Processing keyword: ~한테/한테서 [hante/hanteseo] (To/From someone)

Korean Grammar Point: ~한테/한테서 [hante/hanteseo] (To/From someone)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the particles 한테 [hante] and 한테서 [hanteseo] are commonly used to indicate "to someone" and "from someone" respectively. They are essential in constructing sentences that involve giving, receiving, or any action directed towards or originating from a person or animal. Understanding how to use these particles will greatly enhance your ability to communicate interactions between people in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• 한테 [hante]: Used to denote the target to whom an action is directed.
• 한테서 [hanteseo]: Used to denote the source from whom an action originates.

Structure and Formation

Formation

• [Person/Animal] + 한테 + Verb: "Verb to [Person/Animal]"
• [Person/Animal] + 한테서 + Verb: "Verb from [Person/Animal]"

Structure Diagram

[Subject] + [Person/Animal] + 한테/한테서 + [Object] + Verb

Examples of Structure

• 나는 친구한테 선물을 줬어요.
  • 나는 (I) + 친구 (friend) + 한테 (to) + 선물 (present) + 줬어요 (gave)
  • "I gave a present to my friend."
• 나는 선생님한테서 한국어를 배워요.
  • 나는 (I) + 선생님 (teacher) + 한테서 (from) + 한국어를 (Korean) + 배워요 (learn)
  • "I learn Korean from my teacher."

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 한테/한테서 with 에게/에게서 and 께/께서

Politeness Level	To Someone	From Someone	Usage Context
Informal	한테	한테서	Casual speech with friends/family
Formal	에게	에게서	Formal writing and professional settings
Honorific	께	께	Respectful speech to elders/superiors

• 에게/에게서: Slightly more formal than 한테/한테서, used in writing and formal speech.
• 께/께서: Honorific forms used when addressing someone with high status or to show respect.

Examples

• 고양이한테 물을 줘요. (Informal)
  • "I give water to the cat."
• 고양이에게 물을 줍니다. (Formal)
  • "I give water to the cat."
• 선생님께 질문이 있습니다. (Honorific)
  • "I have a question for the teacher."

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Spoken Context

1. 친구한테 문자 메시지를 보냈어요.
   • "I sent a text message to my friend."
2. 동생한테서 전화가 왔어요.
   • "I got a call from my younger sibling."
3. 개한테 간식을 줬어요.
   • "I gave a snack to the dog."

Formal Written Context

1. 고객에게 이메일을 드렸습니다.
   • "I sent an email to the customer."
2. 회사에게서 회신을 받았습니다.
   • "I received a reply from the company."
3. 지원자에게 결과를 통지했습니다.
   • "We notified the applicant of the results."

Spoken Honorific Context

1. 할머니께 꽃을 드렸어요.
   • "I gave flowers to my grandmother."
2. 선생님께서 조언을 주셨어요.
   • "The teacher gave me advice."

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

Understanding when to use 한테/한테서, 에게/에게서, or 께/께서 is crucial in Korean culture, which places a strong emphasis on social hierarchy and respect.

• 한테/한테서: Used among peers, friends, and in casual settings.
• 에게/에게서: Employed in formal situations, written documents, or with people who are not close.
• 께/께서: Honorific forms used when addressing elders, superiors, or in formal respectful contexts.

Cultural Relevance

Using the correct particle demonstrates respect and awareness of social norms. Using 께 instead of 한테 when speaking to someone older or of higher status is a way to show deference.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 한테 잘 보이다
  • "To make a good impression on someone"
  • 사장님한테 잘 보이고 싶어요.
    • "I want to make a good impression on the boss."
• 한테 미안하다
  • "To feel sorry towards someone"
  • 친구한테 미안해요.
    • "I'm sorry to my friend."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using 한테/한테서 with Inanimate Objects
   • Incorrect: 책한테 물어봤어요.
     • "I asked the book."
   • Correct: 책에 대해서 물어봤어요.
     • "I asked about the book." Tip: Use 한테/한테서 only with people or animals, not objects.
2. Confusing 한테 and 한테서
   • Incorrect: 친구한테서 편지를 보냈어요.
     • "I sent a letter from my friend."
   • Correct: 친구한테 편지를 보냈어요.
     • "I sent a letter to my friend." Tip: Remember that 한테 is "to someone", while 한테서 is "from someone".

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate the 서 in 한테서 with "source", indicating origin or "from".
• Practice Scenarios: Create sentences using 한테 when giving or sending, and 한테서 when receiving or learning.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 한테 means "to someone" in informal contexts.
• 한테서 means "from someone" in informal contexts.
• Use 에게/에게서 for formal situations; 께/께서 for honorific speech.
• Do not use 한테/한테서 with inanimate objects; use them only with people or animals.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "I borrowed a book from the teacher."
   • 선생님_____ 책을 빌렸어요.
     • Answer: 선생님한테서 책을 빌렸어요.
2. True or False: It's acceptable to use 한테서 when giving something to someone.
   • Answer: False. Use 한테 when giving to someone.
3. Choose the correct particle: "She received a gift from her friend."
   • 그녀는 친구_____ 선물을 받았어요.
     • Answer: 친구한테서 선물을 받았어요.

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By mastering 한테 and 한테서, you enhance your ability to express interactions between people accurately and respectfully, which is essential in Korean communication.

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