좋아해
joahaecasual, like
To a friend, Koreans usually say 좋아해 (joahae), "I like you", or a warm 고마워 (gomawo). 사랑해 (saranghae) is strong and is mostly used for partners and close family. It is also called 고마워, 사랑해 (gomawo, saranghae).
Meaning: I love you to a friend (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 좋아해 | joahae | casual, like |
| 고마워, 사랑해 | gomawo, saranghae | casual, warm |
| 사랑해 | saranghae | casual, strong |
Between close friends, 사랑해 can be said in a playful way, especially among young women or in jokes. It can be misunderstood as romantic by a friend of the opposite sex.
Which one should you use?
좋아해 is the mild word, and it can also mean "I like you" romantically. Context decides.
Did you know?
- 친구 (chingu) is "friend", and Koreans use it mainly for people of a similar age.
Examples in context
- 너 진짜 좋아해, 알지?neo jinjja joahae, alji?I really like you, you know?
- 네가 있어서 고마워.nega isseoseo gomawo.I am thankful you are here.
Example conversation
Two best friends, Bora and Eunha, talk after a hard week.
- Bora네가 옆에 있어서 힘이 나.nega yeope isseoseo himi na.You give me strength by being next to me.
- Eunha나도 너 좋아해.nado neo joahae.I like you too.
- Bora고마워, 친구야.gomawo, chinguya.Thanks, my friend.
