편지을 주다

You use this phrase by combining the noun 편지 with the verb 주다. Note that since 편지 ends in a vowel, you should use the object marker 를. So, the standard form is 편지를 주다. You can conjugate the verb based on who you are talking to. For friends, use 편지 줬어. For someone older, use the honorific 편지를 드렸어요. It is a versatile phrase for any written exchange.

Use this when you are physically giving a card or letter. It is perfect for birthdays or anniversaries. It is also common when someone is leaving for a long time. In Korea, writing letters to soldiers in the military is a big deal. You can also use it when giving a fan letter to your favorite K-pop idol. It implies a sense of warmth and effort.

Do not use this for sending a quick KakaoTalk message or a DM. For digital messages, 메시지를 보내다 is more natural. Also, avoid using 주다 when giving a letter to a teacher or boss. In those cases, always switch to the polite verb 드리다. Using 주다 with a superior might sound a bit rude or childish. Don't accidentally give someone your grocery list instead of your confession letter!

Koreans value 'jeong' (정), which is a feeling of deep connection. A handwritten letter is the ultimate way to show 'jeong'. Even in the digital age, 'Rolling Papers' are popular in schools. This is where everyone writes a small note on one big paper for a friend. Letters are seen as treasures that people keep for years in small boxes. It is a culture of slow, thoughtful communication.

You will often hear 편지를 써 주다, which means 'to write and give a letter'. If you are sending it through the mail, you use 편지를 보내다. If you are just passing it along for someone else, use 편지를 전해주다. If you want to sound extra sweet, you might say 손편지 (hand-letter) to emphasize that you wrote it by hand. Just make sure your handwriting is readable!