Processing keyword: 한테서/에서 [hanteseo/eseo] (From someone)

Korean Grammar Point: 한테서/에서 [hanteseo/eseo] (From someone)

한테서/에서 [hanteseo/eseo] (From someone)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing that you received something from someone or from somewhere requires the correct use of particles. Two essential particles for this purpose are 한테서 and 에서. Mastering these particles will help you convey the source of an action or item accurately, which is crucial for clear and effective communication in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

한테서 (hanteseo)

• Meaning: "From someone" (used with people or animals)
• Usage: Attach 한테서 to a noun referring to a person or animal to indicate that the subject received something from them.
• Context: Informal spoken language.

에서 (eseo)

• Meaning: "From somewhere" (used with places or institutions)
• Usage: Attach 에서 to a noun referring to a place or institution to indicate the origin of an action or the source from which something is received.
• Context: Used regardless of formality when referring to places.

Structure

For Receiving From a Person or Animal:

• [Noun (Person/Animal)] + 한테서 + Verb

For Receiving From a Place or Institution:

• [Noun (Place/Institution)] + 에서 + Verb

Formation Diagram

[ Noun (Source) ] + [ 한테서 / 에서 ] + [ Verb ]
        (Person/Animal/Place)      (Receive/Obtain)

Visual Aid: Particle Usage Table

3. Comparative Analysis

한테서 vs. 에게서 vs. (으)로부터

While 한테서 and 에서 are common, you might also encounter 에게서 and (으)로부터.

• 에게서 is the formal counterpart of 한테서 when referring to people.
• (으)로부터 is more formal and can be used with both people and places.
• 에서 is used exclusively with places or institutions.

Example Comparison

1. Informal (Speaking about a friend):
   • 한테서: 친구한테서 소식을 들었어요.
     (I heard the news from a friend.)
2. Formal (Writing about a colleague):
   • 에게서: 동료에게서 정보를 얻었습니다.
     (I obtained information from a colleague.)
3. Formal (From an organization):
   • (으)로부터: 회사로부터 편지를 받았습니다.
     (I received a letter from the company.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Receiving from a Friend (Informal)

• Korean: 저는 친구한테서 편지를 받았어요.
• Romanization: Jeoneun chinguhanteseo pyeonjireul badasseoyo.
• Translation: I received a letter from a friend.

2. Getting Information from the Internet (Neutral)

• Korean: 저는 인터넷에서 정보를 찾았어요.
• Romanization: Jeoneun inteoneteseo jeongboreul chajasseoyo.
• Translation: I found information on the internet.

3. Receiving a Gift from Parents (Formal)

• Korean: 저는 부모님에게서 선물을 받았습니다.
• Romanization: Jeoneun bumonimegeseo seonmureul badasseumnida.
• Translation: I received a gift from my parents.

4. Hearing News from the Radio (Neutral)

• Korean: 라디오에서 그 소식을 들었어요.
• Romanization: Radioeseo geu sosig-eul deureosseoyo.
• Translation: I heard the news from the radio.

5. Learning from a Teacher (Formal)

• Korean: 선생님에게서 많은 것을 배웠습니다.
• Romanization: Seonsaengnimegeseo maneun geoseul baewosseumnida.
• Translation: I learned a lot from my teacher.

6. Receiving an Email from the Company (Neutral)

• Korean: 회사에서 이메일이 왔어요.
• Romanization: Hoesaeseo imeil-i wasseoyo.
• Translation: An email came from the company.

Contextual Usage

• Informal Spoken Language: Use 한테서 with friends, peers, or younger people.
• Formal Situations/Written Language: Use 에게서 or (으)로부터 for respect and formality.
• Places/Institutions: Always use 에서 regardless of the level of formality.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Respect in Language: Korean language places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. The particles you choose reflect your relationship with the person you're referring to.
• Using 한테서 with Elders/Superiors: Avoid using 한테서 when referring to someone of higher status, such as elders, teachers, or superiors. Instead, use 께 or 께서 for honorifics.
  • Example with Honorific:
    • Korean: 할아버지께 선물을 받았습니다.
    • Romanization: Harabeojikke seonmureul badasseumnida.
    • Translation: I received a gift from my grandfather.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 뒷북치다 (To beat the back drum): Receiving old news or reacting late.
  • Example:
    • Korean: 친구한테서 이미 끝난 소식을 듣고 뒷북쳤어요.
    • Romanization: Chinguhanteseo imi kkeutnan sosig-eul deutgo dwitbuk-chyeosseoyo.
    • Translation: I heard old news from a friend and acted late.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 한테서 with Places
   • Incorrect: 저는 서울한테서 왔어요.
   • Correct: 저는 서울에서 왔어요.
   • Explanation: Use 에서 when referring to places, not 한테서.
2. Using 한테서 Instead of 에게서 in Formal Contexts
   • Incorrect: 교수님한테서 배웠습니다.
   • Correct: 교수님에게서 배웠습니다.
   • Explanation: Use 에게서 for formal situations or when showing respect.
3. Confusing 한테 and 한테서
   • 한테: Means "to someone" (direction)
   • 한테서: Means "from someone" (source)
   • Mistake Example:
     • Incorrect: 저는 선생님한테 선물을 받았어요.
     • Correct: 저는 선생님한테서 선물을 받았어요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 한테서 has the syllable 서, which you can associate with "source" to mean "from someone."
• Associate 에서 with Places: Think of 에서 as the particle frequently used with places, both for "at" and "from."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Use 한테서 to indicate receiving from someone (person or animal) in informal contexts.
• Use 에서 to indicate receiving from somewhere (places or institutions).
• Choose 에게서 or (으)로부터 for formal contexts or when referring to superiors.
• Be mindful of Korean honorifics and levels of politeness to avoid disrespect.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle (한테서 / 에서): 동생___ 선물을 받았어요. Answer: 동생한테서 선물을 받았어요.
2. True or False: It is appropriate to use 한테서 when speaking about receiving something from your teacher in a formal setting. Answer: False (Use 에게서 or 께 for formal and respectful language.)
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence: 저는 시장한테서 과일을 샀어요. Answer: 저는 시장에서 과일을 샀어요.
4. Choose the appropriate particle to complete the sentence: 회사___ 중요한 소식을 들었습니다. a) 한테서
   b) 에서 Answer: b) 에서 (회사에서 중요한 소식을 들었습니다.)

By understanding the nuances of 한테서 and 에서, and their proper usage, you'll enhance your ability to communicate sources and origins in Korean effectively and respectfully.