손수

sonsu

With one's own hands, personally

TOPIK 6

Meaning and Usage

"손수" means doing something with one's own hands or personally. It emphasizes the direct involvement of the person without delegation.

Common Contexts

This adverb is often used to highlight sincerity, care, or effort, such as when someone prepares food, makes gifts, or writes letters themselves.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 손수 만들다: to make something by oneself, emphasizing craftsmanship or care.
  • 손수 준비하다: to personally prepare something, often food or events.
  • 손수 작성하다: to personally write or compose documents or letters.

Register and Nuance

"손수" is polite and formal, suitable for written and spoken Korean, especially when praising someone's effort or sincerity.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "손수" with simply "직접" (directly). While both imply personal action, "손수" specifically stresses the use of one's own hands or personal effort, often with a warm or respectful nuance.

Example Sentences

그는 손수 만든 선물을 친구에게 주었다.

Geuneun sonsu mandeun seonmureul chinguege ju-eotda.

He gave a gift he made with his own hands to his friend.

어머니는 손수 음식을 준비하셨다.

Eomeoni-neun sonsu eumsigeul junbihasyeotda.

Mother personally prepared the food.

손수 작성한 편지를 받으니 감동했다.

Sonsu jakseonghan pyeonjireul badeuni gamdonghaetda.

I was touched to receive a letter personally written by him.