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 is a poetic expression, there are other ways to address a sweetheart depending on the context. 애인 is a common and versatile term for sweetheart used in various settings. If you want to say "person I love" in serious or romantic contexts like weddings or anniversaries, you can use 사랑하는 사람. For a term similar to "honey" or "darling" used between couples, use 자기. Between spouses, the term 여보 is used to mean "darling" or "dear".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
내 사랑 is commonly used informally between couples. In more colloquial, everyday settings, Koreans more commonly use 자기야 as a term of endearment, which is equivalent to "honey", "darling" or "sweetie".
How do you pronounce it?
nae sarang
Did you know?
- While 내 사랑 is romantic, the term 자기 literally means 'self'. Using it to address a partner is like calling them 'my own self', suggesting they are an extension of your own being.
- The word 여보 used between spouses is derived from a phrase meaning 'look here'. It began as a way to get a partner's attention before evolving into a dedicated term for 'darling'.
- Depending on the couple's age difference, the woman might address the man as 오빠 (older brother). While it is a kinship term, it functions as a romantic term of endearment in this context.
Examples in context
- 오늘 저녁에 애인과 함께 식당에 갈 거예요.Tonight, I'm going to the restaurant with my sweetheart.
- 제 사랑하는 사람과 결혼하려고 합니다.I want to marry the person I love.
- 오늘 저녁에 자기랑 영화를 보러 갈 거야.Tonight, I'm going to watch a movie with my sweetheart.
- 여보, 사랑해!Darling, I love you!
- 내 사랑, 보고 싶었어.nae sarang, bogo sipeosseo.My sweetheart, I missed you.
- 너는 영원한 내 사랑이야.neoneun yeongwonhan nae sarangiya.You are my eternal sweetheart.
- 내 사랑에게 이 꽃을 줄게.nae sarangege i kkocheul julge.I will give these flowers to my sweetheart.
Example conversation
A couple is greeting each other after work.
- 지훈 Ji-hun내 사랑, 왔어?nae sarang, wasseo?My sweetheart, are you home?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 지훈아. 기다렸지?eung, Jihun-a. gidaryeotji?Yes, Jihun. Did you wait for me?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 너무 보고 싶었어.eung, neomu bogo sipeosseo.Yes, I missed you so much.
- 지은 Ji-eun나도 정말 보고 싶었어.nado jeongmal bogo sipeosseo.I really missed you too.
