사랑해, 잘 자
The English phrase "I love you, goodnight" is expressed in Korean as 사랑해, 잘 자.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 사랑해 (I love you) and 잘 자 (sleep well/goodnight).
Which one should you use?
While English uses "goodnight" as a general parting, the Korean 잘 자 is a literal way to say "sleep well" that functions as "goodnight" in informal Korean.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the polite particle 요 to both parts results in 사랑해요, 잘 자요, which is a more polite way to express the same sentiment. The highly formal version of this phrase is 사랑합니다, 안녕히 주무세요, used in very formal settings or when showing extreme respect to an elder.
Did you know?
- While 사랑해 is the standard way to say 'i love you', Korean speakers often express affection through 'care' phrases, such as asking if someone has eaten yet, which can carry the same emotional weight.
- Korean romantic couples often use 'aegyo' or baby talk, adding an extra 'ㅇ' sound to the end of 사랑해 to make it sound cuter and more affectionate.
- The root of 사랑해 comes from the verb 사랑하다, which historically had meanings closer to 'to pity' or 'to cherish' before evolving into the modern 'to love'.
Examples in context
- 사랑합니다. 좋은 밤 되세요.I love you. Have a good night.
- 사랑합니다. 즐거운 밤 되세요.I love you. Have a pleasant night.
- 사랑해. 편안한 밤 보내.I love you. Have a comfortable night.
- 사랑해, 잘 자.saranghae, jal ja.I love you, goodnight.
- 자기야, 사랑해, 잘 자.jagiya, saranghae, jal ja.Honey, I love you, goodnight.
- 오늘도 사랑해, 잘 자.oneuldo saranghae, jal ja.I love you today too, goodnight.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are talking on the phone before going to sleep.
- 지은 Ji-eun이제 자야겠다. 사랑해, 잘 자.ije jayagetta. saranghae, jal ja.I should go to sleep now. I love you, goodnight.
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 너도 사랑해, 잘 자.eung, neodo saranghae, jal ja.Yeah, I love you too, goodnight.
- 지은 Ji-eun내 꿈 꿔!nae kkum kkwo!Dream of me!
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럴게, 잘 자.geureolgae, jal ja.I will, goodnight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사랑해, 자, 잘, CC BY-SA 4.0.
