건네다 (geon-ne-da, geonneda) · 넘기다 (neom-gi-da, neomgida)
건네다 implies a gentle, natural act of handing over, while 넘기다 conveys a more official or definite transfer of an object or authority.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To hand over something or say something gently and naturally to another person
When to use
Handing object to friend, Passing words in conversation, Giving small gifts
The nuance
Used when handing over objects or words gently and naturally to someone; suitable for casual and friendly contexts.
To transfer objects, authority, or responsibility to someone else in an official or definite manner
When to use
Work handover, Transferring authority, Delivering documents
The nuance
Used when transferring authority, responsibility, documents, or important things clearly to others; suitable for formal and serious contexts.
친구에게 책을 건네다.
chin-gu-e-ge chaek-eul geon-ne-da., chin gu e ge chaek eul geon ne da.
Appropriate because it describes handing an object gently and naturally to a friend.
친구에게 책을 넘기다.
chin-gu-e-ge chaek-eul neom-gi-da., chin gu e ge chaek eul neom gi da.
Awkward because it implies an official transfer which is not the case; 건네다 should be used.
상사에게 업무를 넘기다.
sang-sa-e-ge eop-mu-reul neom-gi-da., sang sa e ge eop mu reul neom gi da.
Appropriate because it describes officially handing over work or responsibility.
상사에게 업무를 건네다.
sang-sa-e-ge eop-mu-reul geon-ne-da., sang sa e ge eop mu reul geon ne da.
In official handover situations, 건네다 is inappropriate; 넘기다 is correct.
회의 중에 의견을 건네다.
hoe-ui jung-e ui-gyeon-eul geon-ne-da., hoe ui jung e ui gyeon eul geon ne da.
Appropriate because it involves gently passing an opinion during a meeting.
회의 중에 의견을 넘기다.
hoe-ui jung-e ui-gyeon-eul neom-gi-da., hoe ui jung e ui gyeon eul neom gi da.
Inappropriate because 넘기다 implies official transfer, which does not fit here.
문서를 넘기다.
mun-seo-reul neom-gi-da., mun seo reul neom gi da.
Appropriate for officially handing over important items like documents.
문서를 건네다.
mun-seo-reul geon-ne-da., mun seo reul geon ne da.
In official document handover, 건네다 is inappropriate.
Which word should you use to gently give a letter to a friend?
Which word is appropriate when officially handing over work at a company?
Which word do you use to naturally pass an opinion during a conversation?
