내가 낼게
naega naelge
The English phrase "my treat" is expressed in Korean as 내가 낼게 (naega naelge).
This phrase is used to signal that you will pay the bill for someone else. You can also achieve the same meaning by using the verb 사다 (to buy) in the phrase 내가 살게 (I'll buy it).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 내가 낼게 is composed of 내가 (I) and 낼게 (will pay/produce/submit).
Which one should you use?
You can also use the shorter informal expression 쏠게 or 내가 쏠게 to express "allow me to treat you". For more formal situations, 제가 쏩니다 serves as a formal way to say "my treat" and 대접하겠습니다 can be used to mean "allow me to treat you" or "let me host you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 내가 낼게 is informal and should only be used with friends or people younger than you. For an informal setting with peers, you may also use 내가 쏠게 or simply 쏠게. In formal settings, use 제가 쏩니다 or 대접하겠습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "my treat" politely to someone older or in a higher social position, use 제가 낼게요 instead of 내가 낼게.
How do you pronounce it?
naega naelge
Did you know?
- The informal slang expression 쏠게 (ssolge) literally means 'I will shoot'. It uses the verb 'to shoot' to metaphorically describe the act of paying for someone or 'firing' money at them.
- In Korean culture, it is common for friends to engage in a 'Dutch pay' system, but the term 'Dutch pay' is used as a loanword 더치페이 to describe splitting the bill instead of one person treating.
Examples in context
- 오늘 커피는 내가 쏠게.I'll treat you to coffee today.
- 이 공연은 내가 쏠게.Allow me to treat you to this performance.
- 오늘 커피는 내가 낼게.oneul keopineun naega naelge.I'll get the coffee today.
- 걱정 마, 내가 낼게.geokjeong ma, naega naelge.Don't worry, my treat.
- 이번 점심은 내가 낼게.ibeon jeomsimeun naega naelge.Lunch is on me this time.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- 수빈 Su-bin맛있었다! 계산할까?masisseotda! gyesan-halkka?That was delicious! Shall we pay?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니야, 오늘은 내가 낼게.aniya, oneureun naega naelge.No, it's my treat today.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말? 고마워, 도현아.jeongmal? gomawo, Dohyeon-a.Really? Thanks, Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon별거 아니야. 다음에 사줘.byeolgeo aniya. da-eume sajwo.It's nothing. Buy me next time.
