What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 내 (my), 친구 (friend), 가 (subject marker) and 되어줘 (please become/be for me).
Which one should you use?
While 내 친구가 되어줘 is the default, you might use 친구가 될래? for a casual way to ask someone to be your friend or 친구가 되어 주실래요? for a polite way to ask. For a more formal and respectful request, use 제 친구가 되어주세요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for someone you are not close with or who is slightly older, you can say 내 친구가 되어줘요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request polite, you can add 요 to the end of the phrase to create 내 친구가 되어줘요.
How do you pronounce it?
nae chin-guga doeeojwo
When do people say it?
To express a desire to build a connection, you might also use the phrases 친해지자 (Let's become close), 친해지고 싶어 (I want to get close) or 우리 친구하자 (Let's be friends). Another common sentiment is 사이좋게 지내요, which means "Let's get along well."
Did you know?
- The term for friend, 친구, is often used in Korean to refer to people of the exact same age, rather than just any person you are close to.
- If you want to sound more intimate or friendly, you might use 우리 (our) instead of 내 (my) when talking about your friends.
- When using 내 친구가 되어줘, the verb 되어줘 combines 'become' and 'give', literally asking the other person to 'give the act of becoming' a friend to the speaker.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요? 저랑 친구가 되어 주실래요?Hello? Will you become my friend?
- 안녕! 친구가 될래?Hi! Do you want to be friends?
- 너 정말 착해. 내 친구가 되어줘!neo jeongmal chakhae. nae chinguga doeojwo!You are really kind. Be my friend!
Example conversation
Two students are talking after class.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 나랑 같이 놀자. 내 친구가 되어줘.Jieun-a, narang gachi nolja. Nae chinguga doe-eo-jwo.Jieun, let's hang out together. Be my friend.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 좋아, 지훈아!Jeongmal? Jo-a, Jihun-a!Really? I'd love to, Jihun!
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워! 정말 기뻐.Gomawo! Jeongmal gippeo.Thanks! I'm so happy.
- 지은 Ji-eun나도 기뻐. 앞으로 잘 지내자.Nado gippeo. Apeuro jal jinaeja.I'm happy too. Let's get along well.
