내 남자친구가 되어줘
nae namjachingu-ga doeeojwo
In Korean, 'be my boyfriend' is expressed as 내 남자친구가 되어줘 (nae namjachingu-ga doeeojwo).
This phrase is a request used when asking someone to enter into a romantic relationship with you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내 남자친구가 되어줘 literally translates to 'my boyfriend be-become-give-me'.
Which one should you use?
The default form 내 남자친구가 되어줘 is the informal way to say 'be my boyfriend'. In more polite versions, the word for 'my' changes from 내 to 제.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more polite or formal, you should use 제 남자친구가 되어주세요.
How do you pronounce it?
nae namjachingu-ga doeeojwo
Did you know?
- In South Korea, couples often mark the exact day they start dating, meaning the moment someone says 내 남자친구가 되어줘 is recorded as 'Day 1'.
- If you use the formal version 제 남자친구가 되어주세요, it might actually sound a bit too distant or stiff for a romantic confession, as extreme politeness can sometimes create a social barrier.
- In many romantic contexts, instead of asking someone to 'be' a boyfriend, Koreans might use the term 사귀자 (sagwija), which means 'let us date' or 'let us go out'.
Examples in context
- 나랑 사귀자, 내 남자친구가 되어줘.narang sagwija, nae namjachinguga doeeojwo.Let's date, be my boyfriend.
- 진심이야, 제발 내 남자친구가 되어줘.jinsimiya, jebal nae namjachinguga doeeojwo.I'm serious, please be my boyfriend.
- 너를 정말 좋아해. 내 남자친구가 되어줘.neoreul jeongmal joahae. nae namjachinguga doeeojwo.I really like you. Be my boyfriend.
Example conversation
Min-ji is confessing her feelings to Min-jun at a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 나 너 정말 좋아해.Minjun-a, na neo jeongmal joahae.Min-jun, I really like you.
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 나도 너 좋아해.jeongmal? nado neo joahae.Really? I like you too.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 내 남자친구가 되어줘.geureom nae namjachinguga doeeojwo.Then, be my boyfriend.
- 민준 Min-jun응, 좋아! 내가 될게.eung, joa! naega doelge.Yes, I'd love to! I will.
