사랑해
saranghaecasual, romantic
사랑해 (saranghae) is the casual way to say "I love you" in Korean. It comes from the verb 사랑하다 (saranghada), "to love", and is used with partners, close family and friends. It is also called 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo) and 사랑합니다 (saranghamnida).
Meaning: I love you (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 사랑해 | saranghae | casual, romantic |
| 사랑해요 | saranghaeyo | polite |
| 사랑합니다 | saranghamnida | formal |
What does it mean word for word?
사랑 (sarang) means "love" and 해 (hae) is the casual form of 하다 (hada), "to do". Adding 요 makes it polite: 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
사랑합니다 (saranghamnida) is the formal version, used in speeches, letters and toward respected elders.
How do you pronounce it?
사랑해 sounds like "sah-rahng-hae".
When do people say it?
Many Koreans save 사랑해 for serious moments. A softer step before it is 좋아해 (joahae), "I like you".
Did you know?
- The reply "me too" is 나도 사랑해 (nado saranghae), literally "I love you too".
Examples in context
- 나는 너를 사랑해.naneun neoreul saranghae.I love you.
- 엄마, 사랑해요.eomma, saranghaeyo.Mom, I love you.
Example conversation
Taeyang says goodnight to his girlfriend Eunji on a video call.
- Taeyang오늘도 수고했어. 사랑해.oneuldo sugohaesseo. saranghae.Good work today. I love you.
- Eunji나도 사랑해.nado saranghae.I love you too.
- Taeyang잘 자, 내일 봐.jal ja, naeil bwa.Sleep well, see you tomorrow.
