Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 당신 | dangsin | [ta̠ŋɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 너 | neo | [nʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 네 | ne | [ni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ne̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 자네 | jane | [t͡ɕa̠ne̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 그대 | geudae | [kɯdɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kɯde̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
formal, literary, poetic |
| 동무 | dongmu | [to̞ŋmu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | North Korea |
The phrase refers to the person being addressed. While 당신 is a generic term for "you", it is not frequently used in everyday conversations.
Which one should you use?
당신 is the formal dictionary translation for "you", but using it in direct conversation with a stranger can often sound confrontational or aggressive. 너 is the most common informal way to say "you" and is used among peers or in casual situations. 그대 is a poetic or literary form of "you" used in songs and poetry rather than in daily speech. 자네 and 네 are also available forms of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너 is an informal form. 그대 is a formal and literary form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
동무 is used in North Korea as a way to address peers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 네 is the possessive form of the informal 너 (you).
How do you pronounce it?
dangsin
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 당신 to be polite to strangers. In many social contexts, it is safer to use the person's title or name instead of a pronoun.
Did you know?
- The word 당신 is composed of characters that literally translate to 'aforementioned body'.
- The word 동무, used in North Korea to address peers, translates as 'comrade' and carries a political connotation not found in South Korean pronouns.
Examples in context
- 너 없인 못 살아.I can't live without you.Tatoeba #6820076 by yesjustryan, translation #237738 by CK
- 난 네 뒤에 있어.I'm behind you.Tatoeba #11156750 by Eunhee, translation #6626911 by Schuager
- 너희 둘 다 맞다.Both of you are right.Tatoeba #11597096 by cherryband, translation #2507034 by CK
- 당신은 정말 훌륭한 일을 해냈어요.You have done an excellent job.
- 니가 할 수 있어!You can do it!
- 506 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are having a serious discussion about their relationship.
- 민준 Min-jun당신 생각은 어때요?dangsin saenggageun eottaeyo?What do you think?
- 민지 Min-ji저는 괜찮은 것 같아요.jeoneun gwaenchaneun geot gatayo.I think it's fine.
- 민준 Min-jun당신이 원한다면 그렇게 해요.dangsin-i wonhandamyeon geureoke haeyo.If you want, let's do it that way.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 민준 씨.gomawoyo, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries 당신, 너, 네, 자네, 그대, 동무, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 너, 네, 당신, 자네, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
