사랑해
saranghae[sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦɛ]
In Korean, "I love you" is expressed through several forms, with the default form being 사랑해 (saranghae). Wiktionary also lists 좋아해요 (joahaeyo) and 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo).
Meaning: affirmation of romantic feeling (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 사랑해 | saranghae | [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 좋아해요 | joahaeyo | |
| 사랑해요 | saranghaeyo | |
| 사랑합니다 | saranghamnida |
These phrases are used to affirm romantic feelings. In natural Korean conversation, the subject "I" and the object "you" are almost always omitted when saying 사랑해.
Which one should you use?
While 좋아해요 literally means "I like you," it is often used in the early stages of dating or to express affection more subtly than the heavy weight of 사랑해.
How does it change in a sentence?
사랑해요 adds the polite ending -요, making it suitable for a slightly more respectful tone. 사랑합니다 is the highly formal version used in public speeches, songs or very serious, traditional declarations.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghae
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, the phrase 사랑해 was historically rarely spoken aloud, with love often expressed through actions like preparing a meal.
- While English speakers say 'I love you' to parents, Koreans traditionally found 사랑해 too intense for parents and preferred phrases about respect or gratitude.
- The 'finger heart' gesture is frequently used as a silent visual substitute for saying 사랑해 in casual social settings.
Examples in context
- 사랑해, 듣고 있어? 사랑한다고!I love you, do you hear me? I love you!This sentence shows how to use the informal 사랑해 in an emotional context.Tatoeba #8462526 by Eunhee, translation #3390938 by Hybrid
- "사랑해"를 프랑스어로 어떻게 말해?How do you say "I love you" in French?This sentence demonstrates how to ask for the translation of the phrase 사랑해.Tatoeba #8399411 by Eunhee, translation #2417967 by CK
- "에르나, 사랑해!" "너 취했잖아!""Erna, I love you!" "You're drunk!"This sentence shows a dialogue using the informal 사랑해.Tatoeba #8556178 by Eunhee, translation #13117325 by moodz
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is walking through a park at sunset.
- 지은 Ji-eun도현아, 나 너 정말 사랑해.Dohyeon-a, na neo jeongmal saranghae.Dohyeon, I really love you.
- 도현 Do-hyeon갑자기? 나도 너 사랑해, 지은아.Gapjagi? Nado neo saranghae, Jieun-a.All of a sudden? I love you too, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun진심이야. 항상 곁에 있어줘.Jinsim-iya. Hangsang gyeote isseojwo.I mean it. Please always stay by my side.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 꼭 그럴게.Eung, kkok geureolge.Yes, I will definitely do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I love you” translations and entries 사랑해, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
