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 word "you" in Korean refers to the person being addressed.
Which one should you use?
While 당신 is the dictionary translation for "you", using it to address a stranger in person can often sound confrontational or aggressive. For a more respectful way to address someone who is older or holds a respected position, such as a teacher, the term 선생님 is used instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word 너 is the informal and straightforward way to say "you" among friends, siblings or individuals of the same age. In contrast, 그대 is a formal and literary form that is rarely used in spoken conversation and is primarily found in song lyrics, poetry and literature. 자네 is another form available for use.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, 당신 is a general term for "you" that is considered polite and can be used with people of higher status or unfamiliar individuals. Additionally, the term 동무 is used in North Korea.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 네 is the possessive form of the informal 너. To address a group of people informally, 너 becomes 너희.
How do you pronounce it?
dangsin
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 당신 to be polite because it appears in dictionaries, but in real-life social situations, it can actually cause offense or imply a fight is brewing.
Did you know?
- The word 당신 literally translates to 'this body' or 'the aforementioned body', tracing back to the Chinese characters for 'aforementioned' and 'body'.
- In many social situations, Korean speakers avoid using a second-person pronoun entirely, instead using a person's job title or social position to say 'you'.
- The term 동무, used for 'you' or 'friend' in North Korea, was once common in the South before becoming associated with political ideologies.
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.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 어디에서 왔습니까?Where are you from?
- 선생님은 학교에서 무슨 과목을 가르칩니까?What subject do you teach at school, teacher?
- 귀하의 의견에 대해 듣고 싶습니다.I would like to hear your esteemed opinion.
- 니가 그렇게 할 수 있을 거라고 믿어.I believe you can do it.
- 506 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are having a serious discussion about their relationship.
- 도현 Do-hyeon당신 생각은 어때요?dangsin saenggak-eun eottaeyo?What are your thoughts?
- 서연 Seo-yeon저는 조금 더 시간이 필요해요.jeoneun jogeum deo sigan-i piryohaeyo.I need a little more time.
- 도현 Do-hyeon당신을 믿고 기다릴게요.dangsin-eul mitgo gidarilgeyo.I will trust you and wait.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 도현 씨.gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
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.
