Today, we're learning the essential particles for "to" and "from" in Korean. Unlike in English, Korean uses specific particles to show that an action is directed to a person (or living being) or is coming from a person.
We will cover the "to" particles -에게 and -한테, and the "from" particles -에게서 and -한테서. The main difference between them is formality!
1. Usage: -에게 and -한테 (To a person)
This particle is attached to a person or living being to mark them as the recipient of an action. It means "to" that person.
-에게 (Written / Formal)
This is the written, formal version. You will see it in books, articles, and formal speech. You attach it directly to the noun, regardless of vowel or consonant.
- Korean: 선생님에게 질문을 했어요.
English: "I asked a question to the teacher." - Common Verbs: 주다 (to give), 보내다 (to send), 말하다 (to speak), 묻다 (to ask), 가르치다 (to teach)
-한테 (Spoken / Informal)
This is the spoken, informal version. It is much more common in daily conversation. It has the exact same meaning as -에게. You also attach it directly.
- Korean: 친구한테 전화했어요.
English: "I called (to) my friend." - Korean: 고양이한테 밥을 줬어요.
English: "I gave food to the cat." (Used for animals too!)
2. Usage: -에게서 and -한테서 (From a person)
This particle is the opposite. It's attached to a person or living being to mark them as the source of an action. It means "from" that person.
-에게서 (Written / Formal)
This is the written, formal version for "from a person."
- Korean: 선생님에게서 한국어를 배워요.
English: "I learn Korean from the teacher." - Common Verbs: 받다 (to receive), 듣다 (to hear), 배우다 (to learn)
-한테서 (Spoken / Informal)
This is the spoken, informal version for "from a person."
- Korean: 친구한테서 선물을 받았어요.
English: "I received a present from my friend." - Korean: 그 이야기 누구한테서 들었어요?
English: "Who did you hear that story from?"
3. Example Sentences
Let's see these forms in action in everyday situations.
- Korean: 저는 동생에게 돈을 보냈어요.
English: I sent money to my younger sibling. (Formal/Written) - Korean: 엄마한테 말했어요?
English: Did you tell (to) your mom? (Spoken) - Korean: 남자친구한테서 꽃을 받았어요.
English: I received flowers from my boyfriend. (Spoken) - Korean: 그 소식은 민수한테서 들었어요.
English: I heard that news from Minsu. (Spoken) - Korean: 부모님에게 편지를 쓸 거예요.
English: I will write a letter to my parents. (Formal/Written) - Korean: 교수님에게서 이메일을 받았습니다.
English: I received an email from the professor. (Formal) - Korean: 강아지한테 물을 주세요.
English: Please give water to the puppy. (Spoken) - Korean: 누구한테 전화했어요?
English: Who did you call? (Spoken)
4. Key Rules and Comparisons
Here are a few crucial nuances to remember.
Rule 1: Spoken Shortcut (한테서 → 한테)
In daily conversation, native speakers often drop the -서 from -한테서. The verb's meaning (like "receive" or "hear") makes it clear that "from" is intended.
Both are correct and extremely common, but the short form is more casual.
Rule 2: CRITICAL: People (-에게) vs. Places (-에)
This is the most common mistake for beginners. -에게/한테 is ONLY for people or living beings. -에 is for places, objects, or time.
Rule 3: The Honorific Version: -께
When you are giving something TO someone highly respected (like a grandparent, professor, or boss), you should use the honorific particle -께 instead of -에게 or -한테.
Note: For "from" a respected person, you can say -께서, but -에게서 is also commonly used.
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