선물 — meaning in English: Gift

seonmul · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for gift

사촌

sachon

와이어

waieo

홀더

holdeo

선물

seonmul

대학

daehag

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use '선물' (seonmul) during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays when giving gifts to friends and family. It's also common in casual settings, like when sharing small tokens of appreciation or gratitude.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for '선물' is '礼物' (lyipmu), which has a more formal connotation often used in literary contexts. You would choose '선물' in everyday conversations, while '礼物' could appear in more formal writing or speeches.

Culture

'선물' has deep roots in Korean culture, where gift-giving is seen as a way to express affection and respect. The practice of giving gifts, especially during celebrations like Seollal (Lunar New Year), illustrates the importance of familial bonds and social harmony in Korean society, making this word not just a noun but a cultural concept.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 선물?

'선물' is pronounced as 'seonmul'. Focus on the first syllable, which has a soft 's' sound and is followed by an 'eon' sound, then the second syllable 'mul' should be pronounced with a clear 'm' sound.

Q.When should I use the word 선물?

'선물' is appropriate for all types of gift-giving occasions, whether casual or formal. Use it when you want to convey the joy of sharing a gift, regardless of the context.

Q.Are there any grammatical rules for using 선물?

'선물' is a noun, and it can be used in various grammatical structures. For instance, you can say '나는 친구에게 선물을 줬다' (I gave a gift to my friend), where '주다' (to give) is the verb.

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