진짜 좋아해
jinjja joahae
In Korean, "I really like you" is expressed as 진짜 좋아해 (jinjja joahae).
This phrase is used to express strong romantic or personal affection for another person. In Korean, the subject (I) and the object (you) are often omitted in this phrase because they are implied by context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 진짜 (really/truly) and 좋아해 (to like).
Which one should you use?
While 진짜 좋아해 means "I really like you", it is often used as a precursor to or a less heavy alternative to 사랑해 (I love you).
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix -요 to the end makes the phrase polite and suitable for someone you are not on intimate terms with. The form 진짜 좋아합니다 is the highly formal version used in very serious or public settings.
How do you pronounce it?
jinjja joahae
Did you know?
- While 진짜 좋아해 expresses liking, Korean has a specific term called 썸 (ssum), derived from the English word 'something', to describe the flirtatious stage before two people officially date.
- If you use the formal version 진짜 좋아합니다 during a casual date, you might accidentally create a sense of 'emotional distance'. The high level of politeness can signal that you are treating the other person like a stranger or a business colleague rather than a romantic interest.
- The word 진짜 originally stems from the Chinese character for 'truth' (眞), but in modern speech, it has evolved into a versatile slang-adjacent term for 'really' or 'truly'. It functions almost like the English 'totally' when used to emphasize feelings.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 정말로 좋아합니다.Teacher, I really like you.
- 친구야, 진짜 좋아해.Hey friend, I really like you.
- 나 너 진짜 좋아해.na neo jinja joahae.I really like you.
- 진짜 좋아해, 믿어줘.jinja joahae, mideojwo.I really like you, please believe me.
Example conversation
Minji confesses her feelings to Jihun in a quiet park.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈아, 나 사실 너 진짜 좋아해.Jihun-a, na sasil neo jinja joahae.Jihun, actually, I really like you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말? 나도 민지 너 진짜 좋아해.jeongmal? nado Minji neo jinja joahae.Really? I really like you too, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji우리 오늘부터 1일이야?uri oneulbuteo iril-iya?Are we officially a couple starting today?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 당연하지!eung, dangyeonhaji!Yes, of course!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 진짜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
