사랑이란 뭘까?
sarang-iran mwolkka?
The English phrase "what is love?" is translated into Korean as 사랑이란 뭘까? (sarang-iran mwolkka?)
This phrase is used as a philosophical or reflective question to ask for the definition and nature of love. The default form 사랑이란 뭘까? carries a wondering tone, often used when a person is pondering the concept to themselves or to others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 사랑 (love), the particle -이란 (meaning 'as for' or 'defining as') and 뭘까? (a contraction of 무엇일까, meaning 'what would it be?').
Which one should you use?
While 사랑이란 뭘까? is reflective and wondering, other forms change based on context. 사랑이 뭐야? is a more direct and casual way to ask the question in spoken conversation, and 사랑이란 무엇인가? is a more formal, written or academic way to ask the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The way you ask the question changes the register: 사랑이 뭐야? is the informal spoken form, while 사랑이란 무엇인가? serves as a formal, written or academic version.
How do you pronounce it?
sarang-iran mwolkka?
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 사랑 (love) is often expressed through actions like preparing food or ensuring someone is well-fed rather than saying the phrase itself.
- While English uses the word 'love' for many things, Korean speakers sometimes distinguish between the romantic love of a partner and the 'ae' (애) found in terms like 'ae-jeong' (affection) or 'bu-mo-ae' (parental love).
- In Korean, the word for love, 사랑, is often associated with the verb 사랑하다, but in poetic or old-fashioned contexts, you might see the word 연모 used to describe a deep, longing affection.
Examples in context
- 사랑이란 뭘까?sarang-iran mwolkka?What is love?
- 진정한 사랑이란 뭘까?jinjeonghan sarang-iran mwolkka?What is true love?
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking late at night.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현아, 사랑이란 뭘까?Dohyun-a, sarang-iran mwolkka?Dohyun, what is love?
- 도현 Do-hyeon갑자기 왜 그런 걸 물어봐?gapjagi wae geureon geol mureobwa?Why are you asking that all of a sudden?
- 수빈 Su-bin그냥 문득 궁금해졌어.geunyang mundeuk gunggeum-haejyeosseo.I just suddenly became curious.
- 도현 Do-hyeon내 생각엔 배려하는 마음인 것 같아.nae saenggak-en baeryeo-haneun maeum-in geot gata.I think it's a heart of consideration.
