가지다 (ga-ji-da, gajida) · 갖다 (gaj-da, gajda)
Both 가지다 and 갖다 mean 'to have,' but 가지다 is more formal and literary, while 갖다 is more natural in spoken Korean.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Used in formal or literary contexts to express possession or maintaining a state
When to use
formal documents, literary works, abstract possession, formal presentations
The nuance
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts; suitable for abstract or general possession expressions.
Used naturally in everyday conversation to express possession; fits spoken language
When to use
everyday conversation, casual situations, concrete possession, informal expressions
The nuance
Frequently used in spoken language; suitable for concrete and tangible possession expressions.
나는 책을 가지다.
na-neun chaek-eul ga-ji-da., na neun chaek eul ga ji da.
'가지다' is not used as the base form in sentences; it should be conjugated like '가진다'.
나는 책을 가진다.
na-neun chaek-eul ga-jin-da., na neun chaek eul ga jin da.
Correct conjugation of '가지다'; appropriate in formal or literary contexts.
나는 책을 갖다.
na-neun chaek-eul gaj-da., na neun chaek eul gaj da.
'갖다' also requires conjugation; using the base form directly is ungrammatical.
나는 책을 갖고 있다.
na-neun chaek-eul gaj-go iss-da., na neun chaek eul gaj go iss da.
Commonly used in spoken Korean; natural and correct expression.
그는 많은 경험을 가지다.
geu-neun man-eun gyeong-heom-eul ga-ji-da., geu neun man eun gyeong heom eul ga ji da.
'가지다' must be conjugated; '가진다' is correct.
그는 많은 경험을 가진다.
geu-neun man-eun gyeong-heom-eul ga-jin-da., geu neun man eun gyeong heom eul ga jin da.
Suitable for expressing abstract possession in formal contexts.
나는 차를 갖다.
na-neun cha-reul gaj-da., na neun cha reul gaj da.
Base form usage is incorrect; '갖고 있다' is natural.
나는 차를 갖고 있다.
na-neun cha-reul gaj-go iss-da., na neun cha reul gaj go iss da.
Natural and correct expression in everyday conversation.
Which is appropriate for formal documents?
Which is natural in conversation with friends?
Which word suits expressing abstract possession?
