사랑합니다
The Korean phrase for "I love you (formal)" is 사랑합니다.
사랑합니다 is a polite expression used to tell someone that you love them.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun 사랑 (love) and the verb 하다 (to do) in its formal polite form.
Which one should you use?
While 사랑합니다 is the highest level of formal speech, often used in public speeches or very formal settings, 사랑해요 is the standard polite way to express love in daily life. In contrast, 사랑해 is the casual form used with close friends, siblings or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the subject "I" and the object "you" are often omitted in this phrase when the context is clear.
Did you know?
- In Korea, expressing love verbally is traditionally seen as overly direct, so people often use indirect phrases like 밥 먹었어? meaning 'Did you eat?' to show care and love.
- In older Korean generations, saying 사랑합니다 to a parent was often considered awkward or even taboo, as filial piety was shown through obedience and service.
- The word 사랑 is an example of a 'pure' Korean word, meaning it does not originate from Chinese characters, unlike much of the formal vocabulary in the language.
Examples in context
- 진심으로 사랑합니다.jinsimeuro saranghamnida.I love you sincerely.
- 영원히 사랑합니다.yeongwonhi saranghamnida.I love you forever.
Example conversation
Ji-hun and Seo-yeon are celebrating their anniversary.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 정말 사랑합니다.Seo-yeon ssi, jeongmal saranghamnida.Seo-yeon, I really love you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 지훈 씨를 사랑합니다.jeodo Jihun ssireul saranghamnida.I love you too, Ji-hun.
- 지훈 Ji-hun함께 있어서 행복해요.hamkke isseo haengbokhaeyo.I am happy to be with you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저도 정말 행복해요.jeodo jeongmal haengbokhaeyo.I am really happy too.
