How to Say "Hug Me" in Korean

안아줘

anajwo

To say 'hug me' in Korean, you use 안아줘 (anajwo).

This phrase is a request for someone to hold you in their arms to show affection or provide comfort.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase 안아줘 is composed of the verb 안다 (to hug/embrace) and the auxiliary verb 주다 (to give), literally meaning 'give me a hug'.

For a more formal or polite approach, you can use 안아주세요 or the more literal 저를 안아주세요.

Adding the suffix -세요 to the end makes the request polite and appropriate for someone you are not on intimate terms with.

anajwo

While a 'hug' is often a casual greeting in the West, requesting 안아줘 in Korea typically carries much more emotional weight and signifies a high level of intimacy.
In Korean, the verb 안다 is used for both 'to hug' and 'to hold an object', meaning the same word describes physical affection and simply carrying a bag or a child.
In Korean pop songs and poetry, 안아줘 often functions as a metaphor for seeking emotional sanctuary or protection rather than a literal request for physical contact.

안아줘.
Hug me.
This sentence shows how to use 안아줘 to say 'Hug me.'
Tatoeba #8363358 by Eunhee, translation #1852504 by CK
너무 힘들 때 나를 안아줘.
neomu himdeul ttae nareul anajwo.
Hug me when I am having a hard time.
지금 바로 나를 안아줘.
jigeum baro nareul anajwo.
Hug me right now.

Hyunwoo and Minji are walking in a park at sunset.

현우 Hyeon-woo

민지야, 나 좀 안아줘.
Minji-ya, na jom anajwo.
Minji, hug me.
민지 Min-ji

왜 그래? 무슨 일 있어?
wae geurae? museun il isseo?
What's wrong? Did something happen?
현우 Hyeon-woo

그냥 네가 보고 싶었어.
geunyang nega bogo sipeosseo.
I just missed you.
민지 Min-ji

알았어, 현우야. 내가 안아줄게.
arasseo, Hyunwoo-ya. naega anajulge.
Okay, Hyunwoo. I will hug you.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏