께
To (Honorific)
께 is the honorific version of 에게/한테, used to mean 'to' when the recipient is someone you must show respect to.
How It Works
In Korean, showing respect is crucial, and the language has specific vocabulary and grammar for this purpose. The particle 께 is a key part of the honorific system.
It functions exactly like 에게 and 한테, marking the indirect object (the recipient) of a verb. However, 께 is used exclusively when the recipient is someone you must show deference to. Using 에게 or 한테 for someone like a company president or your grandfather would be considered rude.
Common Recipients for 께:
- 할아버지/할머니 (Grandfather/Grandmother)
- 선생님 (Teacher)
- 사장님 (Company President/Boss)
- 부모님 (Parents)
When using 께, the verb in the sentence is also often in its honorific form, typically by adding the -시- infix and using honorific verbs like 드리다 (to give, honorific) instead of 주다 (to give).
For example:
• 친구에게 선물을 주다 (To give a present to a friend)
• 할아버지께 선물을 드리다 (To give a present to grandfather)
Examples (4)
- 할머니께 선물을 드렸어요.
I gave a gift to my grandmother.
Word by Word: Grandmother-to gift gave (honorific).
- 선생님께 질문이 있습니다.
I have a question for the teacher.
Word by Word: Teacher-to question exists.
- 사장님께 이메일을 보냈습니다.
I sent an email to the CEO.
Word by Word: CEO-to email sent.
- 부모님께 자주 전화해요.
I call my parents often.
Word by Word: Parents-to often call.
Common Mistakes
Using 에게 or 한테 for a person who requires honorifics.
Different Meaning할아버지한테 선물을 줬어요.Better할아버지께 선물을 드렸어요.While 한테 is correct for friends or people of similar/lower status, you must use the honorific particle 께 for respected elders like a grandfather. The verb should also be honorific (드렸어요 instead of 줬어요).
Learn This First
To use honorific direction markers, you need basic direction markers and honorific knowledge.
Related Patterns
- 께서Subject Marker (Honorific)
께서 is the honorific subject marker, corresponding to 이/가. 께 is the honorific indirect object marker. Both are used for the same respected individuals.
- 한테To, For
한테 is the standard spoken form for 'to (a person)'. 께 is its direct honorific equivalent, used in both speech and writing.
- -(으)시-Honorific Marker
The honorific infix -시- is often used in the verb when 께 is used in the sentence to maintain a consistent level of respect.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.