Meaning
To be given a present.
Cultural Background
When receiving a gift from an elder, you must use two hands. It is also common to give 'money' in white envelopes as gifts for weddings and funerals, which is still referred to as a 'gift' in a broad sense. The 'KakaoTalk Gift' culture is massive. People send coffee, cakes, and even luxury items via the app. Receiving a notification that 'You have received a gift' is a daily occurrence for many. Traditionally, Koreans might decline a gift once or twice out of modesty before accepting it. This is called 'Chemyeon' (saving face). The color of the wrapping paper matters. Red and gold are traditionally lucky, while white can sometimes be associated with funerals (though this is less strict for modern gifts).
The Two-Hand Rule
Even if the gift is small, using two hands to receive it makes you look very culturally fluent and polite.
Don't say 'Get'
While 'get' works in English, avoid using the Korean word for 'take' (가지다) when you mean 'receive a gift'. Stick to '받다'.
Meaning
To be given a present.
The Two-Hand Rule
Even if the gift is small, using two hands to receive it makes you look very culturally fluent and polite.
Don't say 'Get'
While 'get' works in English, avoid using the Korean word for 'take' (가지다) when you mean 'receive a gift'. Stick to '받다'.
Reaction Matters
In Korea, saying 'Gamsahamnida' (Thank you) multiple times while receiving is better than just once.
Reciprocity
If you receive a gift, try to remember the occasion so you can give one back when it's their turn!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '받다' in the past tense.
어제 생일이었어요. 그래서 친구한테 {선물|膳物}을 ________.
Since the sentence starts with '어제' (yesterday), the past tense '받았어요' is required.
Which particle correctly identifies the person who gave the gift?
선생님____ {선물|膳物}을 받았어요.
'에게' or '한테' is used to mark the giver when receiving something.
Match the Korean phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four most common actions associated with gifts.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 이 가방 예쁘네요! 어디에서 샀어요? B: 아, 이거 안 샀어요. 남자친구한테 {선물|膳物} ________.
The speaker is explaining that the bag was a gift from their boyfriend.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Giver vs Receiver
Practice Bank
4 exercises어제 생일이었어요. 그래서 친구한테 {선물|膳物}을 ________.
Since the sentence starts with '어제' (yesterday), the past tense '받았어요' is required.
선생님____ {선물|膳物}을 받았어요.
'에게' or '한테' is used to mark the giver when receiving something.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four most common actions associated with gifts.
A: 이 가방 예쁘네요! 어디에서 샀어요? B: 아, 이거 안 샀어요. 남자친구한테 {선물|膳物} ________.
The speaker is explaining that the bag was a gift from their boyfriend.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! '전화를 받다' is the standard way to say 'answer the phone'.
Mostly, but it can be used metaphorically for things like 'the gift of a beautiful day'.
'받다' is for something given to you; '얻다' is for something you gained or acquired, often through effort.
In casual speech, it is often dropped: '선물 받았어'. In formal writing, keep it.
It depends on the person. If they are close friends, yes. If it's a formal setting, it's safer to wait or ask 'Can I open it now?'.
Use '부장님께 선물을 받았어요'. '께' is the honorific version of '에게'.
Yes, '편지를 받다' is correct.
It is a portmanteau of 'Gift' and 'Icon'. It's a barcode gift sent via phone.
No, '받다' is used by everyone, but you change the particles and the giver's verb to show humility.
No, that sounds like 'I possessed a gift'. Use '받았어요'.
Related Phrases
선물을 주다
contrastTo give a gift
선물을 드리다
specialized formTo give a gift (humble)
선물을 보내다
similarTo send a gift
선물세트
builds onGift set
기념품
similarSouvenir
