Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 사랑해요 | saranghaeyo | |
| 좋아해요 | joahaeyo | |
| 사랑해 | saranghae | [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰa̠ɾa̠ŋɦe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 사랑합니다 | saranghamnida |
This phrase is used to affirm romantic feelings. While the full sentence can include the subject "I" (저는) and the object "you" (당신을), it is very common in Korean to omit these words in the phrase 사랑해, as the context makes them clear.
What does it mean word for word?
The core of the phrase is the noun 사랑, which means "love".
Which one should you use?
While 사랑해요 is the standard way to say "I love you", you might also use 좋아해요 to say "I like you". 좋아해요 is often used as a softer or less intense way to express romantic interest compared to 사랑해요.
How does it change in a sentence?
사랑해요 is the standard polite version used in everyday situations to show respect to the listener. 사랑합니다 is the highly formal version, typically used in public speeches, songs or very formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
saranghaeyo
When do people say it?
When expressing affection, speakers may use affectionate nicknames such as 자기야 or 여보.
Did you know?
- In text messaging, many Koreans skip the formal endings and simply use the consonants ㅅㄹㅎ as a shorthand way to say 'love you'.
- Korean has a specific term 정 (jeong) to describe a type of love based on shared time and attachment, which is distinct from the passionate love expressed by 사랑해.
- When expressing love, some Koreans use a 'finger heart' gesture by crossing the thumb and index finger to create a small heart shape.
Examples in context
- 사랑해, 듣고 있어? 사랑한다고!I love you, do you hear me? I love you!This sentence shows how to repeat the phrase 사랑해 for emphasis.Tatoeba #8462526 by Eunhee, translation #3390938 by Hybrid
- "사랑해"를 프랑스어로 어떻게 말해?How do you say "I love you" in French?This sentence asks for the French translation of 사랑해.Tatoeba #8399411 by Eunhee, translation #2417967 by CK
- "에르나, 사랑해!" "너 취했잖아!""Erna, I love you!" "You're drunk!"This sentence shows the use of 사랑해 in a dialogue.Tatoeba #8556178 by Eunhee, translation #13117325 by moodz
- 사랑해I love you
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is having a quiet dinner together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 정말 사랑해요.Subin-ssi, jeongmal saranghaeyo.Subin, I truly love you.
- 수빈 Su-bin저도 도현 씨를 사랑해요.Jeodo Dohyeon-ssireul saranghaeyo.I love you too, Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요, 제 곁에 있어줘서.Gomawoyo, je gyeote isseojwoseo.Thank you for being by my side.
- 수빈 Su-bin앞으로도 영원히 함께해요.Apeurodo yeongwonhi hamkkehaeyo.Let's be together forever.
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.
