TOPIK · Level 314
15 words
Korean word
건네다
Pronunciation
Romanizationkeonneda
Meaning
- verbhand
Example
나는 친구에게 책을 건넸다.na neun chin gu e ge chae geul keon net tta
I handed a book to my friend.
More examples
그는 나에게 따뜻한 미소를 건넸다.keu neun na e ge tta tteu tan mi so reul keon net tta
He offered me a warm smile.
Core concept
Passing something across to another person, with the same reaching-out motion also used for offering a brief word or greeting.
Common phrases
미소를 건네다mi so reul keon ne da
offer a smile
한마디를 건네다han ma di reul keon ne da
offer a word
Similar words
주다chuda: Moving an object, information, or feeling from one person to another.
넘기다neomgida: Passing an item or responsibility onward for another person to manage.
내밀다naemilda: Extending a hand or object toward someone in readiness for them to see or take it.
전달하다cheondalhada: Sending news, instructions, or other information on to a person or place.
Definition in Korean
손으로 물건을 건네어 다른 사람에게 주거나, 간단한 말이나 인사로 먼저 말을 거는 행위를 나타내는 동사.so neu ro mul geo neul keon ne eo ta reun sa ra me ge chu geo na kan dan han ma ri na in sa ro meon jeo ma reul keo neun haeng wi reul na ta nae neun tong sa
Word origin
The historical origin of this native Korean verb is uncertain, so its concrete sense of passing something by hand is the safest starting point for remembering its broader use.
Usage tips
- Unlike English hand, which can sound mainly physical, this word also naturally describes starting brief contact through a small spoken message or greeting.