What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내 것이 되어줘 is composed of 내 (my), 것 (thing/object), 이 (subject marker) and 되어줘 (please become).
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the level of politeness and the specific sentiment expressed. If you wish to say "Please become mine" with more respect, you can use the formal versions 제 것이 되어주세요 or 나의 것이 되어주세요. For a more casual, direct command, 내 거 되라 translates to "Become mine" and 나랑 사귈래? is used to ask "Do you want to date me?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 내 것이 되어줘 uses an informal/intimate ending suitable for romantic contexts between peers or toward someone younger. To express this sentiment more formally or respectfully, you should use 제 것이 되어주세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 내 것이 되어줘 uses the informal/intimate ending -어줘, which is appropriate for a romantic context between peers or someone younger.
How do you pronounce it?
nae geosi doeeojwo
Did you know?
- The word 내 was once used to mean 'smoke', but it was eventually replaced by the Sino-Korean word 연기 because 내 had too many homophones.
- The ending -어줘 in 내 것이 되어줘 functions as a request for a favor, subtly implying that the partner is doing you a kindness by being with you.
- While 내 것이 되어줘 sounds romantic, Koreans rarely use it in real life to ask someone out, preferring the more direct 나랑 사귈래? which means 'Do you want to date me?'
Examples in context
- 제 사랑이 되어주세요.Please be my love.
- 나의 사랑이 되어주실래요?Would you be my love?
- 나랑 사귈래?Do you want to date me?
- 제발 내 것이 되어줘.jebal nae geosi doeeojwo.Please be mine.
- 영원히 내 것이 되어줘.yeongwonhi nae geosi doeeojwo.Be mine forever.
Example conversation
Min-jun is confessing his feelings to Min-ji in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 정말 좋아해요.Min-jun ssi, jeongmal joahae-yo.Min-jun, I really like you.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 너를 좋아해. 내 것이 되어줘.nado neoreul joahae. nae geosi doe-eo jwo.I like you too. Be mine.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 기뻐요!jeongmallyo? gippeoyo!Really? I'm so happy!
- 민준 Min-jun이제 우리 사귀는 거야.ije uri sagwineun geoya.Now we are dating.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
