What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 널 믿어 consists of 널, which is the object form of 'you' and 믿어, the informal or casual form of 'believe' or 'trust'.
Which one should you use?
While 널 믿어 is a standard way to express this, you may also hear 나 너 믿어 in casual speech, where the object marker is dropped entirely. For a more specific expression of encouragement, you can use 니가 할 수 있을 거야, which translates to 'I believe in you' in the sense of 'You will be able to do it'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to express belief in someone, use 당신을 믿습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 널 믿어 uses a contracted object marker, where the full form 너를 (you) becomes 널. In casual speech, it is also very common to drop the object marker entirely, resulting in 나 너 믿어. Note that the verb 믿다 (to believe/trust) is used both for believing in a person's character and for believing a specific fact or statement.
How do you pronounce it?
neol mideo
Did you know?
- The contracted word for 'you' used in 널 믿어 appears in the Hunminjeong'eum haerye, the 1446 document that introduced the Korean alphabet.
- The word for 'believe', 믿다, is also the word used for religious faith. Because of this, saying 믿어 can carry a much heavier spiritual or emotional weight than the English 'believe'.
- To express belief in someone's ability, Koreans often say 응원할게, which literally means 'I will cheer for you'.
Examples in context
- 당신은 놀라운 재능을 가지고 있어요. 믿습니다!You have amazing talent. I believe in you!
- 너가 실망시키지 않을 거라고 확신해.I'm confident that you won't disappoint.
- 난 널 믿어.nan neol mideeo.I believe in you.
- 너라면 할 수 있어, 난 널 믿어.neoramyeon hal su isseo, nan neol mideeo.You can do it, I believe in you.
- 걱정 마, 난 항상 널 믿어.geokjeong ma, nan hangsang neol mideeo.Don't worry, I always believe in you.
Example conversation
Do-hyun is nervous before a big job interview.
- 서연 Seo-yeon많이 떨려?man-i tteollyeo?Are you very nervous?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 잘 할 수 있을지 모르겠어.eung, jal hal su isseulji moreugesseo.Yes, I'm not sure if I can do well.
- 서연 Seo-yeon걱정하지 마, 난 널 믿어.geokjeonghaji ma, nan neol mideeo.Don't worry, I believe in you.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워, 힘이 난다.gomawo, himi nanda.Thanks, I feel encouraged.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 널, CC BY-SA 4.0.
