께Korean particle · TOPIK 2
kke
One particle with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
(honorific) '에게'; a postpositional particle referring to the ownership or location of an object.
(높임말로) 에게. 어떤 물건의 소속이나 위치를 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person.
사람을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
바쁘신 선생님께 우리를 만나 주실 시간이 있을까?
Would our busy teacher have time to meet with us?
부모님께 내 학비를 감당할 충분한 돈이 있을지 모르겠다.
I'm not sure my parents have enough money to cover my tuition.
회사의 중요한 결정을 내릴 수 있는 권한은 사장님께 있습니다.
The authority to make important company decisions lies with the president.
대화In conversation
아버지께서 어제부터 전화를 안 받으셔요.
Father hasn't been answering the phone since yesterday.
아버님께 무슨 일이 생긴 건 아닐지 걱정이네요.
I'm worried something might have happened to him.
(honorific) '에게'; a postpositional particle referring to the subject that an act has an influence on.
(높임말로) 에게. 어떤 행동이 미치는 대상을 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person.
사람을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
나는 첫 월급을 받은 기념으로 부모님께 선물을 드렸다.
To celebrate my first paycheck, I bought a gift for my parents.
나는 공부를 하다 어려운 부분이 있으면 교수님께 여쭈어 본다.
When I come across something difficult while studying, I ask my professor.
나는 오랜만에 찾아뵌 할아버지께 절을 올렸다.
I bowed to my grandfather, whom I was visiting after a long time.
대화In conversation
나 합격했어! 선생님께 이 소식을 빨리 알려야겠어.
I passed! I need to tell my teacher the news right away.
축하해! 선생님께서 매우 기뻐하실 거야.
Congratulations! She'll be so happy.
(honorific) '에게'; a postpositional particle referring to the subject of an act.
(높임말로) 에게. 어떤 행동의 주체이거나 비롯되는 대상임을 나타내는 조사.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after nouns denoting a person.
사람을 나타내는 명사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
아이는 동생과 싸워 어머니께 야단을 맞았다.
The child got scolded by his mother for fighting with his younger sibling.
선생님께 가르침을 받고 싶습니다.
I want to be taught by you, teacher.
승규는 어려운 일이 생길 때마다 부모님께 도움을 받았다.
Whenever Seunggyu faced a difficult situation, he received help from his parents.
대화In conversation
어제 아버지께 크게 혼났어.
I got scolded badly by my father yesterday.
왜? 무슨 잘못을 했니?
Why? What did you do wrong?
관련 문법Related grammar
Other particles you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does 께 mean in Korean?
께 is a particle introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). (honorific) '에게'; a postpositional particle referring to the ownership or location of an object. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use 께?
Attaches after nouns denoting a person.
What TOPIK level is 께?
2급 — TOPIK 2, elementary. 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.