안녕, 내 사랑
annyeong, nae sarang
The English phrase "hi, my love" is translated into Korean as 안녕, 내 사랑 (annyeong, nae sarang).
안녕, 내 사랑 is an affectionate greeting used to address a romantic partner or someone the speaker loves deeply. The second part of the phrase, 내 사랑, is often used as a direct term of endearment (a noun phrase used as a name) rather than just a part of a greeting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 안녕 (hi/peace), 내 (my) and 사랑 (love).
How does it change in a sentence?
The use of 안녕 (annyeong) and 내 (nae) makes this phrase informal and suitable only for close relationships like romantic partners or very close friends.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, nae sarang
Did you know?
- While 내 사랑 means 'my love', Korean couples often prefer using 자기 (jagi), which literally means 'self', to address each other.
- Using the informal greeting 안녕 with a romantic partner is a significant social milestone, as it indicates the couple has agreed to drop formal honorifics.
- Using the term 내 사랑 is much more common in song lyrics and poetry than in actual spoken conversation between modern couples.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo greets Seoyeon at the front door.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo안녕, 내 사랑. 왔어?Annyeong, nae sarang. Wasseo?Hi, my love. Are you home?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나 왔어!Eung, na wasseo!Yes, I'm home!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo오늘 하루 어땠어?Oneul haru eottaesseo?How was your day today?
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 바빴어.Jeongmal bappasseo.It was really busy.
