안아줘
anajwo
The English phrase "give me a hug" is expressed in Korean as 안아줘 (anajwo).
This phrase is a request for someone to embrace you.
Which one should you use?
While English uses a noun phrase 'give me a hug', Korean uses a verb construction 'hug (for) me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite request, use 안아주세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –세요 makes the request polite and suitable for someone you are not close with or someone older than you, resulting in 안아주세요.
How do you pronounce it?
anajwo
Did you know?
- Korean culture uses a concept called 'skinship' to describe the physical intimacy and bonding found in hugs and hand-holding, a term created by blending the English words 'skin' and 'kinship'.
- In Korea, public displays of affection like hugging are traditionally more reserved than in the West, so 안아줘 is often reserved for very intimate partners or family members.
- The physical act of embracing is often described in Korean literature using the word 품, which refers to one's bosom or the space within one's arms.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요! 반갑습니다. 안아주세요.Hello! Nice to meet you. Please give me a hug.
- 무슨 일 있어? 안아줘, 괜찮아질 거야.What's wrong? Give me a hug, it'll get better.
- 나 너무 힘들어, 안아줘.na neomu himdeureo, anajwo.I'm having a hard time, give me a hug.
- 잘 자, 꼭 안아줘.jal ja, kkok anajwo.Good night, give me a big hug.
Example conversation
Ji-hoon is feeling sad and talks to Ji-eun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun오늘 정말 속상한 일이 있었어.oneul jeongmal soksanghan iri isseosseo.Something really upsetting happened today.
- 지은 Ji-eun무슨 일이야? 내가 들어줄게.museun iriya? naega deureojulge.What happened? I'll listen.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그냥 지금은 아무 말 말고 안아줘.geunyang jigeumeun amu mal malgo anajwo.Just don't say anything and give me a hug right now.
- 지은 Ji-eun알았어. 이리 와.arasseo. iri wa.Okay. Come here.
