너무 사랑해
neomu saranghae
너무 사랑해 (neomu saranghae) is the Korean way to say "I love you so much".
This phrase is used to express deep affection or strong romantic love for someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 너무 (neomu) literally means "too much" or "so much" and is used here to intensify the verb.
Which one should you use?
While 너무 사랑해 is the casual default, you may see 정말 사랑해 used as an informal way to express the same sentiment. For more elaborate or highly formal contexts, 저는 당신을 정말 사랑합니다 is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality changes based on the ending of the phrase. To make the phrase polite and suitable for someone you are not on intimate, casual terms with, you can use 너무 사랑해요 by adding the suffix '-요' (-yo). For very serious or public settings, the highly formal version 너무 사랑합니다 or 정말 사랑합니다 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
neomu saranghae
Did you know?
- Historically, the word 너무 was used strictly to mean 'too much' in a negative sense, such as 'too hot' or 'too expensive'. It was considered grammatically incorrect to use it for positive things like love until very recently.
- To express love without words, Koreans often use a 'finger heart' gesture, crossing the thumb and index finger to form a tiny heart.
- While 'I love you' is common, Koreans often express similar intense affection by saying 보고 싶어, which literally translates to 'I want to see you'.
Examples in context
- 진심으로 너무 사랑해.jinsimeuro neomu saranghae.I love you so much, sincerely.
- 너를 너무 사랑해.neoreul neomu saranghae.I love you so much.
- 말로 다 못 할 만큼 너무 사랑해.mallo da mot hal mankeum neomu saranghae.I love you so much, more than words can say.
Example conversation
A couple is celebrating their anniversary at a quiet park.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 나 너를 너무 사랑해.Dohyeon-a, na neoreul neomu saranghae.Dohyeon, I love you so much.
- 도현 Do-hyeon나도 서연이를 너무 사랑해.Nado Seoyeon-ireul neomu saranghae.I love Seoyeon so much, too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 앞으로도 행복하자.Uri apurodo haengbokhaja.Let's be happy together in the future, too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 꼭 그럴게.Eung, kkok geureolge.Yes, I definitely will.
