너처럼
The English phrase 'like you' is translated into Korean as 너처럼.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun 너 (you) and the particle 처럼 (like/as).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너처럼 is an informal way to say 'like you'. For a more formal or polite approach, you can use 당신처럼, though 당신 is specifically used in certain contexts such as between spouses or in songs. For a poetic or romantic expression, 그대처럼 is used, which is commonly seen in poetry and song lyrics.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can replace the pronoun 너 (you) with 나 (me) to create 나처럼, which means 'like me'. Additionally, the particle 같이 can be used interchangeably with 처럼 to mean 'like' or 'as', resulting in the form 너같이.
Did you know?
- In modern Korean, calling a stranger 당신 in 'like you' (당신처럼) can actually be perceived as confrontational or aggressive rather than polite, despite its dictionary definition as 'formal you'.
- The particle 같이 in 너같이 comes from the word for 'together', meaning 'like you' uses a word that fundamentally implies 'being together' or 'accompanying'.
- When writing a formal letter or a speech, instead of using a pronoun at all, Koreans often say 'like the person' or 'like [Name/Title]' to avoid the directness of 'like you'.
Examples in context
- 나는 너처럼 가난했었다.I used to be poor like you.Tatoeba #5526117 by raining211, translation #2544393 by CK
- 이 노래가 당신처럼 아름답습니다.This song is as beautiful as you.
- 이 영화 너처럼 흥미롭다니까 보고 싶어.I want to watch this movie because it seems interesting, like you.
- 나도 니가 좋아.I like you too.
- 너처럼 요리를 잘하고 싶어.neocheoreom yorireul jalhago sipeo.I want to be good at cooking like you.
Example conversation
Jihoon is complimenting Seoyeon's personality.
- 지훈 Ji-hun너처럼 밝은 사람은 처음 봐.neocheoreom balgeun saraneun cheoeum bwa.It's my first time seeing someone as bright as you.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 고마워, 지훈아.jeongmal? gomawo, jihoon-a.Really? Thanks, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun너처럼 긍정적인 게 멋져.neocheoreom geungjeongjeogin ge meotjyeo.Being positive like you is cool.
- 서연 Seo-yeon너도 충분히 멋진걸.neodo chungbunhi meotjinggeol.You are cool enough too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
