사랑해 언니
saranghae eonni
To say "I love you, my sister" in Korean, use 사랑해 언니 (saranghae eonni).
This phrase is an expression of affection used by a younger sister to her older sister. In Korean culture, even if there is no biological relation, a younger female may call an older female friend 언니 (eonni).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 언니 (eonni) literally means "older sister" when used by a female speaker.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to make the expression more polite and respectful, you can use 사랑해요 언니 by adding the suffix –요 (-yo) to the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghae eonni
Did you know?
- While 언니 is used by females, a male would never use this word to address an older sister, even if they were siblings. He would use a completely different term, such as 누나 (nuna).
- In Korea, the word 사랑해 is often omitted in favor of practical care or gifts, as verbal expressions of love were historically rare between family members.
- Some linguists believe 언니 originated as a cute, childish way for children to pronounce the more formal word 형님 (hyeongnim).
Examples in context
- 사랑해, 언니.I love you, sis.
- 사랑해, 여동생아.I love you, little sister.
Example conversation
Subin is giving a handmade gift to her older sister.
- 수빈 Su-bin언니, 이거 선물이야. 사랑해 언니!Eonni, igeo seonmuriya. Saranghae eonni!Sister, this is a gift for you. I love you, my sister!
- 민준 Min-jun어머, 정말 예쁘다! 고마워 수빈아.Eomeo, jeongmal yeppeuda! Gomawo Subin-a.Oh, it's so pretty! Thank you, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin언니가 좋아했으면 좋겠어.Eonniga joahaesseumyeon jokesseo.I hope you like it, sister.
- 민준 Min-jun응, 정말 마음에 들어. 나도 사랑해!Eung, jeongmal maeume deureo. Nado saranghae!Yes, I really love it. I love you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사랑해, 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
