What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 너를 사랑해 is composed of 너 (you), the object marker 를 (whom/target) and 사랑해 (love).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 너를 사랑해 uses informal language and is typically used between lovers or close friends of the same age. If you want to say "I love you" more simply in an informal way, you can use 사랑해. For a more personal touch in an informal setting, you can use 널 사랑해 by adding 널 before the verb. To express that you are "in love" in a less direct, formal way, you can use 사랑하고 있습니다. If you want to say "I have fallen in love" formally, use 사랑에 빠졌습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the expression polite and suitable for someone you are not on intimate, informal terms with, you can add the suffix -요 to the end to create 사랑해요.
How do you pronounce it?
neoreul saranghae
Did you know?
- In many K-dramas, characters avoid saying 사랑해 and instead ask 밥 먹었어? ('Did you eat?') to show they care for the other person's wellbeing.
- In text messaging, lovers often skip the full phrase 사랑해 and simply use the initial consonants ㅅㄹㅎ to save time and look 'cute'.
- The word 사랑 (love) is used in the term 사랑방, which was a traditional guest room or a place for scholarly discussion in old Korean homes.
Examples in context
- 너를 사랑해.neoreul saranghae.I am in love with you.
- 진심으로 너를 사랑해.jinsimeuro neoreul saranghae.I am truly in love with you.
- 오랫동안 너를 사랑해 왔어.oraetdongan neoreul saranghae wasseo.I have been in love with you for a long time.
Example conversation
A man confesses his feelings to a woman at a park during sunset.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지야, 사실 너를 사랑해.Minji-ya, sasil neoreul saranghae.Minji, actually, I am in love with you.
- 민지 Min-ji정말이야? 도현아, 고마워.Jeongmariya? Dohyeon-a, gomawo.Are you serious? Dohyeon, thank you.
- 도현 Do-hyeon진심이야. 너를 사랑해.Jinsimiya. Neoreul saranghae.I mean it. I am in love with you.
- 민지 Min-ji나도 너를 사랑해.Nado neoreul saranghae.I am in love with you too.
