아직도 널 사랑해
ajikdo neol saranghae
The English phrase "still love you" is translated into Korean as 아직도 널 사랑해 (ajikdo neol saranghae).
This phrase is used to tell someone that your feelings of love for them continue to exist.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 아직도 널 사랑해 is composed of 아직도 (still/even now), 널 (you – object form) and 사랑해 (love).
Which one should you use?
Using 아직도 emphasizes the continuity of the feeling or the sense of "even now." If you use the shorter form 아직 사랑해, you remove that specific emphasis on the "even now" aspect of the feeling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use 아직도 당신을 사랑합니다, 여전히 당신을 사랑합니다 or 아직도 저는 당신을 사랑합니다. Informal alternatives include 아직도 너를 사랑해, 여전히 널 사랑해 and 아직도 나는 너를 사랑해.
How do you pronounce it?
ajikdo neol saranghae
Did you know?
- In Korean pop songs and dramas, the phrase 아직도 널 사랑해 is frequently used as a 'confession of regret' rather than a romantic declaration, often implying that the speaker is unable to move on after a breakup.
- Historically, using the direct word 사랑 to express deep affection was rare in Korea. Instead of saying 'I love you', people traditionally used much more subtle and indirect language, often focusing on 'missing' someone or 'caring' for them.
- The word 널 is an ancient form that can be traced back to the 1446 document 'Hunminjeong'eum haerye'. This means the way you address 'you' in this phrase has roots in the very origins of the Korean writing system.
Examples in context
- 아직도 널 사랑해.ajikdo neol saranghae.I still love you.
- 시간이 지나도 아직도 널 사랑해.sigani jinado ajikdo neol saranghae.Even though time passes, I still love you.
- 꿈에서도 아직도 널 사랑해.kkumeseodo ajikdo neol saranghae.Even in my dreams, I still love you.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their long-term relationship in a park.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은아, 난 아직도 널 사랑해.Jieun-a, nan ajikdo neol saranghae.Jieun, I still love you.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말? 현우 너 진심이야?Jeongmal? Hyeonu neo jinsim-iya?Really? Hyeonu, are you serious?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 진심으로 아직도 널 사랑해.Eung, jinsim-euro ajikdo neol saranghae.Yes, I sincerely still love you.
- 지은 Ji-eun나도 현우 너를 정말 사랑해.Nado Hyeonu neo-reul jeongmal saranghae.I love you so much too, Hyeonu.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 널, 사랑해, 아직도, CC BY-SA 4.0.
