책을 주다
To 주다 책
Literally: book [object marker] to give
Use this simple phrase for handing a book to peers, but switch to honorifics for superiors.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'to give a book'.
- Use '주다' for friends and '드리다' for elders.
- Common for gifts, loans, or sharing knowledge.
Meaning
This phrase simply means giving a book to someone. It’s used when you hand over a physical book as a gift, a loan, or just to share a good read.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving a birthday present to a friend
생일이라서 친구에게 책을 줬어요.
It was their birthday, so I gave my friend a book.
Giving a book to a teacher
선생님께 책을 드렸습니다.
I gave a book to the teacher.
Texting a friend about a loan
내일 그 책 줄게!
I'll give you that book tomorrow!
Cultural Background
In Korea, books are considered prestigious gifts that symbolize a wish for the recipient's success and wisdom. There is even a tradition called 'Chaekgeori' (책거리), a party held when a student finishes a book. Gifting a book is a culturally safe and respected choice for almost any occasion.
Dropping the Particle
In daily conversation, Koreans often drop '을'. Just saying '책 줘요' sounds very natural and less like a textbook.
The 'Give' Trap
Remember that '주다' is only for giving *away* from you. If someone gives *to* you, use '받다' (to receive).
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means 'to give a book'.
- Use '주다' for friends and '드리다' for elders.
- Common for gifts, loans, or sharing knowledge.
What It Means
책을 주다 is a very straightforward phrase. It combines 책 (book) and 주다 (to give). You use it when you are physically handing a book to another person. It covers everything from giving a birthday gift to returning a borrowed novel. It is one of the first collocations you learn in Korean. It is simple, clear, and very useful.
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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."
Cultural Background
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!
Common Variations
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.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but requires proper conjugation. Always remember to use '드리다' when the recipient is someone you need to show respect to.
Dropping the Particle
In daily conversation, Koreans often drop '을'. Just saying '책 줘요' sounds very natural and less like a textbook.
The 'Give' Trap
Remember that '주다' is only for giving *away* from you. If someone gives *to* you, use '받다' (to receive).
Book Certificates
If you're not sure which book to give, Koreans love '도서상품권' (Book Vouchers). It's the ultimate 'safe' gift for students!
Examples
6생일이라서 친구에게 책을 줬어요.
It was their birthday, so I gave my friend a book.
A standard use of the phrase in a past tense context.
선생님께 책을 드렸습니다.
I gave a book to the teacher.
Uses the honorific '드리다' instead of '주다' for respect.
내일 그 책 줄게!
I'll give you that book tomorrow!
Casual '반말' (informal speech) used between close friends.
동생한테 만화책을 줬어.
I gave the comic book to my younger sibling.
Uses '한테' which is common in spoken Korean.
이 두꺼운 책을 나한테 준다고?
You're giving me this thick book?
Expressing surprise at the size/weight of the book.
내가 제일 아끼는 책을 너에게 줄게.
I will give you my most cherished book.
Shows a deep emotional connection through the act of giving.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to give a book to your boss.
부장님께 ___.
When the recipient is a superior (like a boss), you must use the honorific '드리다'.
Complete the sentence to say 'I give a book to my friend' in casual style.
친구에게 ___.
'줘' is the casual (반말) conjugation of '주다' for friends.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Giving a Book'
To friends or younger siblings.
책 줘 (Give me the book)
To acquaintances or colleagues.
책을 줘요 (I give the book)
To teachers, bosses, or elders.
책을 드려요 (I give the book [honorific])
When to say '책을 주다'
Birthday Party
Giving a novel as a gift.
Library/School
Returning a book to a friend.
Cleaning House
Giving away old books to a neighbor.
Cafe Study
Lending a textbook to a classmate.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsYes, but usually you would say 선물하기 (gifting) through an app like KakaoTalk. 책을 주다 usually implies a physical object.
주다 is for people of equal or lower status. 드리다 is the humble form used when giving to someone older or higher in rank.
You should say 책 좀 주세요. Adding 좀 (a little) makes the request sound much more polite and natural.
It can be, but 빌려주다 (to lend) is more precise. If you say 책을 줬어, people might think it was a permanent gift.
Technically, a notebook is 공책. So you would say 공책을 주다. 책 specifically refers to a printed book.
Use 에게 in writing or formal settings, and 한테 in everyday spoken Korean. For elders, use 께.
You conjugate it to 책을 줬어요 (polite) or 책을 줬어 (casual).
Only if you say it as 책 줘! with a sharp intonation. Otherwise, it's just a descriptive phrase.
Yes, 주다 is perfect for children. You could say 아이에게 책을 줬어요.
You can say 책들을 주다, but usually, 책을 주다 is fine for both singular and plural in Korean context.
Very common! It's seen as a respectful and thoughtful gift, especially for students or colleagues.
Related Phrases
책을 빌리다 (to borrow a book)
책을 읽다 (to read a book)
선물을 주다 (to give a gift)
책을 선물하다 (to gift a book)
책을 돌려주다 (to return a book)
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