너뿐이야
neoppuniya
The English phrase "only you" is translated into Korean as 너뿐이야 (neoppuniya).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are the only person the speaker loves or cares about. It is a common expression in romantic contexts, such as in song lyrics or confessions, to express exclusive devotion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 너뿐이야 is composed of 너 (you), the particle 뿐 (only) and the verb 이야 (to be). Literally, it means "It is only you".
Which one should you use?
You may encounter the casual phrase 너만, which is a shortened form of 너 하나만 and also means "only you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal way to express exclusivity, you can use 오직 당신만.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase more polite or formal, you can replace the informal 너 (you) with the formal 당신 (you) and change the verb ending to 이에요, resulting in 당신뿐이에요.
How do you pronounce it?
neoppuniya
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 당신 used in 당신뿐이에요 can be a 'danger word'. While it translates as 'you', using it in an argument can be a way to provoke a fight by creating a cold, distanced atmosphere.
- While 만 and 뿐 both mean 'only', songwriters prefer 뿐 in phrases like 너뿐이야 because it carries a poetic and soulful weight that feels more emotional to the listener.
- In Korean romantic songs, the phrase 너뿐이야 is often paired with the imagery of the 'moon' or 'stars' to emphasize a singular, guiding light in the speaker's life.
Examples in context
- 언제 어디서나 오직 당신만 생각해요.I think only of you, wherever and whenever.
- 내 마음엔 너뿐이야.nae maeumen neoppuniya.In my heart, there is only you.
- 내가 사랑하는 건 너뿐이야.naega saranghaneun geon neoppuniya.The one I love is only you.
- 세상에서 너뿐이야.sesangeseo neoppuniya.You are the only one in the world.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about their relationship.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준아, 나만 사랑해줄 거야?Minjun-a, naman saranghae-jul geoya?Minjun, will you love only me?
- 민준 Min-jun당연하지. 내 세상엔 너뿐이야.dangyeonhaji. nae sesangen neoppuniya.Of course. In my world, it's only you.
- 수빈 Su-bin그 말을 들으니까 정말 행복해.geu mareul deureonikka jeongmal haengbokhae.I'm so happy to hear that.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 너랑 있어서 정말 좋아.nado neorang isseoseo jeongmal joa.I'm really glad to be with you too.
