내 여자
nae yeoja
The English phrase 'my girl' is translated to Korean as 내 여자 (nae yeoja).
While it literally means 'my woman', it is used colloquially to mean 'my girl' or 'my girlfriend' in a possessive, romantic sense.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 내 (my) and 여자 (woman/girl).
Which one should you use?
Using 내 여자 (my woman/girl) sounds more intense or possessive than the standard, more common term 내 여자친구 (my girlfriend).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 내 여자 carries a heavy, somewhat dramatic or masculine tone often found in song lyrics or romantic media, rather than everyday polite conversation. 저의 여자친구 is a formal and polite way to say "my girlfriend" in Korean. 내 여자친구 is a casual way to say "my girlfriend" in Korean.
How do you pronounce it?
nae yeoja
Did you know?
- Despite the possessive meaning of 내 여자, it is rare to hear this phrase used by women to describe their partners, as the masculine tone is specifically tied to this phrasing.
- The word 내 has so many homophones in Korean that some of its ancient meanings, such as the word for 'smoke', were eventually replaced by other terms to avoid confusion.
- The word 여자 (woman) is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots come from Chinese characters rather than native Korean origins.
Examples in context
- 밖에서 내 여자친구랑 데이트하고 올 거예요.I will go on a date with my girlfriend outside and come back.
- 내 여자를 지켜주고 싶어.nae yeojareul jikyeojugo sipeo.I want to protect my girl.
- 너는 오직 내 여자뿐이야.neoneun ojik nae yeojappuniya.You are my only girl.
Example conversation
Minjun is talking to Seoyeon about their relationship.
- 민준 Min-jun서연, 넌 내 여자야.Seoyeon, neon nae yeojaya.Seoyeon, you are my girl.
- 서연 Seo-yeon갑자기 그렇게 말하니까 부끄러워.gapjagi geureoke malhanikka bukkeureowo.I'm shy since you suddenly said that.
- 민준 Min-jun진심으로 사랑하고 있어.jinsimeuro saranghago isseo.I love you sincerely.
- 서연 Seo-yeon나도 민준 씨를 정말 사랑해.nado Minjun ssireul jeongmal saranghae.I love you too, Minjun.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
