널 원해
neol wonhae
The phrase i want you in Korean is 널 원해 (neol wonhae).
This phrase is used to express a strong romantic or sexual desire for another person. It is commonly used in Korean dramas and songs.
What does it mean word for word?
널 원해 is a contraction of 너를 원해.
Which one should you use?
While 널 원해 is the contracted version, 너를 원해 is the uncontracted, full form of the phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
널 원해 and 너를 원해 are informal ways to express your desire. For a highly formal or literary version, you might see 당신을 원합니다, though this is rare in spoken conversation. If you wish to convey a similar sentiment in a formal way, such as saying 'I need you', you can use 저는 당신이 필요합니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 널 원해 uses the contracted object marker 널 instead of the full form 너를.
How do you pronounce it?
neol wonhae
Did you know?
- While 널 원해 is common in K-pop lyrics, saying it in real life can sound unnaturally like a movie script or a translation from English. Koreans typically use phrases focused on 'liking' or 'missing' someone to express romantic longing.
- While 널 원해 is intimate, using the word 'you' as 당신 (dangsin) in a real-life romantic setting can actually sound like an argument or a confrontation depending on the tone.
- The contracted form 널 has roots stretching back to the mid-15th century, appearing in the historic Hunminjeong'eum haerye document.
Examples in context
- 너를 원해.I want you
- 난 오직 널 원해.nan ojik neol wonhae.I only want you.
- 지금 진심으로 널 원해.jigeum jinsimeuro neol wonhae.I really want you right now.
- 말했잖아, 난 널 원해.malhaetjana, nan neol wonhae.I told you, I want you.
Example conversation
A couple is sharing an intimate moment together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo서연아, 널 원해.Seoyeona, neol wonhae.Seoyeon, I want you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나도 그래, 현우야.nado geurae, Hyeon-u-ya.I feel the same, Hyeon-u.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내 마음 알지?nae maeum alji?You know how I feel, right?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 잘 알아.eung, jal ara.Yes, I know well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 널, CC BY-SA 4.0.
