Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 사랑해 | saranghae | [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 좋아해요 | joahaeyo | |
| 사랑해요 | saranghaeyo | |
| 사랑합니다 | saranghamnida |
These phrases are used to affirm romantic feelings.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is based on the verb 사랑하다, which means "to love". The noun 사랑 means "love", and the verb stem is 사랑하.
Which one should you use?
The form 좋아해요 means "I like you" and expresses affection or liking, whereas 사랑해 and its variations express a deeper and more intense romantic love.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
사랑해 is the casual, informal form used between romantic partners of equal status or when speaking to someone younger. 사랑해요 is the standard polite form used to express love in a respectful manner, suitable for formal situations or when speaking to someone older or in a position of authority. 사랑합니다 is a highly formal expression often used in public declarations, songs or very formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the subject "I" and the object "you" are often omitted in this phrase because the context makes them clear.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghae
Did you know?
- In Korea, there is a custom of celebrating '100 days' together as a couple, often accompanied by the first serious exchange of 사랑해.
- If you were to use the highly formal 사랑합니다 during a private, intimate moment with a partner, it might actually feel cold or awkward because it sounds too much like a public speech.
- The word 사랑 can be used as a noun to describe the feeling of love, but in old Korean texts, the root was sometimes associated with the idea of 'thinking' or 'longing' for someone.
Examples in context
- 사랑해, 듣고 있어? 사랑한다고!I love you, do you hear me? I love you!This sentence shows how to use the informal 사랑해 to repeat the sentiment.Tatoeba #8462526 by Eunhee, translation #3390938 by Hybrid
- "사랑해"를 프랑스어로 어떻게 말해?How do you say "I love you" in French?This sentence uses the informal 사랑해 when asking for a translation.Tatoeba #8399411 by Eunhee, translation #2417967 by CK
- "에르나, 사랑해!" "너 취했잖아!""Erna, I love you!" "You're drunk!"This sentence demonstrates the use of 사랑해 in a casual conversational context.Tatoeba #8556178 by Eunhee, translation #13117325 by moodz
- 아버지, 사랑해요.Father, I love you.
- 선생님, 사랑합니다.Teacher, I love you.
- 친구야, 사랑해.My friend, I love you.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park at sunset.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준아, 사랑해.Minjun-a, saranghae.Minjun, I love you.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 정말 사랑해, 수빈아.Nado jeongmal saranghae, Subin-a.I love you so much too, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 행복하다.Gomawo, haengbokhada.Thank you, I'm so happy.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 행복해.Nado haengbokhae.I am happy too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries 사랑해, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
