주다 (ju-da, juda) · 드리다 (deu-ri-da, deurida)
Both ‘주다’ and ‘드리다’ mean ‘to give,’ but they differ in expressing respect toward the recipient.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The general verb ‘to give,’ used with friends, colleagues, or informal situations without honorifics.
When to use
Giving gifts to friends, Giving items to colleagues, Family conversations
The nuance
Used when the recipient is equal or lower in status, or in informal contexts.
The honorific form of ‘주다,’ used to show respect to the recipient.
When to use
Submitting reports to a boss, Giving gifts to elders, Providing services to customers
The nuance
Used when the recipient is a superior or respected person, or in formal situations.
친구한테 책을 주었어요.
chin-gu-han-te chaek-eul ju-eoss-eo-yo., chin gu han te chaek eul ju eoss eo yo.
Use ‘주다’ with friends; no honorific needed.
친구한테 책을 드렸어요.
chin-gu-han-te chaek-eul deu-ryeoss-eo-yo., chin gu han te chaek eul deu ryeoss eo yo.
Using ‘드리다’ with friends is overly formal and sounds unnatural.
상사에게 선물을 드렸습니다.
sang-sa-e-ge seon-mul-eul deu-ryeoss-seup-ni-da., sang sa e ge seon mul eul deu ryeoss seup ni da.
Use honorific ‘드리다’ for superiors.
상사에게 선물을 주었습니다.
sang-sa-e-ge seon-mul-eul ju-eoss-seup-ni-da., sang sa e ge seon mul eul ju eoss seup ni da.
Using ‘주다’ for a superior lacks respect.
어머니께 음식을 드렸어요.
eo-meo-ni-kke eum-sik-eul deu-ryeoss-eo-yo., eo meo ni kke eum sik eul deu ryeoss eo yo.
Use ‘드리다’ to show respect to elders.
어머니께 음식을 주었어요.
eo-meo-ni-kke eum-sik-eul ju-eoss-eo-yo., eo meo ni kke eum sik eul ju eoss eo yo.
Using ‘주다’ with elders can sound rude.
고객에게 서비스를 드렸습니다.
go-gaek-e-ge seo-bi-seu-reul deu-ryeoss-seup-ni-da., go gaek e ge seo bi seu reul deu ryeoss seup ni da.
Use honorific ‘드리다’ for customers.
고객에게 서비스를 주었습니다.
go-gaek-e-ge seo-bi-seu-reul ju-eoss-seup-ni-da., go gaek e ge seo bi seu reul ju eoss seup ni da.
Using ‘주다’ for customers is too informal.
Which word should you use when giving a gift to your boss?
What is the appropriate expression when giving a book to a friend?
Which verb fits: giving food to an elder?
Which verb fits: providing service to a customer?
