Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 저를 사랑합니까? | jeo-reul saranghamnikka? | formal |
| 나를 사랑해요? | na-reul saranghaeyo? | informal, polite |
| 나를 사랑해? | na-reul saranghae? | informal |
| 사랑해? | saranghae? | informal |
| 나를 사랑하니? | na-reul saranghani? | informal |
| 너는 날 사랑하느냐? | neo-neun nal saranghaneunya? | formal |
In casual conversation between lovers, Koreans often omit the subject 'you' and the object 'me' entirely, simply saying 사랑해?
What does it mean word for word?
The forms can be broken down into the following components: 나 (na) means 'I' or 'me' in informal speech, while 저 (jeo) means 'I' or 'me' in formal or polite speech. The particle 를 (reul) is an object marker used after words ending in a vowel, such as 나.
Which one should you use?
저를 사랑합니까? and 너는 날 사랑하느냐? are formal, while 나를 사랑해요? is a polite, informal option. Among the informal options, 사랑해? is the standard casual way to ask, whereas 나를 사랑하니? can sound slightly more poetic or inquisitive.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 저 (jeo) when being humble or formal, such as in 저를 사랑합니까? or the formal 사랑하시나요? Use 나 (na) when speaking informally to someone close, such as in 나를 사랑해요?, 나를 사랑해?, 나를 사랑하니? or the very casual 사랑해?
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 를 (reul) functions as an object marker and is placed after words that end in a vowel, like 나.
How do you pronounce it?
jeo-reul saranghamnikka?
Did you know?
- Korean has a distinct word 정 (jeong), which describes a deep, sticky emotional attachment that is different from the passionate love found in 사랑해.
- In Korea, it is common for couples to use the phrase 사랑해 as a greeting or a way to say goodbye, rather than only during a serious declaration of love.
- In many K-dramas, characters may express deep affection without ever using the word 'love', instead using words like 좋아해 (joahae), which literally translates to 'I like you'.
Examples in context
- 나를 사랑해?Do you love me?This sentence demonstrates how to ask the question informally using 나를 사랑해?Tatoeba #13258736 by atitarev, translation #321497 by CK
- 사랑해? 나랑 사귈래?Do you love me? Will you go out with me?
- 사랑해? 나도 너를 사랑해.Do you love me? I love you too.
- 정말로 저를 사랑합니까?jeongmallo jeoreul saranghamnikka?Do you truly love me?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are having a serious conversation about their relationship.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 저를 사랑합니까?Minji ssi, jeoreul saranghamnikka?Minji, do you love me?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 정말로 사랑해요.ne, jeongmallo saranghaeyo.Yes, I really love you.
- 민준 Min-jun그 말을 들어서 기쁩니다.geu mareul deureoseo gippeumnida.I am happy to hear that.
- 민지 Min-ji저도 당신을 사랑합니다.jeodo dangsineul saranghamnida.I love you too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “do you love me” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
