너 필요해
neo piryohae
In Korean, "I need you" is expressed as 너 필요해 (neo piryohae).
This phrase is used to express that someone is necessary or wanted in one's life.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
It should only be used with close friends or people younger than you. For a polite version, you can use 당신이 필요해요, which adds the polite ending -요 to the verb and utilizes a more formal pronoun.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the polite form 당신이 필요해요, the ending -요 is added to the verb to increase politeness. Note that in the phrase 네가 필요해, the form is an informal and affectionate way to say "I need you."
How do you pronounce it?
neo piryohae
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to add the object particle 를 to 너 (resulting in 너를 필요해). However, in Korean, 필요하다 functions as an adjective meaning "to be necessary," so "you" is actually the subject of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The word 너 may be a distant relative of the Old Japanese word for 'you', 나, suggesting a deep historical connection between the two languages.
- If you use the word 너 when speaking to a stranger or a superior, it can come across as incredibly rude or even aggressive, even if your intention is romantic.
- The formal pronoun 당신 used in 당신이 필요해요 is often avoided in spoken conversation and is more common in songs or written poetry.
Examples in context
- 도움이 필요해. 얘기를 들어줄래?I need your support. Will you listen to me?
- 지금은 너 필요해.jigeumeun neo piryohae.I need you right now.
- 진심으로 너 필요해.jinsimeuro neo piryohae.I truly need you.
Example conversation
A romantic moment between a couple in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 난 너 필요해.Minjun-a, nan neo piryohae.Minjun, I need you.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 너 필요해, 민지야.nado neo piryohae, Minji-ya.I need you too, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji항상 곁에 있어줘.hangsang gyeote isseojwo.Please always stay by my side.
- 민준 Min-jun그럴게, 약속해.geureolke, yaksokhae.I will, I promise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너, CC BY-SA 4.0.
