에게Korean particle · TOPIK 1
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One particle with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
형태Forms
Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.
A postpositional particle that indicates whom a certain object belongs to.
어떤 물건의 소속이나 위치를 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person or an animal.
사람이나 동물을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
비만인 사람에게 성인병이 더 잘 생긴다.
Obese people are more prone to adult diseases.
나에게 공부할 시간만 더 있었다면 시험을 더 잘 봤을 텐데.
If I had had more time to study, I would have done better on the exam.
자신이 가진 것보다 자신에게 없는 것이 더 크게 느껴지는 경우가 많다.
People often feel what they lack more strongly than what they have.
대화In conversation
방학 동안 독서를 하려고 하는데 재미있는 책 좀 추천해 줄래?
I'm planning to read during the vacation. Can you recommend some interesting books?
가벼운 소설책들은 승규에게 많으니까 한 번 물어 봐.
Seunggyu has a lot of light novels, so ask him.
A postpositional particle referring to the subject that is influenced by a certain action.
어떤 행동이 미치는 대상임을 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person or an animal.
사람이나 동물을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
승규는 버스에서 임산부에게 자리를 양보했다.
Seunggyu gave up his seat to a pregnant woman on the bus.
나는 오랜만에 만난 친구에게 반갑게 인사를 했다.
I greeted my friend warmly after not seeing him for a long time.
민준이는 후배에게 많은 조언을 해 주는 좋은 선배였다.
Minjun was a good senior who gave lots of advice to his juniors.
대화In conversation
수상 소감을 말씀해 주시겠어요?
Could you share your acceptance speech?
우선 지금까지 저를 지켜준 가족들에게 정말 고맙다고 말하고 싶어요.
First, I want to say thank you to my family who have supported me all this time.
A postpositional particle indicating the agent of a certain action or one from which an action comes from.
어떤 행동의 주체이거나 비롯되는 대상임을 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person or an animal.
사람이나 동물을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
때로는 부모도 자식에게 배울 것이 있다.
Sometimes parents can learn from their children.
지수는 선생님에게 칭찬을 받고 싶어 숙제를 열심히 했다.
Jisu worked hard on her homework because she wanted to be praised by the teacher.
민준이는 강아지를 괴롭히다 결국 강아지에게 손을 물렸다.
Minjun teased the puppy and ended up getting bitten on the hand.
대화In conversation
네 구두 너무 예쁘다! 새로 산 거니?
Your shoes are so pretty! Are they new?
친구에게 생일 선물로 받았어.
I got them as a birthday gift from a friend.
관련 문법Related grammar
Other particles you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does 에게 mean in Korean?
에게 is a particle introduced at 1급 (TOPIK 1). A postpositional particle that indicates whom a certain object belongs to. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use 에게?
Attaches after nouns denoting a person or an animal. The other shape is 에게로, 에게서 — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between 에게 and 에게로?
None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same particle, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.
What TOPIK level is 에게?
1급 — TOPIK 1, beginner. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.
Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.