언니 사랑해
eonni saranghae
The phrase "I love you, sister" in Korean is translated as 언니 사랑해 (eonni saranghae).
This phrase is used by a female to express love to her older sister. While the full sentiment is "I love you, sister," in natural conversation, the subject "I" and the object "you" are often omitted.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Sister, love," as the subject and object are left out.
Which one should you use?
The term used for "older sister" depends on the gender of the speaker. A female speaker uses 언니, whereas a male speaker would use 누나 to address his older sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 사랑해 is the informal version of the verb "to love."
How do you pronounce it?
eonni saranghae
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe 언니 originated as an intentionally childish or cute way of pronouncing the more formal term 형님.
- The term 언니 is widely used by women to address female friends who are slightly older, even if there is no biological relation.
- In certain contexts, a woman might call a much older woman 언니 as a sign of closeness, effectively skipping several age gaps.
Examples in context
- 사랑합니다, 지영 언니I love you, Sister Jiyoung
- 사랑해, 항상 나를 지켜줘서 고마워, 언니I love you, sister. Thank you for always protecting me.
- 언니 사랑해.eonni saranghae.I love you, sister.
- 언니 사랑해, 고마워.eonni saranghae, gomawo.I love you, sister, thank you.
Example conversation
Minji is giving a gift to her older sister.
- 민지 Min-ji언니 사랑해, 이거 선물이야.eonni saranghae, igeo seonmuliya.I love you, sister, this is a gift for you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말? 고마워 민지야!jeongmal? gomawo Minji-ya!Really? Thank you, Minji!
- 민지 Min-ji마음에 들었으면 좋겠어.maeume deureosseumyeon jokesseo.I hope you like it.
- 지훈 Ji-hun너무 마음에 들어!neomu maeume deureo!I love it so much!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사랑해, 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
