나
na[na̠]
In Korean, "me" is expressed as 나 (na).
나 is a pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves in an informal way.
Which one should you use?
While 나 is used in informal settings, you should use 저 to refer to yourself in formal or polite settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
나 is the informal version of "I/me". It should only be used with friends or people younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use 내가 when it is the subject. Use 나를 when it is the direct object. The possessive form is 나의, but this is often shortened to the contraction 내 in speech to mean "my".
How do you pronounce it?
na
Did you know?
- It has been hypothesized that the words for 'I' (나), 'you' (너), and 'who' (누) all originated from the same ancient root through a process of vowel-shifting called ablaut.
- In Korean, you can often omit 나 entirely if the context makes it clear who is speaking, whereas English almost always requires a subject.
- Using 나 with someone older or of higher social status is not just informal, but can be perceived as a direct challenge or a sign of extreme rudeness.
Examples in context
- 나 기분 좋게 해줘.Make me feel good.This sentence uses 나 to express a desire for a feeling.Tatoeba #13761916 by qlTmalffk, translation #11891423 by Aghanim
- 너 나랑 지금 춤출래?Will you dance with me right now?This sentence uses 나 to ask someone to dance with the speaker.Tatoeba #7166437 by Pablohyun, translation #7342516 by erixa83
- 나 좀 죽게 내버려둬.Let me die.This sentence uses 나 to express a wish to be left alone.Tatoeba #8362079 by Eunhee, translation #1020543 by CK
- 선생님, 제 이름은 미나예요.Teacher, my name is Mina.
- 161 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나 내일 영화 볼 거야.na naeil yeonghwa bol geoya.I am going to watch a movie tomorrow.
- 서연 Seo-yeon진짜? 나도 같이 가도 돼?jinjja? nado gachi gado dwae?Really? Can I go with you too?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 나 혼자 가기 심심했어.eung, na honja gagi simsimhaesseo.Yeah, I was bored going alone.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 나 너무 좋아!gomawo, na neomu joa!Thanks, I'm so happy!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 나, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
