Humble verbs: 드리다 (give to respected person)

드리다 functions in two main ways. First, it works as a standalone verb for physical objects. You use it when you give a gift to a teacher. You use it when you give a document to your boss. Second, it works as an auxiliary verb. This means it attaches to other verbs using the -어/아/여 pattern. This is how you offer to do something for someone. For example, instead of just "helping," you "humbly offer help." It transforms the entire vibe of the sentence. It moves from a simple statement to a gesture of service. It is like the difference between saying "Here's your coffee" and "I have prepared this coffee for you, sir." The meaning is the same, but the feeling is totally different.

1. 1Using 드리다 is quite straightforward once you know the basic conjugation rules.
2. 2For physical objects: Use the noun + object marker 을/를 + 드리다.
3. 3선물을 드려요 (I give a gift).
4. 4For actions: Take a verb stem and add -어/아/여 + 드리다.
5. 5If the stem ends in ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아 드리다. Example: 사다 becomes 사 드려요 (I buy it for you).
6. 6If the stem ends in anything else, add -어 드리다. Example: 읽다 becomes 읽어 드려요 (I read it for you).
7. 7For 하다 verbs, change 하다 to 해 드리다. Example: 요리하다 becomes 요리해 드려요 (I cook for you).
8. 8Don't forget the recipient! Use the honorific particle 께 instead of 에게 or 한테 for the person receiving the item.

Use 드리다 whenever the person receiving the item or action is someone you need to show respect to. This includes your grandparents, parents, or older relatives. It also includes teachers, professors, and your boss at work. In a professional setting, you use it with clients or customers. Imagine you are in a job interview. You would use 드리다 to say you will "give your best effort." Or imagine you are at a cafe. The barista uses 드리다 when handing you your latte. It is the standard for service and professional respect. Even if you are older than the recipient, if they are a customer or a high-ranking official, 드리다 is the safest bet. It is like wearing a suit to a wedding; you can't really go wrong by being too respectful.

This is where things get tricky. Never use 드리다 when you are the one receiving something. That would be like bowing to yourself in a mirror. It sounds very strange! Also, do not use it with friends, younger siblings, or people you are very close to. If you use 드리다 with your best friend, they might think you are being sarcastic or suddenly very cold. It creates a "distance" of respect. Also, avoid using it for animals. Giving a treat to your dog? Use 주다. Your dog is a good boy, but he doesn't require humble honorifics. Lastly, don't use it when a high-status person gives something to a low-status person. If your boss gives you a bonus, they use 주다 or 주시다, not 드리다.

One of the biggest blunders is using 드리다 for your own actions that don't involve another person. It must involve a recipient. Another common slip-up is mixing up 드리다 and 주시다. Remember: 드리다 is when you (or someone low) give to someone high. 주시다 is when someone high gives to you. Think of it as a one-way street for respect. Also, watch out for the particle 께. Using 드리다 with the casual particle 한테 is like wearing a tuxedo with flip-flops. It just doesn't match. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired, but as a learner, sticking to the rules will make you look like a pro.

Let's look at the "Giving Trio": 주다, 주시다, and 드리다.

• 주다: The basic form. Use it for friends, kids, or animals. 내가 친구에게 책을 줬어.
• 주시다: The honorific form. Use it when someone respected gives something to you. The focus is on their generous action. 선생님이 나에게 책을 주셨어.
• 드리다: The humble form. Use it when you give something to someone respected. The focus is on your humble offering. 내가 선생님께 책을 드렸어.

Think of 주시다 as looking up at someone giving to you, and 드리다 as looking down at your hands as you offer to someone above you. It is all about the direction of the respect.