팔다 (pal-da, palda) · 판매하다 (pan-mae-ha-da, panmaehada)
Both 팔다 and 판매하다 mean 'to sell,' but 팔다 is casual and natural for everyday use, while 판매하다 is formal and mainly used in business contexts.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To sell goods or services in casual, everyday contexts.
When to use
Everyday conversation, Market or shop, Selling to friends, Casual sales
The nuance
Used mainly in everyday conversations or informal situations; rarely used in official documents or formal business contexts.
To sell goods or services in formal or business contexts.
When to use
Company business, Advertising copy, Contracts, Official sales announcements
The nuance
Primarily used in companies, stores, advertisements, contracts, and other formal or professional contexts.
나는 집에서 옷을 팔다.
na-neun jip-e-seo os-eul pal-da., na neun jip e seo os eul pal da.
Using '팔다' naturally fits casual, everyday contexts.
나는 집에서 옷을 판매하다.
na-neun jip-e-seo os-eul pan-mae-ha-da., na neun jip e seo os eul pan mae ha da.
'판매하다' is too formal and awkward for casual, informal contexts.
이 회사는 전자제품을 판매합니다.
i hoe-sa-neun jeon-ja-je-pum-eul pan-mae-hap-ni-da., i hoe sa neun jeon ja je pum eul pan mae hap ni da.
'판매하다' is appropriate in company or formal contexts.
이 회사는 전자제품을 팝니다.
i hoe-sa-neun jeon-ja-je-pum-eul pap-ni-da., i hoe sa neun jeon ja je pum eul pap ni da.
'팝니다' can be used naturally even in company contexts as a more casual expression.
친구에게 내 자전거를 판매했어.
chin-gu-e-ge nae ja-jeon-geo-reul pan-mae-haess-eo., chin gu e ge nae ja jeon geo reul pan mae haess eo.
'판매하다' is too formal when talking about selling to a friend.
친구에게 내 자전거를 팔았어.
chin-gu-e-ge nae ja-jeon-geo-reul pal-ass-eo., chin gu e ge nae ja jeon geo reul pal ass eo.
Natural and comfortable expression among friends.
광고에서 신제품을 판매한다고 했어요.
gwang-go-e-seo sin-je-pum-eul pan-mae-han-da-go haess-eo-yo., gwang go e seo sin je pum eul pan mae han da go haess eo yo.
'판매하다' fits well in advertisements or promotional phrases.
광고에서 신제품을 판다고 했어요.
gwang-go-e-seo sin-je-pum-eul pan-da-go haess-eo-yo., gwang go e seo sin je pum eul pan da go haess eo yo.
'팔다' is too casual for advertisements, where '판매하다' is preferred.
Which is the most natural expression when selling to a friend?
Which expression suits official company documents?
What is commonly used when introducing goods in markets or shops?
Which word fits better in advertising copy?
