Choosing the perfect gift involves understanding preferences and navigating shopping situations, which can be tricky in a different language. This guide provides essential Korean expressions for selecting, discussing, buying, and giving gifts in Korea, helping you find the right present for any occasion. Learn phrases for asking about preferences, describing potential gifts, interacting with shop staff, and understanding cultural nuances surrounding gift-giving.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
- Expression: 선물 고르기
Pronunciation: seon-mul go-reu-gi
Meaning: Choosing a gift (선물 – gift, 고르기 – choosing/selecting)
Asking About Preferences
Use these phrases to find out what kind of gift someone might like or need.
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Expression: 어떤 선물을 좋아하세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon seon-mul-eul jo-a-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of gift do you like? -
Expression: 뭐 받고 싶은 거 있어요?
Pronunciation: mwo bat-go si-peun geo i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything you’d like to receive? -
Expression: 필요한 거 있으세요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han geo i-sseu-se-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything you need? -
Expression: 혹시 원하는 선물 있어요?
Pronunciation: hok-si won-ha-neun seon-mul i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: By any chance, is there a gift you want? -
Expression: 이 색깔 어때요?
Pronunciation: i saek-kkal eo-ttae-yo?
Meaning: How about this color? -
Expression: 어떤 스타일을 선호하세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon seu-ta-il-eul seon-ho-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What style do you prefer? -
Expression: 취미가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: chwi-mi-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What are your hobbies? -
Expression: 요즘 관심 있는 거 있어요?
Pronunciation: yo-jeum gwan-sim it-neun geo i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything you’re interested in these days? -
Expression: 이 브랜드 좋아하세요?
Pronunciation: i beu-raen-deu jo-a-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: Do you like this brand? -
Expression: 음식 선물은 어떠세요?
Pronunciation: eum-sik seon-mul-eun eo-tteo-se-yo?
Meaning: How about a food gift? -
Expression: 실용적인 선물이 좋을까요?
Pronunciation: sil-yong-jeo-gin seon-mul-i jo-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Would a practical gift be good? -
Expression: 예산은 어느 정도로 생각하세요?
Pronunciation: ye-san-eun eo-neu jeong-do-ro saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of budget are you thinking of? (Used when discussing gift choices with others)
Describing Gifts
These expressions help you talk about potential gifts and their characteristics.
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Expression: 이건 좀 비싼 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i-geon jom bi-ssan geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: This seems a bit expensive. -
Expression: 이건 너무 흔한 선물이에요.
Pronunciation: i-geon neo-mu heun-han seon-mul-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This is too common a gift. -
Expression: 아주 특별한 선물 같아요.
Pronunciation: a-ju teuk-byeol-han seon-mul ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: It seems like a very special gift. -
Expression: 그 사람한테 잘 어울릴 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: geu sa-ram-han-te jal eo-ul-lil geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: I think it would suit that person well. -
Expression: 이건 실용적인 선물이에요.
Pronunciation: i-geon sil-yong-jeo-gin seon-mul-i-e-yo.
Meaning: This is a practical gift. -
Expression: 디자인이 예뻐요.
Pronunciation: di-ja-in-i ye-ppeo-yo.
Meaning: The design is pretty. -
Expression: 품질이 좋아 보여요.
Pronunciation: pum-jil-i jo-a bo-yeo-yo.
Meaning: The quality looks good. -
Expression: 크기가 적당해요.
Pronunciation: keu-gi-ga jeok-dang-hae-yo.
Meaning: The size is appropriate. -
Expression: 받는 사람이 좋아할까요?
Pronunciation: ban-neun sa-ram-i jo-a-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Do you think the recipient will like it? -
Expression: 이건 좀 유치한 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: i-geon jom yu-chi-han geot ga-ta-yo.
Meaning: This seems a bit childish. -
Expression: 포장이 고급스러워요.
Pronunciation: po-jang-i go-geup-seu-reo-wo-yo.
Meaning: The packaging is luxurious/classy. -
Expression: 의미 있는 선물이 될 거예요.
Pronunciation: ui-mi it-neun seon-mul-i doel geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: It will be a meaningful gift.
Shopping for Gifts
Use these phrases when you are at a store looking for a gift.
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Expression: 선물 추천해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: seon-mul chu-cheon-hae ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you recommend a gift? -
Expression: 20대 여성에게 줄 선물 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: i-sip-ttae yeo-seong-e-ge jul seon-mul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for a gift for a woman in her 20s. -
Expression: 가격대는 어느 정도 생각하세요?
Pronunciation: ga-gyeok-ttae-neun eo-neu jeong-do saeng-gak-ha-se-yo?
Meaning: What price range are you thinking of? (Shop assistant might ask this) -
Expression: 5만원 이하로 찾고 있어요.
Pronunciation: o-man-won i-ha-ro chat-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m looking for something under 50,000 won. -
Expression: 이거 선물 포장해 주세요.
Pronunciation: i-geo seon-mul po-jang-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please gift wrap this. -
Expression: 교환 가능한가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-hwan ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is it possible to exchange this? -
Expression: 영수증 주세요.
Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please give me the receipt. -
Expression: 혹시 할인되는 거 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si ha-rin-doe-neun geo in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there any discount available? -
Expression: 다른 색깔도 있어요?
Pronunciation: da-reun saek-kkal-do i-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Do you have other colors? -
Expression: 이건 어디 제품이에요?
Pronunciation: i-geon eo-di je-pum-i-e-yo?
Meaning: Where is this product from? / What brand is this? -
Expression: 베스트셀러가 뭐예요?
Pronunciation: be-seu-teu-sel-leo-ga mwo-ye-yo?
Meaning: What is the bestseller? -
Expression: 그냥 둘러보고 있어요.
Pronunciation: geu-nyang dul-leo-bo-go i-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I’m just looking around.
Giving and Receiving Gifts
These are common phrases used when exchanging gifts.
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Expression: 생일 축하해요. 작은 선물이에요.
Pronunciation: saeng-il chuk-ha-hae-yo. ja-geun seon-mul-i-e-yo.
Meaning: Happy birthday. It’s a small gift. -
Expression: 별거 아니지만 받아 주세요.
Pronunciation: byeol-geo a-ni-ji-man ba-da ju-se-yo.
Meaning: It’s nothing special, but please accept it. -
Expression: 마음에 드셨으면 좋겠어요.
Pronunciation: ma-eum-e deu-syeo-sseu-myeon jo-ke-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I hope you like it. -
Expression: 와, 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: wa, gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Wow, thank you! -
Expression: 정말 필요했던 거예요.
Pronunciation: jeong-mal pil-yo-haet-deon geo-ye-yo.
Meaning: This is something I really needed. -
Expression: 어떻게 제 마음을 아셨어요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-ke je ma-eum-eul a-syeo-sseo-yo?
Meaning: How did you know my heart (what I wanted)? -
Expression: 잘 쓸게요.
Pronunciation: jal sseul-kke-yo.
Meaning: I’ll use it well. -
Expression: 너무 예뻐요!
Pronunciation: neo-mu ye-ppeo-yo!
Meaning: It’s so pretty! -
Expression: 신경 써 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: sin-gyeong sseo ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for your thoughtfulness. -
Expression: 열어 봐도 돼요?
Pronunciation: yeor-eo bwa-do dwae-yo?
Meaning: May I open it? -
Expression: 포장도 정말 예쁘네요.
Pronunciation: po-jang-do jeong-mal ye-ppeu-ne-yo.
Meaning: The wrapping is really pretty too. -
Expression: 이런 걸 다 준비하시고…
Pronunciation: i-reon geol da jun-bi-ha-si-go…
Meaning: You prepared all this… (Expressing gratitude and slight surprise/humility)
Cultural Tips
Understanding Korean gift-giving customs enhances the meaning behind the exchange.
- Presentation Matters: Gifts are almost always wrapped, often elaborately. The presentation is considered part of the gift’s thoughtfulness. Shops typically offer gift wrapping services (선물 포장 – seon-mul po-jang).
- Using Two Hands: When giving or receiving a gift, especially to someone older or in a formal setting, use two hands to show respect. If using one hand, support your forearm with the other hand.
- Modesty: Both the giver and receiver often display modesty. The giver might downplay the gift (“별거 아니에요” – It’s nothing special), and the receiver might initially politely refuse before accepting.
- Appropriate Gifts: Cash is a common and acceptable gift for weddings and funerals (in special envelopes). For housewarmings (집들이 – jip-deu-ri), practical items like detergent, toilet paper, or plants are traditional. Avoid gifts like sharp objects (knives, scissors – symbolizing cutting ties) or clocks (associated with end of life for some). Sets of four are often avoided due to the number’s association with death.
- Reciprocity: While not always immediate, there’s often an expectation of reciprocity in gift-giving, maintaining balance in relationships.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two friends, Ji-hye and Min-jun, are shopping for their friend Su-bin’s birthday gift.
Roles:
* A: Ji-hye (지혜)
* B: Min-jun (민준)
-
Expression: A: 민준아, 수빈이 생일 선물 뭐 살까?
Pronunciation: min-jun-a, su-bin-i saeng-il seon-mul mwo sal-kka?
Meaning: Minjun, what should we buy for Subin’s birthday gift? -
Expression: B: 글쎄… 수빈이가 요즘 필요한 거 있다고 했나?
Pronunciation: geul-sse… su-bin-i-ga yo-jeum pil-yo-han geo it-da-go haen-na?
Meaning: Hmm… Did Subin mention needing anything recently? -
Expression: A: 잘 모르겠어. 그냥 예쁜 거 사줄까? 저기 저 목걸이 어때?
Pronunciation: jal mo-reu-ge-sseo. geu-nyang ye-ppeun geo sa-jul-kka? jeo-gi jeo mok-kkeo-ri eo-ttae?
Meaning: I’m not sure. Should we just buy something pretty? How about that necklace over there? -
Expression: B: 오, 예쁘다! 근데 수빈이가 금속 알레르기 있지 않나?
Pronunciation: o, ye-ppeu-da! geun-de su-bin-i-ga geum-sok al-le-reu-gi it-ji an-na?
Meaning: Oh, it’s pretty! But doesn’t Subin have a metal allergy? -
Expression: A: 아 맞다! 그럼 액세서리는 안 되겠다. 다른 거 찾아보자. 실용적인 건 어때? 텀블러 같은 거.
Pronunciation: a mat-tta! geu-reom aek-se-seo-ri-neun an doe-get-tta. da-reun geo cha-ja-bo-ja. sil-yong-jeo-gin geon eo-ttae? teom-beul-leo ga-teun geo.
Meaning: Oh, right! Then accessories won’t work. Let’s look for something else. How about something practical? Like a tumbler. -
Expression: B: 텀블러 좋다! 수빈이 커피 좋아하니까 자주 쓸 것 같아. 저 디자인 괜찮은데?
Pronunciation: teom-beul-leo jo-ta! su-bin-i keo-pi jo-a-ha-ni-kka ja-ju sseul geot ga-ta. jeo di-ja-in gwaen-chan-eun-de?
Meaning: A tumbler is good! Subin likes coffee, so I think she’ll use it often. That design looks okay, right? -
Expression: A: 응, 깔끔하고 예쁘네. 이걸로 하자! 선물 포장해 달라고 해야겠다.
Pronunciation: eung, kkal-kkeum-ha-go ye-ppeu-ne. i-geol-lo ha-ja! seon-mul po-jang-hae dal-la-go hae-ya-get-tta.
Meaning: Yes, it’s neat and pretty. Let’s go with this one! We should ask them to gift wrap it. -
Expression: B: 좋아! 계산하고 가자.
Pronunciation: jo-a! gye-san-ha-go ga-ja.
Meaning: Okay! Let’s pay and go.
Practice Tips
Choosing gifts is a great chance to use your Korean~! Try thinking about what gifts your friends or family might like and describe them in Korean. When you’re shopping, even if it’s just window shopping, practice asking about items using phrases like “이거 얼마예요?” (How much is this?) or “다른 색깔 있어요?” (Do you have other colors?). Role-playing gift-giving scenarios with a language partner can also be very helpful! Remember to pay attention to cultural nuances too! 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – You can do it)!
