-께

Overview

The particle -께 is an honorific case marker used to indicate the recipient of an action or the target of a feeling. It functions as the polite and respectful equivalent of -에게 or -한테, which also mark the recipient or target. The key distinction is that -께 is exclusively used when the person being referred to deserves respect, such as elders, teachers, or superiors.

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Usage

-께 is attached directly to a noun that represents a person deserving of respect. It is primarily used in the following situations:

1. To indicate the recipient of an action: When you perform an action for or to a respected person.
   • Examples: 선물을 드리다 (to give a present, honorific), 말씀을 드리다 (to speak, honorific), 인사를 드리다 (to greet, honorific).
2. To indicate the target of a question or request: When you ask or request something from or to a respected person.
   • Examples: 질문을 여쭙다 (to ask a question, honorific), 부탁을 드리다 (to make a request, honorific).
3. To indicate the source of information from a respected person: While less common than its use as a recipient marker, -께 can also imply "from" a respected person, especially with verbs like 배우다 (to learn) or 듣다 (to hear).
   • Example: 선생님께 배웠어요 (I learned from the teacher).

It is crucial to remember that -께 is not used for inanimate objects, animals, or people who do not require honorific treatment. Using it inappropriately can sound unnatural or even sarcastic.

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Conjugation Rules

As a particle, -께 has a straightforward attachment rule:

• It attaches directly to the end of a noun that refers to a person deserving of respect.

• There are no variations based on whether the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.

  • Examples:
    • 선생님 + 께 → 선생님께 (to the teacher)
    • 할머니 + 께 → 할머니께 (to grandmother)
    • 사장님 + 께 → 사장님께 (to the CEO)

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Knowledge Plus

• Part of the Honorific System: -께 is an essential component of the Korean honorific system. Its proper use demonstrates respect and politeness, which are highly valued in Korean culture. It often appears in conjunction with honorific verbs (e.g., 드리다, 여쭙다) and honorific noun forms (e.g., 선생님, 사장님).
• Distinction from -에게/-한테: While -에게 and -한테 are general recipient markers, -께 specifically elevates the status of the recipient. Using -에게 or -한테 for someone who deserves honorifics would be considered impolite or disrespectful.
• Context is Key: The decision to use -께 depends entirely on the social context, the age and status of the recipient relative to the speaker, and the level of formality required. When in doubt, it's generally safer to err on the side of politeness.
• Not for the Speaker: Remember that -께 is used for others. You would never use -께 to refer to yourself as the recipient of an action.