께 (honorific indirect object)

This particle marks the person who receives an action. In English, we usually use the word "to" or "for." In Korean, this is called an indirect object marker. When the receiver is someone older, you must use 께. It attaches directly to the end of the noun. It does not matter if the noun ends in a vowel. It does not matter if the noun ends in a consonant. This makes it much easier than many other Korean rules. However, it usually requires a special honorific verb to follow. You cannot just use any verb with this polite particle. It is like a matching set of clothes for your sentence. If the top is fancy, the bottom must be fancy too.

1. 1Identify the person who is receiving the action or item.
2. 2Determine if that person is older or higher in status.
3. 3Attach 께 directly to the end of their name or title.
4. 4Choose an honorific verb like 드리다 instead of 주다.
5. 5Ensure the rest of the sentence matches this polite tone.
6. 6Double-check that you are not using it for yourself.

You should use 께 when speaking to your boss. Use it when you are giving a gift to a teacher. It is perfect for talking to your grandparents at home. Use it when you are in a formal job interview. If you are asking a question to a doctor, use 께. It is great for showing respect to elderly strangers too. Imagine you are ordering food for your grandfather at a restaurant. You would tell the waiter you are giving the dish 께 him. It makes the whole interaction feel much more respectful and warm. It is the standard for professional and family respect.

Do not use 께 when talking to your younger sister. It would sound very strange and even a bit sarcastic. Do not use it when talking to your best friends. They might think you are joking or being too stiff. Never use it when talking to animals or inanimate objects. Calling your cat "Your Majesty" with 께 is funny but incorrect. Also, never use 께 when referring to yourself as the receiver. You are never the honorific target of your own sentence. That would be like bowing to yourself in a mirror. Keep it for others to show you are humble.

The biggest mistake is mixing 께 with casual verbs. Many people say 선생님께 줬어요 which is a major clash. You must use the honorific verb 드리다 with this particle. Another mistake is using it for people younger than you. This makes the social hierarchy feel very confused and awkward. Some people also confuse 께 with the subject marker 께서. Remember that 께 is for the receiver, not the doer. It is like a grammar traffic light; don't go on red! If you use it wrong, people will still understand you. But they might give you a slightly confused look.

께 is the most polite version of "to" or "for." 에게 is the standard version used mostly in writing. 한테 is the casual version used in everyday spoken Korean. Think of 한테 as a t-shirt and jeans combo. Think of 에게 as a nice business casual outfit. Think of 께 as a full tuxedo or a beautiful hanbok. You choose the particle based on who you are talking to. If they are your equal, 한테 is usually your best bet. If they are your superior, 께 is the only choice. Using the wrong one is like wearing pajamas to a meeting.