책을 주다

To use this, put the person receiving the book first. Add the particle 에게 or 한테 to that person. Then add 책을 주다. For example, 친구에게 책을 줘요 means "I give a book to a friend." In casual speech, you can drop the 을 particle. Just say 책 줘 if you are telling a friend to give you the book. Don't forget to conjugate 주다 based on the tense and politeness level.

Use this when you are at a bookstore with a friend. Use it when you are cleaning your room and find a book for your sibling. It is perfect for birthdays or graduation gifts. You can also use it when you are lending a book. If you are at a cafe and finished a thriller, tell your friend 이 책 줄게 (I'll give you this book). It sounds warm and generous.

Do not use 주다 if you are giving the book to a teacher. Do not use it for your boss or your grandparents. In those cases, you must use the honorific verb 드리다. Saying 주다 to an elder can sound a bit rude. Also, if you are specifically talking about a gift, 선물하다 might sound more special. 주다 is very functional and plain. It’s like saying "hand over" rather than "presenting."

Koreans have a deep respect for books and education. Gifting a book is seen as a very thoughtful gesture. It implies you value the recipient's intellect. In the past, giving a book was a way to share wisdom. Even today, "Book Certificates" (도서상품권) are incredibly popular gifts for students. If someone gives you a book in Korea, they likely think highly of you. Just try not to give a dictionary—it's a bit heavy for a light chat!

If you want to sound more specific, try 책을 선물하다 (to gift a book). If you are lending it, use 책을 빌려주다. If you are returning a book, use 책을 돌려주다. For elders, always use 책을 드리다. If you want to say "Please give me the book," use 책 좀 주세요. Adding 좀 makes it sound much softer and more natural.