What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 정말 정말 (jeongmal jeongmal) literally means "really really" and serves to intensify the verb that follows it.
Which one should you use?
The phrase can take several forms depending on the social relationship between the speakers. The default form 정말 정말 사랑해 is used for casual or intimate settings. For a more polite tone, you can use the version ending in the suffix -요 (-yo), which is 정말 정말 사랑해요. For highly formal or very serious settings where deep respect is required, use 정말 정말 사랑합니다.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on who you are addressing. The informal 정말 정말 사랑해 is appropriate for close friends, younger siblings or a romantic partner in a casual relationship. The polite form 정말 정말 사랑해요 is used when speaking to someone you are not on intimate or casual terms with. The formal version 정말 정말 사랑합니다 is the most respectful form, used in very serious settings or when expressing deep respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add intensity to the expression of love by incorporating 진짜 (really/truly) into the phrase, such as in 진짜 정말 사랑해 or the formal 진짜 정말 사랑합니다.
How do you pronounce it?
jeongmal jeongmal saranghae
Did you know?
- While 사랑해 is the direct translation of 'I love you', Koreans traditionally express deep affection through 'acts of service' or asking 밥 먹었어? ('Did you eat?').
- The word 정말 (jeongmal) literally translates to 'correct word' or 'true word'. By saying it, you are not just saying 'really', but implying that your words are the honest truth.
- If you use the formal 정말 정말 사랑합니다 (jeongmal jeongmal saranghamnida) during a casual date, it might actually sound sarcastic or overly dramatic. This high level of respect is usually reserved for grand public declarations or wedding vows.
Examples in context
- 정말 정말 사랑해.jeongmal jeongmal saranghae.I really really love you.
- 자기야, 정말 정말 사랑해.jagiya, jeongmal jeongmal saranghae.Honey, I really really love you.
Example conversation
A couple is having a sweet moment at a park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 나 너를 정말 정말 사랑해.Minjun-a, na neoreul jeongmal jeongmal saranghae.Minjun, I really really love you.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 민지 너를 정말 정말 사랑해.Nado Minji neoreul jeongmal jeongmal saranghae.I really really love you too, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji진짜 고마워.jinjja gomawo.Thank you so much.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 고마워.nado gomawo.Thank you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사랑해, 정말, CC BY-SA 4.0.
