What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 난 내가 싫어 literally breaks down to "I (topic) I (subject) hate".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for people you are not close to, use 난 내가 싫어요 by adding the suffix '-요' to the end. For a formal way to express self-dislike, you can use 자신을 싫어합니다 or 저는 나 자신을 싫어합니다. The form 나는 나 자신을 싫어해 is an informal way to say "I hate myself", while the variation 나 자신을 진짜 싫어해 is an informal version used to amplify the intensity of the feeling. Finally, 나는 내가 싫다 is a form used in written journals, literature or formal monologues rather than spoken conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 난 내가 싫어, the word 난 is a contraction of the topic marker 나는, which is common in spoken Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
nan naega sireo
Did you know?
- The word 싫어 is an adjective in Korean grammar, meaning 'to be hateful' or 'to be unpleasant', unlike the English word 'hate' which is a verb.
- The word 자신 used in formal versions of this phrase is a homonym that also means 'confidence'.
- The term 싫어 is also used to express that you do not want to do something, such as 'I don't want to go', which can lead to confusion if the subject is not clearly defined.
Examples in context
- 오늘 왜 나는 나 자신을 싫어하고 있는 걸까?Why am I hating myself today?
- 난 내가 싫어.nan naega silheo.I hate myself.
- 자꾸 게으름 피우는 난 내가 싫어.jakku geureureum piuneun nan naega silheo.I hate myself for being so lazy.
Example conversation
Minjun is feeling discouraged after failing an exam and talking to Jieun.
- 민준 Min-jun공부를 안 한 난 내가 싫어.gongbureul an han nan naega silheo.I hate myself for not studying.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준아, 너무 자책하지 마.Minjun-a, neomu jachekhaji ma.Minjun, don't be so hard on yourself.
- 민준 Min-jun하지만 정말 속상해.hajiman jeongmal soksanghae.But I am really upset.
- 지은 Ji-eun다음에 더 잘하면 되니까 힘내.da-eume deo jalhamyeon doenikka himnae.You can do better next time, so cheer up.
