How to Say "I Like Singing" in Korean

노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요

norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo

The English phrase "I like singing" is expressed in Korean as 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요 (norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo).

This phrase is used to express that you enjoy the activity of singing.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is built from 노래 (song), 부르는 (singing/calling) and 것 (the thing/the act).

Using 좋아해요 (to like) focuses on your preference, whereas 좋아요 (to be good/to be liked) would imply the act of singing itself is a good thing.

The ending -해요 makes this a polite, standard way to express your preference to others.

norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo

The word for 'song', 노래, is etymologically linked to the concept of 'playing' or 'frolic'. It originally stems from a root meaning 'to play', suggesting that a song was once viewed as the medium through which one plays.
In Korea, admitting you like singing often leads to an invitation to a 노래방 or 'song room'. These are private soundproof rooms, which differs from Western karaoke where people often perform in front of a public crowd.
The verb used for singing, 부르다, is the same word used to 'call' someone's name. In the Korean mind, singing a song is linguistically similar to calling out a melody.

노래 좋아해?
Do you like singing?
취미가 뭐예요? 저는 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요.
hwimiga mwoyeyo? jeoneun norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo.
What is your hobby? I like singing.
스트레스 풀 때 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요.
seuteureseu pul ttae norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo.
I like singing when I relieve stress.

Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.

지은 Ji-eun

현우 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?
hyeon-u ssineun hwimiga mwoyeyo?
Hyunwoo, what is your hobby?
현우 Hyeon-woo

저는 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요.
jeoneun norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo.
I like singing.
지은 Ji-eun

정말요? 저도 노래 부르는 것을 좋아해요!
jeongmallyo? jeodo norae bureuneun geoseul joahaeyo!
Really? I like singing too!
현우 Hyeon-woo

다음에 같이 노래방에 가요.
daeume gachi noraebange gayo.
Let's go to a karaoke room together next time.

Sources

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