Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

에게/한테/께

Attached to a noun referring to a person or animal to indicate that they are the recipient or target of an action.

Summary

Equivalent

To (a person/animal)

Example

I sent an email to the teacher.

선생님께 이메일을 보냈어요.

Grammar rules

  • Use '에게' in writing or formal speech, '한테' in everyday speech, and '께' when showing respect to older people or superiors (like parents or teachers).
  • For non-living things (plants, places, organizations), use '에' instead of '에게/한테'.

    회사에 전화했어요. (I called the company.) / 꽃에 물을 줘요. (I give water to the flowers.)

Patterns

1

Formal/Written

N/A · Noun (Living being) + 에게

2

Casual/Spoken

N/A · Noun (Living being) + 한테

3

Honorific

N/A · Noun (Living being) + 께

Example sentences

Honorific · N/A · Noun (Living being) + 께

I sent an email to the teacher.

선생님께 이메일을 보냈어요.

Casual/Spoken · N/A · Noun (Living being) + 한테

I gave a birthday present to my friend.

친구한테 생일 선물을 주었습니다.

Formal/Written · N/A · Noun (Living being) + 에게

I fed the puppy. (I gave food to the puppy)

강아지에게 밥을 줬어요.

Conversation

A: Who are you writing a letter to?

누구한테 편지를 써요?

B: I'm writing to my parents in my hometown.

고향에 있는 부모님께 써요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct recipient particle.

Calling a friend.

Respectful.