연애
yeonae[ˈjɘ(ː)nɛ]
In Korean, dating is 연애 (yeonae).
연애 is a noun referring to a form of romantic courtship.
Meaning: a form of romantic courtship (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the emotional state of a relationship and the act of going out. 연애 (yeonae) refers specifically to the romantic and emotional aspect of a relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone is currently in the state of dating or in a relationship, you can add the particle 중 (jung) after the noun to form 연애 중 (yeonae jung).
How do you pronounce it?
yeonae
Did you know?
- The phrase 연애 세포 literally means 'dating cells' and is used colloquially to describe one's capacity to feel romantic attraction.
- When people talk about the intensity of their dating life, they might use the word 썸 (sseom), derived from the English word 'something', to describe the ambiguous stage before an official relationship begins.
- In Korea, couples often celebrate '100-day anniversaries' using the concept of 연애, marking the first 100 days of dating with gifts and celebrations.
Examples in context
- 그는 우리 회사 여직원과 연애 중이다.He is dating a female employee at our company.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is currently dating a female employee at a company using 연애.
- 연애를 시작하고 싶어요.yeon-ae-reul si-jak-ha-go sip-eo-yo.I want to start dating.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their relationship status.
- 민준 Min-jun지은 씨는 요즘 연애하고 있어요?Jieun ssineun yojeum yeonaehago isseoyo?Jieun, are you dating these days?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 저는 지금 연애 안 해요.aniyo, jeoneun jigeum yeonae an haeyo.No, I am not dating right now.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 의외네요.jeongmallyo? uioeneyo.Really? That's unexpected.
- 지은 Ji-eun그냥 바빠서 그럴 거예요.geunyang bappaseo geureol geoyeyo.I think it's just because I'm busy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 연애, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
