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 |
While 당신 is a standard dictionary translation, it is often avoided in direct speech because it can sound confrontational or overly intimate. For the most casual settings, such as speaking to friends, family or people of the same age, 너 is used. In spoken Korean, the informal 니 is also a common way to express 'you'.
Which one should you use?
너 is the casual subject pronoun used with close acquaintances. 네 serves as the possessive form of 너, meaning 'your'. For a more literary, poetic or formal tone, 그대 may be used. 자네 is another specific form available for certain social contexts. While 당신 appears as a formal translation, it differs from more respectful options like 귀하, which is used specifically in formal written communication or when addressing someone in a higher position and 고객님, which is used specifically for customers or clients in business settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너 is informal. In contrast, 그대 is used in literary or poetic contexts. 당신 is a formal form. For extremely polite or business-oriented address, one would use 귀하 for formal writing or 고객님 for customers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the word 동무 is used to mean 'you'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal subject pronoun 너 has a plural form, 너희, used to address a group of people. Additionally, 네 is the possessive form of 너, used to say 'your'.
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 situations, it is much more appropriate and polite to use a person's specific title or name instead.
When do people say it?
It is generally considered more polite to use a person's full name accompanied by an appropriate title rather than using a single pronoun like 'you'.
Did you know?
- The word 당신 literally translates to 'your body' or 'the aforementioned body' when looking at its Sino-Korean roots.
- The word 동무, used to mean 'you' in North Korea, carries a very different political connotation than the pronouns used in South Korea.
Examples in context
- 너 없인 못 살아.I can't live without you.This sentence uses 너.Tatoeba #6820076 by yesjustryan, translation #237738 by CK
- 난 네 뒤에 있어.I'm behind you.This sentence uses 네 to show a possessive relationship (your).Tatoeba #11156750 by Eunhee, translation #6626911 by Schuager
- 너희 둘 다 맞다.Both of you are right.This sentence uses 너희 to address a group of people.Tatoeba #11597096 by cherryband, translation #2507034 by CK
- 당신은 어디에서 왔습니까?Where are you from?
- 귀하의 의견을 듣고 싶습니다.I would like to hear your opinion.
- 고객님을 위해 최선을 다하겠습니다.We will do our best for you, our customer.
- 너는 어떻게 지냈어?How have you been?
- 당신과 함께 시간을 보내는 게 행복해.I am happy spending time with you.
- 오늘도 니 생각만 하고 있어.I am thinking about you again today.
- 506 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are having a formal, poetic discussion about their relationship.
- 도현 Do-hyeon당신은 내 영혼의 동반자입니다.dang-sin-eun nae yeong-hon-ui dong-ban-ja-im-ni-da.You are my soulmate.
- 지은 Ji-eun당신이 그렇게 말씀하시니 감동적이에요.dang-sin-i geu-reot-ge mal-sseum-ha-si-ni gam-dong-jeok-i-e-yo.I am moved that you say so.
- 도현 Do-hyeon당신을 영원히 사랑할 것입니다.dang-sin-eul yeong-won-hi sa-rang-hal geot-im-ni-da.I will love you forever.
- 지은 Ji-eun저도 당신을 믿어요.jeo-do dang-sin-eul mit-eo-yo.I trust you too.
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.
