음악 좋아해요
eum-ak joahae-yo
The English phrase "I like music" is expressed in Korean as 음악 좋아해요 (eum-ak joahae-yo).
This phrase is used to express a general preference or fondness for music. In Korean, the subject "I" (나/저) is typically omitted because it is implied by the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 음악 (music) and the verb 좋아해요 (to like).
How does it change in a sentence?
In more formal or grammatically complete speech, the object marker 을 can be added after 음악 to form 음악을 좋아해요. Additionally, dropping the polite ending 요 from 좋아해요 changes the phrase into the informal/casual form 좋아해, which is used with close friends or younger people.
How do you pronounce it?
eum-ak joahae-yo
Did you know?
- The phrase 음악 좋아해요 can be turned into a question simply by raising the intonation at the end. Because the word order remains identical, the only difference between 'I like music' and 'Do you like music?' is the pitch.
- The word 음악 uses the character 樂, which in other contexts can mean 'happiness' or 'pleasure'. This connects the concept of music directly to the feeling of joy.
- While 음악 좋아해요 is a general statement, Koreans often specify the 'genre' of music using the word 장르, which is a loanword from the French 'genre'.
Examples in context
- 네, 저는 음악을 좋아합니다.Yes, I like music.
- 진짜 신나고 좋았어! 나는 음악을 좋아해.It was really exciting and amazing! I love music.
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about their hobbies.
- 수빈 Su-bin수빈 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Subin-ssineun chwimiga mwo-yeyo?Subin, what is your hobby?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저는 음악 좋아해요.jeoneun eumak joahae-yo.I like music.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말요? 저도 음악 좋아해요.jeongmalyo? jeodo eumak joahae-yo.Really? I like music too.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo현우 씨랑 취향이 비슷하네요.Hyunwoo-ssirang chwihyangi biseut-haneyo.You and I have similar tastes, Hyunwoo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 음악, CC BY-SA 4.0.
