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 |
Which one should you use?
While 당신 is a formal dictionary translation for "you", using it to address a stranger in person can often sound confrontational or aggressive in Korean. In contrast, 그대 is a formal, literary and poetic version of "you". 너 is the standard informal form. In North Korea, the word 동무 is used to mean "you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
너 is an informal form that should only be used with people of the same age or younger, or those with whom you have a very close, casual relationship. 그대 is used in formal, literary or poetic contexts. 당신 is the formal default form, but be cautious of its aggressive tone in person. 동무 is specific to North Korean usage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
동무 is a form used in North Korea.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal form 너 becomes 너희 when addressing a group of people informally to mean "you all" or "you (plural)". The form 네 is the possessive form of the informal 너, meaning "your".
How do you pronounce it?
dangsin
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-rely on the word 당신 for "you", but in many social situations, it is more natural to use the person's title or name instead of a pronoun.
Did you know?
- The word 당신 literally means 'aforementioned body' in its original Sino-Korean form.
Examples in context
- 너 없인 못 살아.I can't live without you.This sentence shows the use of 너.Tatoeba #6820076 by yesjustryan, translation #237738 by CK
- 난 네 뒤에 있어.I'm behind you.This sentence shows how 네 is used.Tatoeba #11156750 by Eunhee, translation #6626911 by Schuager
- 너희 둘 다 맞다.Both of you are right.This sentence shows the plural form 너희.Tatoeba #11597096 by cherryband, translation #2507034 by CK
- 506 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are arguing during a serious discussion.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo당신 정말 너무하시네요.dangsin jeongmal neomuhasineyo.You are really being too much.
- 수빈 Su-bin제가 언제 그랬어요?jega eonje geuraesseoyo?When did I ever do that?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo당신은 항상 그런 식이에요.dangsineun hangsang geureon sigieyo.You are always like that.
- 수빈 Su-bin이제 그만 좀 하세요.ije geuman jom haseyo.Please stop it now.
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.
