너와 나
The English phrase "you and me" is translated into Korean as 너와 나.
In close relationships, the term 우리 (us or we) is also often used to imply you and me.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 너와 나 is composed of 너 (you), 와 (and) and 나 (me/I).
Which one should you use?
The alternative 나와 너 is also a common informal way to express the same idea among friends or peers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken, casual Korean, the particle 랑 is often used instead of 와 to mean "and", resulting in the form 너랑 나.
Did you know?
- In Korean, calling someone 너 (you) can be perceived as rude or aggressive if the other person is even slightly older or of a higher social status.
- The words for 'you' and 'me', 너 and 나, might actually share the same ancient root through a process called ablaut, where vowels change to create different meanings.
- Korean speakers frequently avoid using 너 (you) entirely in conversation, instead substituting it with the person's name or a title to maintain politeness.
Examples in context
- 너와 나 말고는 아무도 이곳에 대해 몰라.No one knows about this place but you and me.This sentence shows how to use 너와 나 to say that no one else knows about a place.Tatoeba #11112143 by Eunhee, translation #11489716 by camouat
- 너하고 나는 오랜 친구야.You and I have been friends for a long time.
- 너와 나의 약속을 기억해.neowa naui yaksogeul gieokhae.Remember the promise between you and me.
- 너와 나, 우리 둘뿐이야.neowa na, uri dulppuniya.It is just you and me, just the two of us.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at an old photo album.
- 민지 Min-ji이 사진 속에는 너와 나만 있어.i sajin sogeneun neowa nama isseo.In this photo, there is only you and me.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 그렇네, 아주 어릴 때구나.jeongmal geureone, aju eoril ttaeguna.That's true, we were so young.
- 민지 Min-ji너와 나 사이가 참 좋아 보였어.neowa na saiga cham joa boyeosseo.You and I looked so close.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리는 여전히 친한 친구야.urineun yeojeonhi chinhan chinguya.We are still close friends.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
