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. When speaking directly to a partner using the informal form 사랑해, the subject "I" and the object "you" are almost always omitted. While these phrases express deep romantic love, the phrase 좋아해요 (I like you) is often used in the early stages of dating to express feelings of love in a less intense way.
Which one should you use?
사랑해 is used to express deep romantic love, whereas 좋아해요 is a polite way to say "I like you", often used during the early stages of a relationship.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Korea, 사랑해 and 사랑해요 are commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
사랑해요 is the standard polite version used to show respect to the listener. And 사랑합니다 is the highly formal version used in public speeches, songs or very serious declarations.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghae
Did you know?
- In South Korea, couples often celebrate their 100th day of dating with gifts and parties, rather than waiting for a full year to mark a major milestone.
- The word 사랑 ('love') was historically linked to the word 생각 ('thought'), suggesting that to love someone was originally to think of them constantly.
- Because Korean culture often emphasizes collective identity, the 'I' and 'you' are often replaced by the speaker's name or a title, such as 'Oppa loves you', rather than using the pronoun 'I'.
Examples in context
- 사랑해, 듣고 있어? 사랑한다고!I love you, do you hear me? I love you!This sentence shows the use of 사랑해 in a direct declaration.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 사랑해 within a question about translation.Tatoeba #8399411 by Eunhee, translation #2417967 by CK
- "에르나, 사랑해!" "너 취했잖아!""Erna, I love you!" "You're drunk!"This sentence uses 사랑해 in a conversational context.Tatoeba #8556178 by Eunhee, translation #13117325 by moodz
- 아버지, 사랑합니다.Father, I love you.
- 오빠, 사랑해.Oppa, I love you.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Min-jun and Ji-eun are saying goodbye after a date.
- 민준 Min-jun지은아, 오늘 정말 즐거웠어. 사랑해.Ji-euna, oneul jeongmal jeulgeowosseo. saranghae.Ji-eun, I had a great time today. I love you.
- 지은 Ji-eun나도 사랑해, 민준아. 조심히 가.nado saranghae, Min-juna. josimhi ga.I love you too, Min-jun. Get home safely.
- 민준 Min-jun집에 도착하면 연락할게.jibe dochakhamyeon yeollakhalge.I'll contact you when I get home.
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 기다릴게!eung, gidarilge!Okay, I'll be waiting!
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.
