What is “에게”?

“에게” is a particle in Korean used to indicate the target or subject of an action or relationship. It is typically used with animate nouns (such as people or animals). “에게” is more common in written Korean and formal spoken contexts.

2. Usage

1) Target of an Action

“에게” specifies the recipient or target of an action or emotion.

동생에게 사과를 줬어요. (I gave an apple to my younger sibling.)
친구는 저에게 매일 안부를 물어요. (My friend asks how I’m doing every day.)
부모님은 늘 저희에게 조언을 해 주세요. (My parents always give us advice.)
선생님은 학생들에게 숙제를 내 주셨어요. (The teacher assigned homework to the students.)
이 편지를 누구에게 보낼까요? (Who should I send this letter to?)

2) Subject or Agent

“에게” can indicate the agent performing an action or causing an event.

아이도 부모에게 중요한 교훈을 줄 때가 있어요. (Even children can teach their parents important lessons.)
비밀이 친구에게 들통났어요. (My secret was revealed to my friend.)
이번 생일에 친구들에게 축하를 많이 받았어요. (I received a lot of congratulations from my friends for my birthday.)
사람은 모두 다른 사람에게 위로를 받을 때가 있다. (Everyone needs comfort from others sometimes.)

3. Grammar Information

A. Preceding Elements

“에게” is typically attached to animate nouns (people or animals).

강아지에게 (to the dog)
친구에게 (to the friend)

B. Following Elements

“에게” is often followed by verbs that require a target or describe emotions.

사과를 줬다 (gave an apple)
사랑을 전했다 (expressed love)

4. Honorific Form: “께”

If the target of the action is someone who should be honored or respected, “께” is used instead of “에게.” This is common when referring to parents, teachers, or other respected individuals.