사랑하니까
saranghanikka
The English phrase 'because I love you' can be translated into Korean as 사랑하니까 (saranghanikka).
This phrase is used to explain that the reason for an action or a feeling is one's love for someone. In Korean, the subject 'I' and the object 'you' are frequently omitted when the context makes it clear who is loving whom, which is why 사랑하니까 can stand alone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 사랑하다 (to love) and the connective ending -니까 (because/since).
Which one should you use?
While 사랑하니까 is common, 사랑해서 is a more neutral way to express the reason, often used when the love is the direct cause of a subsequent state or action. Additionally, you can add the polite ending -요 to the end of 사랑하니까 to create 사랑하니까요.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghanikka
Did you know?
- While 사랑하니까 explains a reason, Koreans often use the word 정 (jeong) to describe a deep, sticky kind of love and attachment that grows over time, which cannot be translated by the verb 사랑하다.
- In Korean culture, saying 사랑해 or 사랑하니까 is often considered much more intense than the English 'I love you'. Many couples or family members express this affection through actions or the word 좋아해 (to like) instead.
- Because the subject and object are omitted in 사랑하니까, the phrase can actually mean 'because he loves you', 'because she loves me' or 'because they love us' depending entirely on the situation.
Examples in context
- 사랑하는 거니까Because I love you
- 사랑하니까 더 아껴주고 싶어.saranghanikka deo akkyeojugo sipeo.Because I love you, I want to cherish you more.
- 사랑하니까 다 해주고 싶은 거야.saranghanikka da haejugo sipeun geoya.Because I love you, I want to do everything for you.
- 널 사랑하니까 옆에 있고 싶어.neol saranghanikka yeope itgo sipeo.Because I love you, I want to be by your side.
Example conversation
Dohyun is giving a thoughtful gift to Jieun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은아, 이거 너를 위해 준비했어.jieuna, igeo neoreul wihae junbihaesseo.Jieun, I prepared this for you.
- 지은 Ji-eun갑자기 웬 선물이야? 고마워!gapjagi wen seonmuliya? gomawo!What's with the sudden gift? Thank you!
- 도현 Do-hyeon너를 사랑하니까 주고 싶었어.neoreul saranghanikka jugo sipeosseo.I wanted to give it to you because I love you.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 감동이야, 도현아.jeongmal gamdongiya, dohyuna.I'm truly touched, Dohyun.
