영원히 사랑해
yeong-wonhi saranghae
To say "I love you forever" in Korean, you use 영원히 사랑해 (yeong-wonhi saranghae).
This is a romantic expression used to tell someone that you will love them for all of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the adverb 영원히 (yeong-wonhi), which means 'forever' or 'eternally' and the verb 사랑해 (saranghae).
Which one should you use?
The default form 영원히 사랑해 is informal. Other forms exist to adjust the level of politeness used when expressing this sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
To adjust the politeness or formality, you can change the ending of the verb: use 사랑합니다 for a formal/polite tone or add the ending –요 to create the standard polite version 영원히 사랑해요.
How do you pronounce it?
yeong-wonhi saranghae
Did you know?
- While 사랑해 is the direct translation for 'i love you', Koreans historically found the phrase too intense for daily use and often expressed love through asking 밥 먹었어? which means 'have you eaten?'
- When expressing 영원히 사랑해 in a text message, Koreans often replace the 'h' sound in 사랑해 with 사랑행 to create a 'cute' or 'aegyo' tone.
- The concept of 'eternal love' in Korean culture is often linked to the idea of 'fate' or 'destiny' (인연, in-yeon), suggesting the love is part of a pre-written cosmic thread.
Examples in context
- 영원히 사랑해.yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hae.I love you forever.
- 너를 영원히 사랑해.neo-reul yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hae.I will love you forever.
- 정말 영원히 사랑해.jeong-mal yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hae.I really love you forever.
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park at sunset.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈아, 영원히 사랑해.Su-bin-ah, yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hae.Subin, I love you forever.
- 수빈 Su-bin나도 지훈아, 영원히 사랑해.na-do Ji-hun-ah, yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hae.Me too, Jihun, I love you forever.
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 평생 함께하자.u-ri pyeong-saeng ham-kke-ha-ja.Let's be together for the rest of our lives.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 약속할게.eung, yak-sok-hal-ge.Yes, I promise.
