.

4

선생님에게 숙제를 전달해요.

I hand in (deliver) the homework to the teacher.

Using 에게 for the receiver.

5

이것을 전달할까요?

Shall I deliver this?

Future suggestion form (을까요).

6

메시지를 전달합니다.

I deliver the message.

Formal present tense (ㅂ니다).

7

빨리 전달해.

Deliver it quickly.

Casual imperative form.

8

가방을 전달했어요.

I delivered the bag.

Object particle 을/를.

1

어제 그 소식을 전달했어요.

I passed on that news yesterday.

Time word (어제) with past tense.

2

엄마한테 이 말을 전달해 줘.

Please pass this word to mom.

Using 한테 (casual 'to').

3

이메일로 파일을 전달했습니다.

I forwarded the file by email.

Using 로 to indicate the method/tool.

4

내일 아침에 전달할 거예요.

I will deliver it tomorrow morning.

Future tense (ㄹ 거예요).

5

정확하게 전달해 주세요.

Please convey it accurately.

Adverbial form (게).

6

그 사람에게 내 마음을 전달하고 싶어.

I want to convey my feelings to that person.

Desire form (고 싶다).

7

안부 좀 전달해 주세요.

Please pass on my regards.

Common phrase for greetings.

8

물건을 안전하게 전달했어요.

I delivered the item safely.

Adverbial use of 안전하다.

1

부장님께 회의 결과를 전달해 드렸습니다.

I delivered the meeting results to the manager.

Honorific receiver (께) and verb (해 드리다).

2

제 뜻이 잘 전달되었으면 좋겠습니다.

I hope my intention was conveyed well.

Passive form (되다) + hope structure (으면 좋겠다).

3

이 공지사항을 모든 직원에게 전달해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please pass this notice to all employees.

Formal request (기 바랍니다).

4

외국어로 농담의 뉘앙스를 전달하기는 어렵다.

It is difficult to convey the nuance of a joke in a foreign language.

Noun modifier form (기) as subject.

5

그는 말을 전달하는 데 소질이 있어요.

He has a talent for passing on messages.

Structure (는 데) meaning 'in doing something'.

6

잘못된 정보가 전달되지 않도록 주의하세요.

Please be careful so that incorrect information is not passed on.

Negative purpose (지 않도록).

7

이 서류를 내일까지 꼭 전달해야 합니다.

You must deliver this document by tomorrow.

Obligation form (아/어야 하다).

8

고객의 불만 사항을 관련 부서에 전달했습니다.

I forwarded the customer's complaint to the relevant department.

Using 에 for a destination/department.

1

작가의 원래 의도가 번역본에서는 제대로 전달되지 않았다.

The author's original intention was not properly conveyed in the translation.

Passive voice in a complex sentence.

2

비언어적 표현도 감정을 전달하는 중요한 수단입니다.

Non-verbal expressions are also an important means of conveying emotion.

Noun modifying clause (전달하는).

3

이 캠페인은 환경 보호의 중요성을 대중에게 전달하고자 기획되었습니다.

This campaign was designed to convey the importance of environmental protection to the public.

Intention structure (고자).

4

상부의 지시를 하급자에게 왜곡 없이 전달하는 것이 중간 관리자의 역할이다.

It is the middle manager's role to pass on orders from above to subordinates without distortion.

Using 없이 (without) as an adverbial phrase.

5

그녀는 특유의 호소력 짙은 목소리로 가사의 의미를 완벽하게 전달했다.

She perfectly conveyed the meaning of the lyrics with her uniquely appealing voice.

Instrumental particle (로).

6

정보를 신속하고 정확하게 전달할 수 있는 시스템이 구축되어야 한다.

A system that can deliver information swiftly and accurately must be established.

Ability form (ㄹ 수 있는) modifying a noun.

7

단순히 사실을 나열하는 것만으로는 감동을 전달하기에 부족하다.

Merely listing facts is insufficient to convey emotion.

Structure (기에 부족하다) meaning 'insufficient to'.

8

비밀이 누설되지 않도록 구두로만 전달하기로 결정했다.

We decided to pass it on only verbally so that the secret wouldn't leak.

Decision structure (기로 결정하다).

1

그 영화는 시각적 메타포를 통해 현대 사회의 소외감을 탁월하게 전달해 낸다.

The film excellently conveys the alienation of modern society through visual metaphors.

Compound verb (해 내다) indicating successful completion.

2

복잡한 학술적 개념을 대중의 눈높이에 맞춰 전달하는 것은 고도의 기술을 요한다.

Conveying complex academic concepts at the public's level requires a high degree of skill.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

3

외교적 수사를 통해 강경한 입장을 우회적으로 전달하는 것이 이번 회담의 핵심 전략이었다.

Conveying a hardline stance indirectly through diplomatic rhetoric was the core strategy of this summit.

Advanced vocabulary integration.

4

세대 간의 가치관 차이로 인해 경험의 지혜가 온전히 전달되지 못하는 단절 현상이 발생하고 있다.

Due to the difference in values between generations, a disconnection phenomenon is occurring where the wisdom of experience is not fully passed down.

Causal structure (로 인해).

5

언론은 권력의 입장을 일방적으로 전달하는 확성기 역할에서 벗어나야 한다.

The media must break away from the role of a loudspeaker that unilaterally conveys the position of power.

Metaphorical usage.

6

전통 예술의 맥을 잇기 위해서는 기능의 전수뿐만 아니라 그 안에 담긴 정신까지 전달되어야 마땅하다.

In order to continue the lineage of traditional arts, it is only right that not only the skills but also the spirit contained within them are passed down.

Not only A but also B structure (뿐만 아니라).

7

그의 연설은 수사적 기교를 배제하고 진심만을 담아 청중의 가슴에 깊은 울림을 전달했다.

His speech excluded rhetorical tricks and contained only sincerity, delivering a deep resonance to the audience's hearts.

Poetic/literary phrasing.

8

데이터의 무결성을 유지하면서 대용량 파일을 실시간으로 전달하는 프로토콜이 개발되었다.

A protocol has been developed that delivers large files in real-time while maintaining data integrity.

Simultaneous action (면서) in a technical context.

1

이 소설은 활자라는 매체의 한계를 뛰어넘어 인간 심연의 고독을 생생하게 전달하는 데 성공했다.

This novel succeeded in vividly conveying the solitude of the human abyss, transcending the limits of the print medium.

Highly literary and abstract construction.

2

정책 입안자들의 의도가 일선 행정 기관에 하향식으로 전달되는 과정에서 발생하는 의미의 굴절을 분석해야 한다.

We must analyze the refraction of meaning that occurs in the process of policymakers' intentions being passed down top-down to frontline administrative agencies.

Academic/bureaucratic terminology.

3

침묵조차도 때로는 수만 마디의 말보다 더 강력한 메시지를 전달하는 기호학적 장치로 작용할 수 있다.

Even silence can sometimes act as a semiotic device that conveys a more powerful message than tens of thousands of words.

Philosophical/semiotic context.

4

역사적 트라우마는 세대를 거치며 언어화되지 않은 채 무의식의 영역을 통해 후손에게 전달되곤 한다.

Historical trauma is often passed down to descendants through the realm of the unconscious, remaining un-verbalized across generations.

Psychological/sociological phrasing.

5

양자 얽힘 현상을 이용하면 정보가 공간적 제약을 초월하여 즉각적으로 전달되는 것이 이론적으로 가능하다.

Using the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, it is theoretically possible for information to be delivered instantaneously, transcending spatial constraints.

Scientific/physics context.

6

그의 텍스트는 독자에게 일방적으로 의미를 전달하기보다는 독자 스스로 의미를 구성하도록 유도하는 열린 구조를 취하고 있다.

Rather than unilaterally conveying meaning to the reader, his text takes an open structure that induces the reader to construct the meaning themselves.

Literary criticism style.

7

기업의 핵심 가치가 조직 말단까지 체화되어 전달되려면 리더의 언행일치가 무엇보다 선행되어야 한다.

For a company's core values to be embodied and conveyed to the very ends of the organization, the leader's consistency in words and actions must precede all else.

Advanced business management discourse.

8

문화적 유전자인 밈(Meme)은 모방이라는 기제를 통해 개체 간에 전달되며 진화적 양상을 띤다.

Memes, which are cultural genes, are transmitted between individuals through the mechanism of imitation and take on an evolutionary aspect.

Sociological/evolutionary theory context.

Antonyms

은폐하다 수신하다

Common Collocations

메시지를 전달하다
소식을 전달하다
의미를 전달하다
마음을 전달하다
정보를 전달하다
내용을 전달하다
물건을 전달하다
의견을 전달하다
명령을 전달하다
안부를 전달하다

Common Phrases

전달해 주세요
전달해 드립니다
잘 전달되었습니다
그대로 전달하다
정확히 전달하다
우회적으로 전달하다
이메일로 전달하다
말로 전달하다
뜻을 전달하다
대신 전달하다

Often Confused With

전달하다 vs 배달하다 (To deliver commercially)

전달하다 vs 전하다 (To convey - more abstract/emotional)

전달하다 vs 보고하다 (To report - strictly bottom-up)

Idioms & Expressions

"입에서 입으로 전달되다 (Passed by word of mouth)"
"마음과 마음이 전달되다 (Heart to heart communication)"
"뜻이 전달되다 (The meaning gets across)"
"고스란히 전달되다 (To be passed on intact)"
"가감 없이 전달하다 (To pass on without adding or subtracting)"
"생생하게 전달하다 (To convey vividly)"
"피부에 와닿게 전달하다 (To convey so it touches the skin/feels real)"
"귀에 쏙쏙 들어오게 전달하다 (To convey so it easily enters the ears)"
"말을 전하다 (To pass a word - variant)"
"소문을 내다 (To spread a rumor - related concept)"

Easily Confused

전달하다 vs

전달하다 vs

전달하다 vs

전달하다 vs

전달하다 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

note

Do not use for commercial delivery (food, packages from a store). Use 배달하다 for those. 전달하다 is for passing things along, acting as a messenger, or conveying information/feelings.

Common Mistakes
  • 피자를 전달해 주세요.

    Use 배달하다 for commercial food delivery, not 전달하다.

  • 할아버지에게 선물을 전달했어요.

    Use the honorific particle 께 and verb 드리다 for elders.

  • 사무실에 메시지를 전달했어요.

    Messages are usually delivered to people (에게), not just the physical place (에), though context can vary.

  • 내용이 잘 전달했어요.

    When the subject is the message (내용), use the passive form 전달되다.

  • 친구를 편지를 전달하다.

    The receiver must take the dative particle 에게/한테, not the object particle 를.

Tips

Remember the Particles

Always pair 전달하다 with 에게, 한테, or 께 for the receiver. This is non-negotiable in Korean grammar. Without these particles, the sentence loses its directionality. Practice the trio: Sender(이/가) -> Receiver(에게) -> Object(을/를).

Not for Food

Never use this word for ordering delivery food. It is a classic beginner mistake. Food delivery is 배달 (baedal). Keep 전달 (jeondal) for messages, emails, and passing objects between people.

Office Etiquette

In a Korean office, this is a power word. Use '전달해 드리겠습니다' to show you are efficiently handling information. It shows respect to the hierarchy and competence in your role. It's a great phrase to use in job interviews to describe communication skills.

Smooth 'L' Sound

Don't roll the 'R' or make a hard English 'L' for the 'ㄹ' in 전달. It's a soft flap of the tongue. Practice saying 'dal-ha' smoothly without a harsh stop in between.

Digital Forwarding

If your phone or computer is in Korean, look for '전달' when you want to forward an email or message. It's the exact translation for the 'Forward' button in tech interfaces.

Passive Voice Power

Koreans love the passive voice for politeness. Instead of saying 'Did you understand me?', say '제 뜻이 잘 전달되었나요?' (Was my meaning conveyed well?). It shifts the burden from their understanding to your delivery.

전하다 vs 전달하다

If you are writing a poem or a love letter, use 전하다. If you are writing a business report or a formal email, use 전달하다. Tone matters as much as meaning.

Pair with '마음'

A beautiful and common phrase is '마음을 전달하다' (to convey one's heart/feelings). Use this when giving a thoughtful gift or expressing sincere gratitude or apologies.

The '드리다' Rule

If the person receiving the item or message is older or higher in status, you MUST change 주다 to 드리다. '전달해 주다' becomes '전달해 드리다'. This is a quick way to sound fluent and polite.

Visualizing the Word

Think of a relay race. The baton is the object/message. The act of passing the baton to the next runner is exactly what 전달하다 means. It requires a sender, a receiver, and a successful handoff.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a messenger named JOHN (전 - jeon) running with a DOLL (달 - dal) to deliver it to a child. JOHN-DOLL-HADA -> 전달하다 -> To deliver.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Always confirm receipt. Saying '잘 전달받았습니다' (I received it well) is standard office etiquette.

Crucial. Use '전달해 주다' for equals/juniors, and '전달해 드리다' for seniors/superiors.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"혹시 그 메시지 전달받으셨나요? (Did you happen to receive that message?)"

"이 서류 좀 김 대리님께 전달해 주시겠어요? (Could you please pass this document to Assistant Manager Kim?)"

"제 마음이 잘 전달되었는지 모르겠어요. (I don't know if my feelings were conveyed well.)"

"오늘 회의 내용 좀 전달해 줄 수 있어? (Can you pass on the details of today's meeting?)"

"이메일로 파일 전달했습니다. 확인 부탁드립니다. (I forwarded the file via email. Please check.)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to deliver difficult news to someone. (어려운 소식을 전달해야 했던 경험)

How do you usually convey your feelings to someone you like? (좋아하는 사람에게 마음을 전달하는 방법)

Describe the process of passing information in your workplace or school. (직장이나 학교에서 정보가 전달되는 과정)

Why is it important to convey messages accurately? (메시지를 정확하게 전달하는 것이 중요한 이유)

Write a short message you want to pass on to your future self. (미래의 나에게 전달하고 싶은 메시지)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. For commercial food delivery, you must use 배달하다 (baedalhada). 전달하다 implies passing something along, like a message or a document. If you say 피자를 전달하다, it sounds like you are asking a friend to physically hand a pizza to someone else, not ordering it from a restaurant. Always use 배달 for food.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, 전하다 is slightly more emotional and abstract. You use 전하다 for passing down legends, conveying deep feelings, or sending regards. 전달하다 is more objective, formal, and procedural, making it the preferred choice for business emails, documents, and official information.

To make it honorific, you must change the auxiliary verb and the particle. Instead of using 에게 (to) and 주다 (to give), use 께 (to - honorific) and 드리다 (to give - honorific). So, '친구에게 전달해 주다' becomes '사장님께 전달해 드리다' when speaking about a boss or elder.

전달하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You must deliver *something*. The object is marked with the particle 을/를. For example, 메시지를 (message - object) 전달하다. If you want to use it intransitively (e.g., The message was delivered), you must use the passive form 전달되다.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is the standard word for 'forwarding' an email or a text message. In messenger apps like KakaoTalk, the button to forward a message to another chat is labeled '전달'. You can say '이메일을 전달했습니다' (I forwarded the email).

The noun form is simply 전달 (jeondal). It means 'delivery', 'conveyance', or 'transmission'. You can use it in compound nouns like 전달자 (messenger) or 전달력 (communicative ability). For example, '그는 내용 전달이 명확하다' (His delivery of content is clear).

The most common and natural way to say this is '안부 좀 전해 주세요' (using 전하다). However, '안부 좀 전달해 주세요' is also perfectly acceptable and understood, though slightly more formal. '안부' means regards or greetings.

Yes. While it is heavily used for information and messages, it is also perfectly fine for physical objects, provided it's not a commercial delivery. For example, passing a pen to a classmate, handing a document to a coworker, or giving a gift to a friend on behalf of someone else are all valid uses of 전달하다.

The passive form is 전달되다 (jeondaldoeda). You use this when the focus is on the message or object being received, rather than who sent it. For example, '메시지가 잘 전달되었습니다' means 'The message was delivered well' (or 'The message got across').

The standard pronunciation is [전달하다]. The key is the 'ㄹ' (l/r) sound at the end of '달'. It should be a soft tap against the alveolar ridge. When spoken quickly, the 'ㅎ' in '하다' might weaken, making it sound a bit like [전다라다], but you should aim for the clear spelling pronunciation when practicing.

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