너한테 마음이 있어
neohante maeumi isseo
The English phrase "I have feelings for you" is translated into Korean as 너한테 마음이 있어 (neohante maeumi isseo).
This phrase is used to tell someone that you are romantically attracted to them. The expression 마음이 있다 (to have feelings/interest) is a common way to express romantic interest or a "crush" without being overly aggressive or explicit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 너한테 (toward you), 마음 (heart/mind/feelings) and 이 있어 (there is/I have).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite version suitable for someone you are not yet on casual terms with, you can use 너한테 마음이 있어요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -요 to the end makes the phrase polite and suitable for someone you are not yet on casual terms with.
How do you pronounce it?
neohante maeumi isseo
Did you know?
- In Korean dating culture, the phrase 썸 타다 describes the ambiguous stage of 'some' feelings where two people are attracted to each other but have not yet officially started dating.
- If you use this phrase with someone older or of higher social status, you must replace 너 (you) with their name or title, as using 'you' can sound incredibly rude.
- In Korean, the word 마음 (maeum) refers to the heart and mind as a single, unified concept, rather than distinguishing between logic and emotion as English does.
Examples in context
- 나는 너에게 마음이 간다.I am developing feelings for you.
- 정말? 나도 너에게 마음이 간 거 같아.Really? I think I am developing feelings for you too.
- 너한테 마음이 있어.neohante maeumi isseo.I have feelings for you.
- 사실은 너한테 마음이 있어.sasireun neohante maeumi isseo.Actually, I have feelings for you.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are walking home together after school.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 할 말이 있어.Minjun-a, hal mari isseo.Minjun, I have something to tell you.
- 민준 Min-jun뭔데? 말해봐.mwonde? malhaebwa.What is it? Tell me.
- 민지 Min-ji나 사실 너한테 마음이 있어.na sasil neohante maeumi isseo.Actually, I have feelings for you.
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 나도 너 좋아해.jeongmal? nado neo joahae.Really? I like you too.
