나는 딸기를 좋아해요
naneun ttalgi-reul joahaeyo
The English phrase "I like strawberries" is translated into Korean as 나는 딸기를 좋아해요 (naneun ttalgi-reul joahaeyo).
This phrase is a statement used to express a personal preference for strawberries.
What does it mean word for word?
The sentence can be broken down into its constituent parts: 나 (na) means "I" in a plain context, followed by the topic marker 는 (neun) which marks "I" as the topic of the sentence. 딸기 (ttalgi) means "strawberry", and it is followed by the object marker 를 (reul) to indicate that strawberries are the object being liked.
Which one should you use?
The verb form changes depending on your relationship with the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
The sentence utilizes specific particles to define roles. The particle 는 (neun) is attached to the subject to mark it as the topic, and the particle 를 (reul) is attached to 딸기 (ttalgi) to indicate that strawberries are the object of the liking.
How do you pronounce it?
naneun ttalgi-reul joahaeyo
Did you know?
- South Korea is famous for breeding 'luxury' strawberries that are much larger and sweeter than those in the West, often sold in expensive gift boxes like jewelry.
- If you were speaking to a much older person or a stranger, you should replace 나 (na) with the more respectful 저 (jeo). Using the version on this page in a formal setting could be seen as quite rude.
- While 좋아해요 (joahaeyo) means 'to like', Korean speakers often use the word 좋다 (jota), meaning 'to be good', to express preference by saying the strawberry itself is 'good'.
Examples in context
- 나는 딸기를 좋아해요, 그래서 매일 먹어요.naneun ttal-gi-reul jo-a-hae-yo, geuraeseo mae-il meog-eo-yo.I like strawberries, so I eat them every day.
- 진짜요? 나는 딸기를 좋아해요.jin-jja-yo? naneun ttal-gi-reul jo-a-hae-yo.Really? I like strawberries.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are at a cafe choosing desserts.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨는 어떤 과일을 좋아해요?Minjun ssi-neun eotteon gwail-eul joahae-yo?Min-jun, what kind of fruit do you like?
- 민준 Min-jun저는 포도를 좋아해요. 지은 씨는요?jeoneun podo-reul joahae-yo. Jieun ssi-neun-yo?I like grapes. How about you, Ji-eun?
- 지은 Ji-eun나는 딸기를 좋아해요.naneun ttalgireul joahae-yo.I like strawberries.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 딸기 케이크를 주문할까요?geureom ttalgie keikeu-reul jumun-halkkayo?Then shall we order a strawberry cake?
