안아주고 싶어요
anajugo sipeoyo
The English phrase "I want to hug you" is expressed in Korean as 안아주고 싶어요 (anajugo sipeoyo).
This phrase is used to express a desire to hold someone closely in one's arms to show affection or comfort. In Korean, the subject 'I' and the object 'you' are often omitted when the context makes it clear who is being hugged.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For highly formal and polite situations, you can use 안아주고 싶습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the -고 싶다 grammar pattern, which expresses a desire to perform an action. The ending 싶어요 conveys the meaning want to or desire to.
How do you pronounce it?
anajugo sipeoyo
When do people say it?
The phrase 껴안고 싶어 is used in familiar or informal situations, while 포옹하고 싶어 is a casual way to express the desire to hug someone.
Did you know?
- The phrase 안아주다 contains the auxiliary verb 주다, which means 'to give'. This implies that hugging is not just a physical act, but a gift of comfort or kindness being given to the other person.
- Korean has a distinct word for a 'back hug', which is 백허그. This is a loanword from English that has become a specific cultural trope in K-dramas and romantic media.
- While 'hugging' is becoming more common among friends, traditionally, public displays of affection like the one in 안아주고 싶어요 were often seen as quite intense or reserved for very close romantic partners in Korea.
Examples in context
- 지금 많이 힘들어 보이는데, 껴안고 싶어요.You seem really tired right now, and I want to hug you.
- 너무 보고 싶어서 껴안고 싶어.I miss you so much, I want to hug you.
- 너무 힘들 때 안아주고 싶어요.neomu himdeul ttae anajugo sipeoyo.I want to hug you when you are having a hard time.
- 보고 싶어서 안아주고 싶어요.bogo sipeoseo anajugo sipeoyo.I miss you, so I want to hug you.
- 정말 안아주고 싶어요.jeongmal anajugo sipeoyo.I really want to hug you.
Example conversation
A couple is talking on the phone late at night.
- 서연 Seo-yeon목소리가 슬프게 들려요.moksoriga seulpeuge deullyeoyo.Your voice sounds sad.
- 민준 Min-jun그냥 좀 우울해요.geunyang jom uulhaeyo.I am just feeling a bit down.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지금 당장 안아주고 싶어요.jigeum dangjang anajugo sipeoyo.I want to hug you right now.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워요, 서연 씨.gomawoyo, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
