내 사랑
nae sarang
The English phrase "my dearest" is expressed in Korean as 내 사랑 (nae sarang).
내 사랑 is used as an affectionate term of endearment to address a romantic partner or someone you love deeply.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 내 (nae), meaning "my" and 사랑 (sarang), meaning "love".
Which one should you use?
While 내 사랑 translates to "my love" or "my dearest", other variations change the nuance of the sentiment. 내 사랑하는 사람 means "the person I love", whereas 내 가장 소중한 사람 and 제 가장 소중한 분 mean "my most precious person".
How does it change in a sentence?
내 사랑 is a noun phrase and does not change its form based on the speaker's gender.
How do you pronounce it?
nae sarang
Did you know?
- Because the syllable 내 developed so many homophones over time, it eventually displaced the original Korean word for 'smoke' in favor of a Sino-Korean term.
- While 내 사랑 is a beautiful poetic expression, it is rarely used in actual daily conversation between Korean couples. Most people prefer using nicknames or the partner's name to show affection instead.
Examples in context
- 제 가장 사랑하는 선생님My dearest teacher
- 내 사랑, 오늘 정말 예쁘다.nae sarang, oneul jeongmal yeppeuda.My dearest, you look really beautiful today.
- 내 사랑, 항상 곁에 있을게.nae sarang, hangsang gyeote isseulge.My dearest, I will always be by your side.
- 오직 내 사랑만을 원해.ojik nae sarangmaneul wonhae.I only want my dearest (my love).
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before work.
- 민준 Min-jun내 사랑, 이제 가야 해.nae sarang, ije gaya hae.My dearest, I have to go now.
- 지은 Ji-eun조심해서 다녀오세요.josim-haeseo danyeo-oseyo.Please get there safely.
- 민준 Min-jun이따가 저녁에 만나자.ittaga jeonyeoge mannaja.Let's meet for dinner later.
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 기다리고 있을게.eung, gidarigo isseulge.Yes, I'll be waiting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
