내 꿈 꿔
nae kkum kkwo
The English phrase "dream of me" is translated into Korean as 내 꿈 꿔 (nae kkum kkwo).
This phrase is used as a romantic or affectionate way to say goodnight to someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내 꿈 꿔 is composed of 내 (my), 꿈 (dream) and 꿔 (to dream or to experience a dream).
Which one should you use?
While 내 꿈 꿔 specifically means "dream of me", the shortened form 꿈꿔 is often used colloquially to convey the same romantic meaning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to say "please dream of me" to someone you are not on intimate terms with, you should use the polite form 내 꿈 꾸세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -세요 to the verb in the phrase 내 꿈 꾸세요 makes the expression polite.
How do you pronounce it?
nae kkum kkwo
Did you know?
- While 내 꿈 꿔 is a sweet wish, some people in Korea might playfully respond by saying they will charge a fee if the person actually appears in their dream.
- In Korean culture, dreaming of someone is often interpreted as a sign that the person is missing you or thinking of you intensely.
- While the modern word 내 (my) is used in this phrase, the same sound 내 was once the general Korean word for 'smoke' before being replaced by the Sino-Korean word 연기.
Examples in context
- 잘 자, 내 꿈 꿔.jal ja, nae kkum kkwo.Goodnight, dream of me.
- 꼭 내 꿈 꿔야 해!kkok nae kkum kkwoya hae!You must dream of me!
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight over a phone call late at night.
- 서연 Seo-yeon이제 자야겠다. 잘 자, 현우야.ije jayaggetda. jal ja, hyeon-u-ya.I should go to sleep now. Goodnight, Hyeon-u.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 서연아 너도 잘 자.eung, seo-yeon-a neo-do jal ja.Yeah, goodnight to you too, Seo-yeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon오늘 밤엔 내 꿈 꿔.oneul bam-en nae kkum kkwo.Dream of me tonight.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알았어, 꼭 그럴게.arasseo, kkok geureolge.Okay, I definitely will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
