난 널 아껴
nan neol akkyeo
The English phrase "I care about you" is expressed in Korean as 난 널 아껴 (nan neol akkyeo).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you cherish them and value their well-being.
Which one should you use?
While 난 널 아껴 expresses affection and valuing someone, the phrase 걱정돼 is used specifically when you are worried about their well-being or a specific situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 난 널 아껴 uses the shortened forms of 나는 너를 아껴, which is common in casual, intimate speech.
How do you pronounce it?
nan neol akkyeo
Did you know?
- While 난 널 아껴 is intimate, Koreans often avoid saying 'I love you' or 'I care for you' directly, preferring to ask 밥 먹었니? ('Have you eaten?'). In many contexts, asking about a meal is the primary way to express care.
- The verb 아껴 comes from 아끼다, which is also the word used when you want to say you are 'saving' or 'economizing' money or resources. Saying you cherish someone is linguistically similar to saying you are being careful with a precious resource.
- The historical document 훈민정음해례 from 1446 provides some of the earliest evidence for the linguistic roots of the components found in modern contractions like 널.
Examples in context
- 난 널 아껴.nan neol akkeo.I care about you.
- 정말 진심으로 난 널 아껴.jeongmal jinsimeuro nan neol akkeo.I really care about you from my heart.
- 말로는 다 못 해도 난 널 아껴.mallo-neun da mot haedo nan neol akkeo.Even if I can't say it all, I care about you.
Example conversation
A quiet evening in a park where a man expresses his feelings to a woman.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지야, 난 널 아껴.Minji-ya, nan neol akkeo.Minji, I care about you.
- 민지 Min-ji갑자기 왜 그런 말을 해?gapjagi wae geureon mareul hae?Why are you saying that all of a sudden?
- 지훈 Ji-hun그냥 내 마음을 알려주고 싶었어.geunyang nae maeumeul alleojugo sipeosseo.I just wanted to let you know my heart.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워, 지훈아.gomawo, Jihoon-ah.Thank you, Jihoon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 난, 널, CC BY-SA 4.0.
