전달하다 vs. 전하다

전달하다 vs. 전하다: Similarities and Differences in Detail

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1. Similarities

Both verbs involve transferring something (information, objects, emotions) from one entity to another.
They are often used in contexts where communication or physical delivery is central.

Examples of Overlap:

• 그는 메시지를 전달했다/전했다.
  (He delivered/passed on the message.)
• 선생님의 말씀을 학생들에게 전달하다/전하다.
  (Deliver the teacher's words to the students.)

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2. Differences

A. Scope and Context

전달하다:

• Direct, intentional, and immediate delivery of tangible/intangible items.
• Often used in formal or systematic contexts (e.g., work, official communication).

Examples:

• 패키지를 고객에게 전달하다.
  (Deliver a package to a client.)
• 회의 내용을 팀원에게 전달하다.
  (Communicate the meeting details to the team.)

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전하다:

• Broader usage, including indirect transmission, cultural heritage, or abstract concepts.
• Common in stories, traditions, or emotional messages.

Examples:

• 조상의 지혜를 다음 세대에 전하다.
  (Pass down ancestral wisdom to the next generation.)
• 그의 마음을 사랑하는 사람에게 전하다.
  (Convey his feelings to his loved one.)

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B. Grammatical Nuances

전달하다:

• Often used with 에게/한테/께 (to someone) or 까지 (to a destination).
• Focuses on completing the act of delivery.

Example:

• 편지를 친구에게 전달했다.
  (I delivered the letter to my friend.)

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전하다:

• Can imply indirect transmission (e.g., through intermediaries).
• Commonly used in passive forms (전해지다) for traditions or rumors.

Example:

• 그 이야기는 오랫동안 전해져 왔다.
  (The story has been passed down for generations.)

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C. Fixed Expressions

전달하다:

• Common in formal or technical settings:
• 업무를 전달하다 (delegate tasks)
• 지시 사항 전달 (relay instructions)

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전하다:

• Common in cultural/emotional contexts:
• 안부를 전하다 (send regards)
• 전통을 전하다 (preserve traditions)
• 전하기로 하다 (decide to convey something)

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3. When They Are Not Interchangeable

• 전달하다 is preferred for physical delivery or structured communication:
• 소포를 전달하다 (O)
• 소포를 전하다 (△ Less common)
• 전하다 is used for abstract, historical, or emotional contexts:
• 사랑을 전하다 (O: Convey love)
• 사랑을 전달하다 (△ Sounds technical)

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📋 Summary Table

Criteria	전달하다	전하다
Usage	Direct, formal, immediate	Indirect, cultural, emotional
Objects	Physical items, explicit messages	Traditions, stories, feelings
Formality	More formal	Neutral/versatile
Example	문서를 전달하다 (Deliver a document)	이야기를 전하다 (Pass on a story)

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Understanding these nuances ensures appropriate usage in both spoken and written Korean.