내 마음
nae maeum
The English phrase 'my heart' is translated into Korean as 내 마음 (nae maeum).
The word 마음 can encompass emotions beyond just 'heart', such as feelings, thoughts or intentions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내 마음 is composed of 내 (my) and 마음 (heart/mind/spirit).
Which one should you use?
While 내 마음 refers to emotional or psychological heart/mind, 심장 is used when referring to the physical organ.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite or formal, replace the informal 내 (nae) with the humble 제 (je).
How do you pronounce it?
nae maeum
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific word, 설레다, used to describe the 'fluttering' of 내 마음. This refers to the heart-pounding excitement felt when anticipating something wonderful or falling in love.
- The concept of 마음 is central to the Korean expression 마음이 넓다, which literally means 'having a wide heart'. It describes a person who is generous, tolerant and open-minded.
- When talking about 내 마음 in a conflict, Koreans may use the phrase 마음을 정하다, which literally means 'to decide the heart'.
Examples in context
- 낙원은 내 마음 속에 있었다.The paradise was in my heart.This sentence illustrates the use of 내 마음 regarding an internal state of paradise.Tatoeba #9414944 by kerun, translation #3381392 by Scott
- 하늘의 무지개를 볼 때 내 마음은 설렌다.When I see a rainbow in the sky, my heart flutters with joy.This sentence shows how 내 마음 can be used to describe a fluttering feeling of joy.Tatoeba #2655670 by KoreanBeaver, translation #4237043 by mtcmcg
- 오늘은 제 마음을 전해드리고 싶습니다.Today, I would like to convey my heart.
- 제 심장이 그대와 함께 뛴다.My heart beats with you.
- 내 마음속에는 항상 너만 있어.You're always in my heart.
- 내 마음을 알아줘.nae maeumeul arajwǒ.Please understand my heart.
Example conversation
Jihoon tells Minji how he feels about a gift.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지야, 내 마음이야. 받아 줘.Minji-ya, nae maeum-iya. bada jwo.Minji, this is my heart. Please accept it.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 고마워, 지훈아.jeongmal gomawo, Jihoon-a.Thank you so much, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네가 좋아했으면 좋겠어.nega joahaesseumyeon jokgesseo.I hope you like it.
- 민지 Min-ji너무 감동적이야.neomu gamdong-jeog-iya.I am so touched.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
