엄마, 사랑해요
eomma, saranghaeyo
The phrase "I love you, mom" in Korean is 엄마, 사랑해요 (eomma, saranghaeyo).
This phrase is used to express affection specifically toward one's mother.
Which one should you use?
The word used for 'mom' in this phrase, 엄마 (eomma), is an intimate, 'mom' style term.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma, saranghaeyo
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, expressing verbal affection like "I love you" to parents can sometimes feel more shy or heavy than in English, so it is often used during special occasions like Mother's Day or birthdays.
Did you know?
- In Korea, affection is often expressed through 'food love' rather than words. Asking 밥 먹었어? ('Have you eaten?') is frequently used as a practical substitute for saying 사랑해요.
- The phrase 사랑해요 uses the root 사랑 ('love'), which in older forms of the language could also mean 'to pity' or 'to feel compassion for'.
- In many Korean families, affection is often shown through 'acts of service' rather than saying 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo) directly. For example, a mother might show love by peeling fruit for her child.
Examples in context
- 진심으로 엄마, 사랑해요.jinsimeuro eomma, saranghaeyo.I truly love you, Mom.
Example conversation
Jihoon is giving a gift to his mother.
- 지훈 Ji-hun엄마, 이거 선물이에요.Eomma, igeo seonmureieyo.Mom, this is a present for you.
- 지은 Ji-eun어머, 정말 고맙다 지훈아!Eomeo, jeongmal gomapda Jihuna!Oh, thank you so much, Jihoon!
- 지훈 Ji-hun엄마, 사랑해요.Eomma, saranghaeyo.I love you, mom.
- 지은 Ji-eun엄마도 우리 아들 사랑해.Eommado uri adeul saranghae.Mom loves her son too.
