내 남자친구
nae namjachingu
The Korean phrase for "my boyfriend" is 내 남자친구 (nae namjachingu).
This phrase is used to refer to a male partner in a romantic relationship. In casual conversation or when texting, you will often see the shortened slang version 남친.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내 남자친구 is composed of 내, meaning "my" and 남자친구, which literally translates to "male friend".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use different forms depending on who you are talking to. The form 내 남자친구 is informal. For more polite situations, such as when speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, use 제 남자친구.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 내 is a contraction of the form 나의.
How do you pronounce it?
nae namjachingu
Did you know?
- Depending on the age gap, a woman might refer to her boyfriend as 오빠 (oppa), meaning 'older brother'. This is a common romantic term of endearment even if they are not biologically related.
- Korean culture has a concept called 밀당 (mil-dang), which describes the 'push and pull' psychological game played when someone is trying to become a 남자친구 or 여자친구.
- Couples in Korea often use the term 남친 (nam-chin) not just as a noun, but as a way to categorize specific 'boyfriend-style' behaviors, such as 남친룩 (nam-chin look) to describe a specific fashion style that looks like a typical boyfriend.
Examples in context
- 내 남자친구가 되어줄래?Would you like to be my boyfriend?This sentence is useful for asking someone to be your boyfriend using the form 내 남자친구.Tatoeba #2730490 by al_ex_an_der, translation #8629202 by kidaehong
- 이것은 제 남자친구입니다.This is my boyfriend.
- 내 남자친구는 정말 다정해.nae namjachinguneun jeongmal dajeonghae.My boyfriend is really sweet.
- 이 사진 속 인물은 내 남자친구야.i sajin sok inmureun nae namjachinguya.The person in this photo is my boyfriend.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about her relationship.
- 수빈 Su-bin내 남자친구는 키가 정말 커.nae namjachinguneun kiga jeongmal keo.My boyfriend is really tall.
- 민준 Min-jun그렇구나, 정말 멋진 분이겠다.geureokuna, jeongmal meotjin bunigetta.I see, he must be a wonderful person.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 성격도 아주 좋아.eung, seonggyeokdo aju joha.Yes, his personality is great too.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨가 행복해 보여서 다행이야.Subin ssiga haengbokhae boyeoseo dahaengiya.I'm glad you look happy, Subin.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
