나를 떠나
nareul tteona
The English phrase 'leave me' can be translated into Korean as 나를 떠나 (nareul tteona).
This phrase is used to request or command that someone go away from the speaker or to end a relationship.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 나 (me) with the object marker 를 (making it 나를 or nareul) and the verb 떠나 (tteona), which is an informal form of 'to leave' or 'to depart'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version, you should use 저를 떠나세요, which employs the honorific pronoun 저 and the formal verb ending -세요. In formal situations where you want to say 'Please leave me alone', you can use 제발 나를 가만히 두세요. Informal ways to say 'Leave me alone' include 나 좀 내버려 둬 and 그냥 내버려 둬.
How do you pronounce it?
nareul tteona
Did you know?
- In high-tension arguments, Koreans may use the phrase 꺼져, which literally means 'be extinguished' like a fire. It is a much harsher way to say 'leave me alone' or 'get lost'.
- The informal command 내버려 둬 used for 'leave me alone' literally translates to 'let it be left as it is'. It treats the speaker's current state of distress or solitude as a physical object to be left untouched.
- The verb 떠나다 used in 나를 떠나 implies a permanent or long-distance departure, such as leaving a city or a lifelong partner. To ask someone to simply step out of a room, Koreans use 나가다, which means 'to go out'.
Examples in context
- 너 좀 내버려 줄래?Can you leave me alone for a bit?
- 제발 나를 떠나 줘.jebal nareul tteona jwo.Please leave me.
- 더 이상 나를 떠나지 마.deo isang nareul tteonaji ma.Don't leave me anymore.
- 나를 떠나라고 했잖아.nareul tteonarago haetjana.I told you to leave me.
Example conversation
A dramatic breakup in a park.
- 지은 Ji-eun이제 그만 나를 떠나.ije geuman nareul tteona.Just leave me now.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 진심이야, 지은아?jeongmal jinsimiya, jieuna?Are you serious, Jieun?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 나를 떠나 줘.eung, nareul tteona jwo.Yes, leave me.
- 민준 Min-jun알았어, 갈게.arasseo, galge.Okay, I'll go.
