잘 자, 사랑해
jal ja, saranghae
The English phrase "goodnight, I love you" is translated into Korean as 잘 자, 사랑해 (jal ja, saranghae).
This phrase is used to express affection to someone before they go to sleep.
Which one should you use?
While 잘 자, 사랑해 is a common way to say the phrase informally, 굿밤, 사랑해 conveys the same message but with a modern touch.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The informal version is 잘 자, 사랑해. To make the phrase polite for someone you are not on intimate terms with, you can add the suffix '-요' (-yo) to both parts, resulting in 잘 자요, 사랑해요. For elders or very formal settings, use the highly formal/honorific version 안녕히 주무세요, 사랑합니다. Other formal variations include 잘 자요, 사랑합니다 (sleep well, I love you) and 안녕히 주무세요, 사랑합니다 (have a peaceful sleep, I love you).
How do you pronounce it?
jal ja, saranghae
Did you know?
- Using 사랑해 is an intimate act, as many Korean families historically avoided saying 'I love you' out loud, preferring to show affection through care and food.
- In romantic relationships, Koreans may use the cute 'aegyo' style by adding a nasal sound to the end of 사랑해, turning it into 사랑행.
- The modern phrase 굿밤 is a 'Konglish' blend that combines the English word 'good' with the Korean word for 'night' 밤.
Examples in context
- 잘 자, 사랑해.jal ja, saranghae.Goodnight, I love you.
- 내 꿈 꾸고 잘 자, 사랑해.nae kkum kkugo jal ja, saranghae.Dream of me and goodnight, I love you.
- 오늘도 고생했어. 잘 자, 사랑해.oneuldo gosaenghaesseo. jal ja, saranghae.You worked hard today. Goodnight, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodnight before going to sleep.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이제 자자. 잘 자, 사랑해.ije jaja. jal ja, saranghae.Let's sleep now. Goodnight, I love you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나도 사랑해. 잘 자!eung, nado saranghae. jal ja!Yes, I love you too. Sleep well!
- 도현 Do-hyeon내일 만나자.naeil mannaja.Let's meet tomorrow.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그래, 좋은 꿈 꿔.geurae, joeun kkum kkwo.Okay, have sweet dreams.
