Level 2

선물하다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '선물하다' means 'to give a gift' or 'to present something to someone.' It is commonly used in everyday situations such as birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Common Collocations

  • 선물하다 + object (e.g., 꽃을 선물하다): to give a specific gift
  • 생일에 선물하다: to give a gift on a birthday
  • 선물 포장하다: to wrap a gift

Politeness and Register

'선물하다' is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When speaking politely, it is often combined with polite sentence endings like '-요' or '-습니다.'

Tips for Learners

When using '선물하다,' remember that the object is usually the gift itself, and the person receiving the gift is marked with 에게 or 한테. Avoid confusing '선물하다' with '주다,' which means 'to give' in a more general sense. '선물하다' specifically implies giving a present or gift.

Example Patterns

  • 친구에게 선물하다: to give a gift to a friend
  • 특별한 날에 선물하다: to give a gift on a special day
  • 마음을 담아 선물하다: to give a gift with heartfelt feelings

Example Sentences

생일에 친구에게 책을 선물했어요.

Saengire chinguege chaegeul seonmulhaesseoyo.

I gave a book as a gift to my friend on their birthday.

어머니께 꽃을 선물하고 싶어요.

Eomeonikkke kkot-eul seonmulhago sipeoyo.

I want to give flowers as a gift to my mother.

선물하다가 포장을 예쁘게 해야 해요.

Seonmulhadaga pojangeul yeppeuge haeya haeyo.

When giving a gift, you should wrap it nicely.