정말 사랑해
jeongmal saranghae
The English phrase "I really love you" is expressed in Korean as 정말 사랑해 (jeongmal saranghae).
This phrase is a strong expression of deep affection used to tell someone that you love them very much. In Korean, the subject "I" and the object "you" are often omitted in this phrase because they are implied by the context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 정말 (really) and 사랑해 (love).
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the level of politeness by altering the ending. Adding the suffix -요 to the end makes the expression polite and suitable for someone you are not on close, informal terms with, making it 정말 사랑해요. For a highly formal version used in very serious or public settings, use 정말 사랑합니다.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongmal saranghae
Did you know?
- While 사랑해 is used for romantic love, Koreans often use the word 좋아해 ('I like you') to confess romantic feelings for the first time, as 사랑해 can feel too heavy.
- While 'really' is 정말, using the word 너무 (neomu) before 사랑해 is extremely common in casual speech, even though it technically means 'too much' in a negative sense.
- If you are a beginner, using the formal 정말 사랑합니다 to a boyfriend or girlfriend might actually make the relationship feel cold or distant.
Examples in context
- 정말 사랑해.jeongmal saranghae.I really love you.
- 진심으로 정말 사랑해.jinsimeuro jeongmal saranghae.I really love you from my heart.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye for the day.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지야, 정말 사랑해.Minji-ya, jeongmal saranghae.Minji, I really love you.
- 민지 Min-ji나도 정말 사랑해, 현우야.nado jeongmal saranghae, Hyeonu-ya.I really love you too, Hyeonu.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내일 또 만나자.naeil tto mannaja.Let's meet again tomorrow.
- 민지 Min-ji응, 잘 가!eung, jal ga!Yes, goodbye!
